{"id":215190,"date":"2025-12-28T20:18:27","date_gmt":"2025-12-28T20:18:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/215190\/"},"modified":"2025-12-28T20:18:27","modified_gmt":"2025-12-28T20:18:27","slug":"best-personal-finance-tools-to-help-you-reach-6-money-goals-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/215190\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Personal Finance Tools To Help You Reach 6 Money Goals In 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you set a financial resolution for 2025 and didn’t quite meet it, don’t be discouraged. Nearly 75% of Americans fell short of their saving and spending goals this year, yet 82% remain optimistic that 2026 will be their year for a “resolution rebound,” according to a Vanguard report<\/a>. To help you get there, we’ve rounded up the products you need to tackle every financial goal on your list.<\/p>\n

Boost your emergency fund<\/p>\n

An emergency fund<\/a> is meant to cover unexpected expenses like medical bills, car repairs or a sudden loss of income. Financial experts typically recommend saving three to six months’ worth of expenses but even a smaller cushion can make a difference.<\/p>\n

A high-yield savings account<\/a> is a great option for emergency savings because it offers higher interest rates than a traditional savings account while still keeping your money accessible.<\/p>\n

Manage your spending<\/p>\n

Tracking your spending is key to taking control of your finances. It helps you spot any charges you don’t recognize<\/a> or catch ongoing payments you might have forgotten about, like unwanted subscriptions<\/a>. While you can create a spreadsheet to do this, budgeting apps<\/a> make it easier by automatically categorizing your expenses and alerting you to anything unusual so that you can stay on top of your money without extra effort.<\/p>\n

For $8.33 per month, or $99.99 annually, Monarch<\/a> offers a clean interface with a range of features for tracking expenses, setting budgets and visualizing your overall financial health all in one place. PocketGuard<\/a> also helps you find extra money to save by showing how much money you have “in your pocket” after bills and other necessities. It comes with either a $12.99 monthly charge, $74.99 annually or a lifetime membership at a reduced rate. Both apps sync securely with your accounts, making your budgeting experience effortless and actionable.<\/p>\n

Monarch <\/a>Cost<\/p>\n

$8.33\/month (billed $99.99 annually); $14.99\/month (billed monthly) – get 50% off your first year with code CNBC50<\/p>\n

Free trial<\/p>\n

7-day free trial is available before subscribing<\/p>\n

Standout features<\/p>\n

Net worth tracker, investment portfolio tracking, goal creation and progress tracking, budgeting and expense tracking<\/p>\n

Categorizes your expenses<\/p>\n

Yes, but users can modify<\/p>\n

Links to accounts<\/p>\n

Yes, bank and credit cards, as well as IRAs, 401(k)s, mortgages and loans<\/p>\n

Availability<\/p>\n

Offered in both the App Store (for iOS) and on Google Play (for Android); web version also offered<\/p>\n

Security features<\/p>\n

Utilizes industry-leading security practices, according to Monarch’s website<\/a><\/p>\n

ProsEasy-to-navigate money-tracking dashboard, including a net-worth trackerEasily syncs to your bank, credit cards and other financial accountsUsers can add collaborators for freeSeven-day free trialCons Subscription is pricier than competitorsRecommendations in the “advice” tab are genericPocketGuard<\/a><\/p>\n

Information about PocketGuard has been collected independently by CNBC Select and has not been reviewed or provided by PocketGuard prior to publication.<\/p>\n

Cost<\/p>\n

Basic PocketGuard plan is free, while PocketGuard Premium subscription is $12.99 per month or $74.99 annually. Lifetime membership offer available at a reduced rate.<\/p>\n

Standout features<\/p>\n

In My Pocket feature uses your income, recurring expenses and savings goals to determine how much you have for everyday spending.<\/p>\n

Categorizes your expenses<\/p>\n

Yes, but users can customize<\/p>\n

Links to accounts<\/p>\n

Yes, users can\u00a0connect accounts through Plaid and Finicity\u00a0to import data automatically or manually add cash accounts for tracking <\/p>\n

Availability<\/p>\n

Offered in both the App Store (for iOS) and on Google Play (for Android)<\/p>\n

Security features<\/p>\n

PocketGuard utilizes bank-level encryption, PINs and biometrics like Touch ID and Face ID<\/p>\n

Availability<\/p>\n

Offered in both the App Store (for iOS) and on Google Play (for Android)<\/p>\n

ProsIncludes bill payment tracker and bill negotiation serviceLifetime membership option offers additional savingsA+ from Better Business Bureau ConsBasic free plan only allows two budget categoriesTransactions may be categorized incorrectlyPay off high-interest debt<\/p>\n

