As 2025 approaches its conclusion, residents of New York City are encouraged to reflect on their financial journeys and prepare for the year ahead. Iliana Menesick, the Community Manager for Chase in New York, emphasizes the importance of financial education and offers practical strategies to enhance financial well-being as the new year begins.
Reflecting on Financial Lessons from 2025
This past year has revealed significant insights regarding financial health. Menesick notes a growing enthusiasm among New Yorkers for financial education, as many aspire to achieve goals such as home ownership, retirement savings, and business growth. “People here aren’t afraid to dream big,” she states, highlighting the community’s commitment to turning aspirations into reality.
One pressing concern has been the rise in complexity surrounding fraud and scams, which can severely impact individuals’ financial situations. To combat this issue, Menesick has prioritized workshops focused on fraud prevention, educating attendees about the latest scams and protective measures. “Staying informed and proactive is the best way to keep yourself and your loved ones safe,” she advises.
Key Financial Strategies for the New Year
As the calendar turns, Menesick offers essential advice for New Yorkers looking to improve their financial standing. She encourages individuals to view their budgets as a personal roadmap, illustrating where money is allocated and how it aligns with personal goals. “Take a little time each month to track your income and expenses,” she suggests. By creating a budget that reflects true priorities, individuals can empower themselves to make informed financial decisions.
Saving money can often feel daunting, but Menesick stresses that even modest, consistent contributions can accumulate significantly over time. Automating savings can simplify this process, allowing individuals to “pay themselves first” without the need for constant oversight. Observing savings grow, regardless of amount, can foster a sense of security and peace of mind.
Additionally, Menesick underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy credit score, which can unlock numerous opportunities, from purchasing a home to obtaining favorable interest rates. She advises individuals to pay bills on time and manage credit balances to strengthen their scores.
For those eager to start 2026 on solid financial footing, Menesick recommends conducting a year-end financial check-up. This involves reviewing budgets and savings, setting realistic goals, and formulating a plan for the upcoming year. “Anyone can visit their local Chase branch and ask about getting access to a financial health check-up at no cost,” she mentions, emphasizing that this service is available to all, regardless of their banking affiliation.
Menesick’s dedication to community financial education extends beyond workshops. She actively engages in partnerships aimed at empowering local residents to take charge of their financial futures. Workshops covering critical topics such as budgeting, saving, building credit, and fraud prevention are open to everyone, not just Chase customers.
Looking forward to 2026, Menesick expresses excitement about demystifying credit for the community. Many people view credit as an intimidating concept, but she aims to illustrate its potential as a valuable tool. “In my workshops, I break down the basics: why it’s important to know your credit score and how to improve it,” she explains. By empowering attendees with knowledge, Menesick hopes to help them use credit strategically to achieve their goals.
Menesick encourages community members to actively participate in financial education initiatives. “Getting involved is easy—and it can make a real difference in your financial journey,” she states. With Community Managers across the country, Chase is committed to supporting local neighborhoods through free workshops designed to be practical and welcoming.
In closing, Menesick’s primary piece of advice for 2026 is to take proactive steps in reviewing finances and setting clear, achievable goals. “Small steps today can lead to big results tomorrow,” she asserts. The resources provided by Chase are available to everyone, reinforcing the idea that community support is vital in building a robust financial future.
The end of the year is an ideal opportunity to reset financial goals and embark on a path toward a more secure future. Interested individuals are encouraged to visit their local Chase branch for a complimentary financial check-up or to sign up for one of Menesick’s workshops to gain valuable insights and support as they enter the new year with confidence.
For informational purposes only, the views and strategies mentioned in this article may not suit everyone and are not intended as specific advice for any business. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but JPMorgan Chase & Co. does not warrant its completeness or accuracy.
