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Level Up Your Finances: Start Your Game Plan for Financial Wellness Month

January 1, 2026

January is Financial Wellness Month, and there’s no better time to take control of your money and set yourself up for success than the start of a new year. At Opportunity Bank of Montana, we know that everyone’s financial journey looks different. Some are just starting out, while others are ready to tackle advanced strategies. That’s why we’ve created a Financial Wellness game plan designed for every level—think of it like a video game where you unlock new achievements as you go! 

Level 1: Beginner – Press Start 

Goal: Build a strong foundation. 

If you’re new to managing money, start simple. 
  • Track Your Spending: Use a budgeting app or even a notebook to see where your money goes. 
  • Set a Starter Savings Goal: Even $10 a week adds up. That’s $520 in savings at the end of the year! 
  • Open a Savings Account: If you don’t have one yet, this is your first step. We offer a variety of personal savings accounts that will help you on the path towards reaching your savings goals – visit with your local banker to learn more! 
  • Pro Tip: Automate your savings: Set up a recurring transfer from checking to savings so you don’t have to think about it. 

Achievement Unlocked: Budget Boss 

Level 2: Intermediate – Power Up Your Progress 

Goal: Grow your savings and reduce debt. 

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to level up. 
  • Create an Emergency Fund: Start with $500, then aim for saving up three months of expenses. 
  • Pay Down High-Interest Debt: Focus on credit cards or loans with the highest rates. 
  • Start Retirement Contributions: Even small amounts in a 401(k) or IRA make a big difference. 
  • Pro Tip: Use our Credit Score Simulator available in our Digital Banking, to test how different financial choices could affect your credit score and feel confident about future decisions by visualizing possible outcomes. Login to our Digital Banking and open the Credit Score Dashboard to begin.  

Achievement Unlocked: Debt Destroyer 

Level 3: Advanced – Final Boss 

Goal: Perfect your financial habits and plan for the future. 

Here’s how to take your finances to the next level. 
  • Maximize Retirement Contributions: Increase your percentage each year—level up your stats. 
  • Grow your Savings: Open a Certificate Deposit (CD) to start saving securely with a predictable rate of return.* 
  • Plan for Big Goals: Home purchase, college savings, or starting a business—your ultimate quest. 
  • Boost Your Score: Pay bills on time, keep balances low, and monitor your credit report on the Credit Score Dashboard available in our Digital Banking. Think of this as upgrading your character stats. 
  • Pro Tip: Schedule regular “financial checkpoints” to track progress and adjust your strategy, because even pros need to review their game plan. 

Achievement Unlocked: Financial Superstar 

Gamify Your Goals 
Make it fun! Set challenges, celebrate milestones, and share your progress. Challenge friends or family to join you, because leveling up is more fun together. 

*Interest rates and Annual Percentage Yield (APY) are subject to change after account opening. Contact a Banker for current rate sheet.  

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