High-interest debt, especially from credit cards, can quickly spiral out of control and make it difficult to move forward with your financial goals. The longer you carry balances with high rates, the more you pay in interest and it traps you in a cycle of debt. Two popular strategies to manage and reduce high-interest debt are balance transfer credit cards<\/a> and debt consolidation loans<\/a> but they serve different needs.<\/p>\n

Balance transfer credit cards<\/p>\n

A balance transfer credit card lets you move your existing credit card debt onto a new card with a low or 0% introductory interest rate for a set period, usually between 12 to 21 months. This can save you money on interest if you pay off the balance before the promotional period ends.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0Citi Simplicity\u00ae Card<\/a>\u00a0has a generous intro APR period for balance transfers (nearly two years) and a lower balance transfer fee than other options.<\/p>\n

Spotlight<\/p>\n

Receive a 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers and for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening.<\/p>\n

Good to Excellent670\u2013850<\/p>\n

See rates and fees. Terms apply. Read our Citi Simplicity\u00ae Card review.<\/a><\/p>\n

Information about the Citi Simplicity\u00ae Card has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.<\/p>\n

Our expert take<\/p>\n

The Citi Simplicity\u00ae Card may not earn rewards, but it can still save you money due to its amazing intro-APR offers.<\/p>\n

Pros & consOne of the longest intro-APR offers for balance transfersNo annual feeNo rewardsNo welcome bonusMore detailsBalance transfer fee<\/p>\n

There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).<\/p>\n

Foreign transaction feeDebt consolidation loans <\/p>\n

A debt consolidation loan is a personal loan used to pay off multiple debts at once and combine them into a single monthly payment, often with a lower interest rate than your credit cards. This option is ideal if you have $5,000 or more in debt or multiple balances and want the predictability of fixed payments over time.<\/p>\n

If you have a low credit score, Avant<\/a> is accessible to a wide range of borrowers, requiring only a 550 FICO score. Loan amounts range from $2,000 to $35,000, with terms between 24 and 60 months. Plus, you can get approved within minutes.<\/p>\n

Avant Personal Loans<\/a>Annual percentage rate (APR)Loan amountsTermsCredit neededOrigination feeEarly payoff penaltyLate fee<\/p>\n

Up to $25 after a 10-day grace period<\/p>\n

Click here<\/a> to see if you prequalify for a personal loan offer. Terms apply.<\/p>\n

ProsLends to applicants with poor creditNo early payoff feeCan prequalify with a soft credit checkFunding often available next dayLate-payment grace period of 10 daysConsOrigination feePotentially high interest No autopay discountNo direct payments to creditors for debt consolidationNo co-signersRaise your credit score<\/p>\n

A higher credit score can unlock better loan rates, credit card offers and even improve your chances when renting an apartment. While good credit habits like paying bills on time and keeping credit utilization low help build your score, so can products like Experian Boost<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Experian Boost is free to use and can instantly raise your credit score. The tool simply scans your bank account for on-time payments on things like your cell phone bill, utilities, subscriptions, rent and insurance, and adds those to your Experian credit report.<\/p>\n

Experian Boost\u00ae<\/a>CostAverage credit score increase<\/p>\n

13 points, though results vary<\/p>\n

Credit report affectedCredit scoring model used<\/p>\n

Results will vary. See website for details.<\/p>\n

Contribute more to retirement<\/p>\n

If you’re already contributing to a 401(k), that’s a great start \u2014 especially if you’re contributing enough to get your employer’s full match. Employer matches are essentially free money that can significantly boost your retirement savings. Another way to maximize your retirement savings is by opening an Individual Retirement Account (IRA)<\/a>.<\/p>\n

There are two main types: Traditional and Roth IRAs, and they work differently depending on your current and future tax situation. Brokerages like Charles Schwab<\/a> and Fidelity<\/a> are both excellent options for opening an IRA.<\/p>\n

Charles Schwab<\/a>Minimum deposit and balance<\/p>\n

Minimum deposit and balance requirements may vary depending on the investment vehicle selected. No account minimum for active investing through Schwab One\u00ae\u00a0Brokerage Account. Automated investing through Schwab Intelligent Portfolios\u00ae requires a $5,000 minimum deposit<\/p>\n

Fees<\/p>\n

Fees may vary depending on the investment vehicle selected. Schwab One\u00ae\u00a0Brokerage Account has no account fees, $0 commission fees for stock and ETF trades, $0 transaction fees for over 4,000 mutual funds and a $0.65 fee per options contract<\/p>\n

