As summer rolls on in Texas and back-to-school is now in full swing, many of us are asking a familiar question: Where did the year go?

It’s easy to lose track of resolutions and routines as the pace of life picks up. You’re not alone — in fact, research shows that only 5% of people feel they’ve successfully kept their New Year’s resolutions by mid-year (Forbes Health, 2023). But when it comes to your finances, the halfway point of the year isn’t a reason to feel behind. It’s your opportunity to get ahead.

Enter: the mid-year money reset.

Whether you're saving for a house in Bee Cave, tackling debt in Houston, or rebuilding your emergency fund in Round Rock, August is your moment to pause, reflect, and make your money work for you.

Recently, July 1 marked National Financial Freedom Day, a reminder that financial independence isn't just a dream — it’s a journey. One that begins with a few small, focused steps, and the support of your local, Texas-born community bank.

 

Step 1: Refresh Your Budget and Make It Work

Budgeting isn’t about restriction. It’s about clarity. It’s how you tell your money where to go instead of wondering where it went, and it’s more important now than ever as the cost-of-living shifts across the state and beyond.

Start by:

  • Reviewing your income, bills, and recent spending habits
  • Identifying new expenses or changes (subscriptions, groceries, gas, childcare)
  • Categorizing your spending into needs, wants, and goals

Tip: Try the 50/30/20 rule: Allocate 50% of income to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings or debt. Learn more from Investopedia’s Budgeting Principles.

Feeling stuck? We get it. Budgets can feel overwhelming, but they don’t have to be. A simple spreadsheet or tool can help you track your cash flow, adjust categories, and stay focused month to month.

At Keystone Bank, we offer digital banking tools and mobile features that make it easier to see the big picture and adjust when life changes.

 

Step 2: Confront Debt with a Plan (Not Panic)

Debt can be stressful, but it’s manageable with the right strategy.

Start by:

  • Listing all current debts: balances, interest rates, and minimum payments
  • Choosing a payoff method: balance size (snowball method) or interest rate (avalanche method)
  • Creating a repayment plan and setting autopay to stay consistent

According to Experian, the average U.S. consumer in 2024 carried $6,730 in credit card debt (Experian, 2025).

Keystone can help: Ask about our personal loan solutions, which may offer lower interest rates and flexible terms to help you consolidate or pay off debt faster.

 

Step 3: Build Your Savings, One Habit at a Time

In 2024, only 41% of Americans can cover a $1,000 emergency expense out of pocket (Bankrate, 2025). That means more than half the country is one car repair or ER visit away from financial strain. It doesn’t have to be that way.

Set small, achievable savings goals such as:

  • A $500 emergency starter fund
  • $100/month toward holidays, travel, or annual bills
  • 3–6 months of living expenses for complete peace of mind

Tip: Automate your savings. Even $25 per paycheck makes a difference over time.

Explore Keystone Rewards Savings accounts or consider laddering Certificates of Deposit (CDs) for long-term goals.

 

Step 4: Recalibrate Your Financial Goals (SMART Style)

This is where it gets personal. What you wanted in January might not match your reality today. Whether you’re saving for your first home or preparing for a baby, your goals should evolve with you.

Look at the goals you set at the start of the year and ask:

  • Are they still aligned with your life?
  • Have your circumstances changed?
  • Are you on track, or do you need a new plan?

Use the SMART framework:

  • Specific: Define the goal clearly
  • Measurable: Include a numeric target that can be measured
  • Achievable: Align with your actual budget and make it realistic
  • Relevant: Make it meaningful and applicable
  • Time-Bound: Set a timeline or deadline

Example: “Save $5,000 for a home down payment by April 2026 by setting aside $250/month.” If you’re saving for a home, check out our first-time homebuyer guide.

 

Step 5: Don’t Do It Alone: Let Keystone Bank Help

You don’t have to do this alone. Unlike national banks that ship decisions to other states, Keystone Bank keeps things local. We make lending decisions right here in Central Texas — in Austin, Bee Cave, and the neighborhoods we call home.

Keystone Bank offers:

  • Local lending decisions with real people
  • Online tools to manage your money from anywhere
  • A variety of products designed to meet you where you are, from competitive rates on Keystone Rewards Savings and Keystone Rewards Checking accounts to flexible loans

We believe financial freedom begins with genuine conversations and real support. Whether you’re rebuilding after a tough year or hitting your goals out of the park, we’re here for it — and for you. No robots. No runarounds. Real people. Real Banking. Our team understands your cost of living, your goals, and the way real Texans live and save. And yes, we serve borrowers across the U.S. as well, but the heart of our service begins here.

Take The Next Step Toward Financial Freedom

 

Final Thought

Financial independence doesn’t require perfection — just consistency. The most important step isn’t where you start. It’s when you decide to take that first step.

Let this month be your reset. No matter where you are on your journey, Keystone Bank is here to help you reset your finances, reclaim your financial freedom, and refocus your goals.