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Find Room for Fun and Essentials in Your Household Budget

A household’s finances are almost like a business. It’s all about money in, money out. How much are groceries, utilities, housing and transportation costing you, and what do you do with the funds that are left? Below are a few ways to think about your approach.

We could help you keep up with expenses with a $250 bonus for opening a Vantage checking account.*

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Assess Your Income

What are you bringing in from your job, investments and other sources like rental income? This dollar amount is what you have to work with. Use it wisely!

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Track Expenses

Digital banking and budgeting tools have made it easier to keep an eye on your money. Check your bank accounts on a regular basis to see how much goes toward essential spending, like rent or mortgage payments and groceries, and discretionary spending, like dining out and travel.

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Set Savings Aside

The 50/30/20 rule is a useful guideline for how you split up your income—50% to needs, 30% to wants and 20% to long-term savings. If your spending doesn’t perfectly align with these percentages, that’s OK; however, don’t let savings become an afterthought. Be intentional about putting money toward retirement, emergency funds and major purchases.

 

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Have Fun with Extra Funds

With needs and savings accounted for, it’s time to reward yourself! Once you know your budget for discretionary purchases, you can enjoy life’s pleasures, like your favorite restaurant or a vacation, without feeling guilty about overspending. To help you increase those extra funds, consider a new checking account with Vantage, where you can earn $250!*

 

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Review Regularly

Accountability is key. Keep checking your accounts and use budgeting tools, even if you feel like you’re doing a great job. This way, you won’t slowly let bad habits creep back in. Our Vantage™ mobile app makes it easy to review spending and manage your budget on the go.

*To receive a $250 bonus, open a new Vantage Credit Union (VCU) checking account as the primary owner during the offer dates of October 1 - December 31, 2025 and provide promo code LN132CK. Promo code is required and must be listed on the application to be eligible for this offer. Bonus is subject to IRS reporting and will be deposited into the new checking account by March 31, 2026. Checking account must be open with a balance of zero or more and in good standing without any court orders pending against the account at the time of the bonus deposit in order to receive the bonus. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) rates effective 7/1/2022 and may change at any time before opening an account. Checking account APYs range from 0.00% – 1.25% on balances of $0.01– $5,000 depending on account type and usage, and are accurate as of 10/1/2025. Rates, terms, and fees are subject to change any time after account opening. Fees may reduce earnings. Offer is valid only for new checking accounts. Individuals who are the primary owner on an open VCU checking account or one that has closed within 12 months prior to opening new checking account in conjunction with this offer are not eligible to receive the bonus. Cannot be combined with any other checking account offer. Eligibility for this offer will be verified prior to providing the bonus. One offer per household. No minimum balance on checking account required for bonus.