As the calendar flips to a new year (where did the time go!?), it’s tempting to make big, sweeping resolutions: save more, spend less, scroll less, wake up earlier. But let’s be real: most resolutions don’t stick. Why? Because they’re too vague, too big, and too disconnected from our everyday routines.
That’s where small habit changes come in. Swapping one unhelpful habit for something better, then making it easier to repeat, is one of the best ways to improve your finances, mindset, and overall quality of life.
Let’s break down five common habits you might want to leave behind and exactly what to do instead (with a little hometown banking support along the way).
1. Impulse Spending
The habit to break: Clicking “Add to Cart” out of boredom, stress, or FOMO, especially when you don’t really need it.
Why it’s a problem:
Impulse spending can quietly drain hundreds of dollars from your budget each month. Even small purchases, such as $5 coffees, $20 TikTok finds, or $12 monthly subscriptions, can all add up fast.
What to do instead:
- Set a 24-hour rule. Saw something you think you want? Wait 24 hours before buying it. You’ll be amazed how often the urge fades.
- Remove saved cards from online retailers. Adding friction to the checkout process gives you time to reconsider.
- Use real-time alerts to stay mindful. ASB’s mobile banking and Brella™ app can notify you every time a transaction clears your account. Seeing that notification pop up? Instant reminder of your goals.
Try this real-life tip:
Create a “Wish List” note on your phone. Add the item and price every time you want to impulse-buy. Review it at the end of the month. Choose one thing to treat yourself with — guilt-free — and transfer what you didn’t spend to your savings.
2. Skipping Savings Contributions
The habit to break: Only saving when “there’s money left over.” This is a super easy one to fall into.
Why it’s a problem:
If you wait until the end of the month to save, you probably won’t. Life happens. Bills, birthdays, flat tires, and Target runs happen.
What to do instead:
- Pay yourself first. Automate a small transfer (even $10) from checking to savings every payday.
- Make savings visual. Name your account something fun: “Lake Okoboji Trip,” “Future Front Porch,” or “Emergency Pizza Fund.” It’s the little things in life!
- Use habit stacking. Every payday, make a quick savings transfer right after your morning coffee. Pairing habits makes them stick.
Try this real-life tip:
Open a second savings account just for short-term fun, like concerts, vacations, or Christmas shopping. It keeps you motivated and prevents dipping into your emergency fund.
Open a savings account with ASB
3. Ignoring Your Budget
The habit to break: “I kind of know where my money goes…” (But do you really?). Are you seeing a common theme with these?
Why it’s a problem:
Not tracking your spending leads to overspending, and lots of “Where did my money go?” moments. Spending without budgeting is like driving without a map or GPS. You’re moving forward, but you have no idea where you’ll end up, leaving you with wasted resources.
What to do instead:
- Set a 15-minute budget date each Sunday. Look at your spending for the week and adjust next week’s plan.
- Use mobile banking to review transactions on the go. ASB’s app categorizes your spending so you can see exactly where your money’s going.
- Use a simple 50/30/20 rule: 50% to needs, 30% to wants, 20% to savings/debt.
Try this real-life tip:
Print out your last month’s bank statement. Highlight every want (eating out, subscriptions, shopping) in one color. Add it up. That number alone can be eye-opening, and empower you to set limits.
Learn about ASB mobile banking tools
4. Doomscrolling and Overusing Social Media
The habit to break: Yup. You knew you were going to find this on the list. Losing hours each week to mindless scrolling that leads to comparison, and sometimes, spending.
Why it’s a problem:
Too much scrolling can impact your mood, sleep, focus, and wallet. Social ads are really good at making you want things you never needed before.
What to do instead:
- Set time limits. Use your phone’s screen time settings to cap social media to 30 minutes/day. If that’s not working, try using a device like Brick, which temporarily removes distracting apps and notifications from your phone.
- Unfollow accounts that tempt you to overspend. Especially influencer-heavy or shopping-heavy pages.
- Replace your scrolling habit with a more productive one. Every time you feel like scrolling, check your bank app instead, or your savings goal note. Read at least 10 pages of a new or current book. Meditate for 10 minutes. Do 10 squats. All of these get you one step closer to regaining your free time.
Try this real-life tip:
Move your most-used social apps to a hidden folder. Replace that spot on your home screen with your ASB banking app. One small change = daily reminder of your real goals.
Another tip is to set up a “focus mode” on your phone. Often, phones will have a setting that allows you to customize the lock screen and home screen that show up with that focus mode, allowing you to limit it to necessary apps only!
5. Hitting Snooze Over and Over
The habit to break: Starting your day with a losing battle against your alarm clock. A true challenge in the midst of an Iowan winter, which makes it so much harder to get out of bed.
Why it’s a problem:
When you hit snooze 4–5 times, you waste 30+ minutes, start your day groggy, and fall into reactive mode — all before you've even had breakfast.
What to do instead:
- Set your alarm later, but get up immediately.
- Prep the night before. Lay out clothes, prep breakfast or lunch, and set your coffee to auto-brew.
- Tie in a small win. Use your first 10 minutes of the day to look at your finances, review your day’s to-do list, or move $5 into savings.
Try this real-life tip:
Put your phone/alarm across the room so you have to get out of bed to turn it off. Bonus: you’re already up, might as well check your budget or transfer money while you’re up!
If you struggle to get out of bed in the morning but need your room fully dark to fall asleep, consider investing in a sunrise alarm clock, which mimics the sun rising to help your body wake up more naturally.
How to Make These Changes Stick
You don’t need to overhaul your life in January. You just need to start small, be consistent, and let your community (like us!) support you.
Here’s how to reinforce the changes:
- Start tiny. $5 into savings. One minute of budgeting. One less impulse buy.
- Use habit stacking. Tie new habits to existing ones (e.g., check your budget while you drink coffee).
- Set visual cues. Post your savings goal on the fridge. Rename your savings accounts.
- Celebrate weekly, not daily. Perfection isn’t the goal — progress is.
- Use ASB tools. From mobile alerts to local guidance, we’re here for you.
Let Us Be Your Habit-Building Partner
At American State Bank, we believe that small, smart financial moves can lead to big change. Whether you’re working toward saving more, spending less, or simply starting your day off right, we’re here to support you with tools that work, people who care, and a hometown approach that always puts you first.
Ready to break a habit and build something better?
