Comptroller Urges Illinoisans To Set Financial Goals For New Year

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza is encouraging residents to make financial planning a priority in the new year, saying budgeting, saving and reducing debt can be just as important as health related resolutions. Mendoza points to a Fidelity Investments study that found 64 percent of respondents are considering financial goals for 2026, with saving more money, paying down debt and spending less among the most common plans. Her office recommends reviewing personal finances, choosing a debt payoff strategy that works best, building an emergency fund, tracking monthly expenses, creating a flexible budget and using automatic deposits to grow savings. Mendoza also stresses the importance of checking credit reports regularly, noting higher credit scores can lead to better loan terms, and says the Illinois Office of Comptroller can help residents without bank accounts through its Bank On program.