BonusInvestment vehicles<\/p>\n

Robo-advisor: Schwab Intelligent Portfolios\u00ae and Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium\u2122 IRA: Charles Schwab Traditional, Roth, Rollover, Inherited and Custodial IRAs; plus, a Personal Choice Retirement Account\u00ae (PCRA) Brokerage and trading: Schwab One\u00ae\u00a0Brokerage Account, Brokerage Account + Specialized Platforms and Support for Trading, Schwab Global Account\u2122, Schwab Organization Account and Schwab Trading Powered by Ameritrade\u2122<\/p>\n

Investment options<\/p>\n

Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, CDs and ETFs<\/p>\n

Educational resources<\/p>\n

Extensive retirement planning tools<\/p>\n

Pros$0 minimum deposit for active investingNo commission fees for stock and ETF trades and no transaction fees for over 4,000 mutual fundsOffers extensive retirement planning toolsUsers can get on-demand advice from a professional advisor\/Schwab expertRobo-advisor Schwab Intelligent Portfolios\u00ae available as a no-fee automated service option (with Premium version available for a fee)Award-winning thinkorswim\u00ae\u00a0trading platforms and all their cutting-edge tools are now available at Schwab.24\/7 customer support access by phone or chatCharles Schwab offers over 300 brick-and-mortar branches across the U.S. for in-person supportConsSpecific transactions may require commission feeRobo-advisor Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium charges a one-time planning fee of $300, then a $30 per month advisory fee. For that price, you get unlimited 1:1 guidance from a CFP, interactive planning tools, plus a personalized roadmap for reaching your goalsFidelity Investments<\/a>Minimum deposit and balance<\/p>\n

Minimum deposit and balance requirements may vary depending on the investment vehicle selected. No minimum to open a Fidelity Go\u00ae\u00a0account, but minimum $10 balance for robo-advisor to start investing<\/p>\n

Fees<\/p>\n

Fees may vary depending on the investment vehicle selected. Zero commission fees for stock, ETF, options trades and some mutual funds; zero transaction fees for over 3,400 mutual funds; $0.65 per options contract. Fidelity Go\u00ae has no advisory fees for balances under $25,000 (0.35% per year for balances of $25,000 and over and this includes access to unlimited 1-on-1 coaching calls from a Fidelity advisor)<\/p>\n

BonusInvestment vehicles<\/p>\n

Robo-advisor: Fidelity Go\u00ae IRA: Traditional, Roth and Rollover IRAs Brokerage and trading: Fidelity Investments Trading Other:\u00a0Fidelity Investments 529 College Savings; Fidelity HSA\u00ae<\/p>\n

Investment options<\/p>\n

Stocks, bonds, ETFs, mutual funds, CDs, options and fractional shares<\/p>\n

Educational resources<\/p>\n

Extensive tools and industry-leading, in-depth research from 20-plus independent providers<\/p>\n

ProsNo commission fees for stock, ETF, options tradesNo transaction fees for over 3,400 mutual fundsLimited-time special offersAbundant educational tools and resources24\/7 customer serviceOver 100 brick-and-mortar branches across the U.S. for face-to-face supportConsFidelity Go\u00ae has a 0.35% advisory fee per year for balances of $25,000 and overSome of Fidelity’s mutual funds require reaching specific thresholdsReports of platform outages during heavy trading daysSave up for a big goal<\/p>\n

Whether you’re planning to buy a home, fund a wedding or make another major purchase, having a dedicated savings plan can help you reach your goal faster. One effective way to do this is by using a CD<\/a>, which typically offers higher interest rates than regular savings accounts.<\/p>\n

CDs lock in your money for a set term \u2014 anywhere from a few months to several years \u2014 so you can earn more interest while avoiding the temptation to spend. You can choose a term that matches your timeline. For example, shorter CDs for goals within a year or two, and longer terms for goals further down the road.<\/p>\n

Competitive APYs are available through CDs offered by these issuers.<\/p>\n

Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and selected based on a combination of engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent availability.<\/p>\n

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Annual Percentage Yield (APY)<\/p>\n

LEARN MORE<\/a><\/p>\n

Bread Savings\u2122 (formerly Comenity Direct) is a product of Comenity Capital Bank, a Member FDIC.<\/p>\n

Subscribe to the CNBC Select Newsletter!<\/p>\n

Money matters \u2014\u00a0so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox.\u00a0Sign up here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Why trust CNBC Select?<\/p>\n

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every personal finance article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of financial products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.<\/p>\n

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Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff\u2019s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.<\/p>\n