When it Comes to Resolutions, Let's Not Forget Financial Fitness: Three Ways to Be More in Alignment with Your Money in 2025

The New Year is a moment when many of us pause and set intentions for ways we want to grow, habits we want to strengthen, and patterns we’re ready to shift. Often, those intentions center on physical and emotional wellbeing: recommitting to movement, nourishing our bodies, spending more time outdoors, or creating space through decluttering.

One area that’s often overlooked in our annual reset is financial fitness.

As we move into 2026, aligning our money with our values is more important than ever. After years of compounding uncertainty, global conflict, economic volatility, inflation, climate disruption, and shifting workplace norms, many of us ended 2025 feeling stretched, both emotionally and financially.

For those of us working in philanthropy, the nonprofit sector, or impact investing, this disconnect can feel especially stark. We spend our days advancing social justice, climate solutions, and community resilience, yet much of our personal capital may still be invested in ways that actively undermine those same goals.

When our money is invested in alignment with the economy we want to see, we’re not only supporting positive change, we may also be reducing long-term risk. Companies that incorporate and solve for environmental limits, treat workers well, and build strong and transparent governance structures are increasingly poised for long term growth, while reducing regulatory, reputational, and market risks.

Financial alignment does not need to be about perfection. Taking small steps can lead to significant shifts. And January is a powerful time to pause, take stock, and ensure that our investment choices reflect our values.

1. Identify what matters most

Values-aligned investing starts with clarity. What issues do we care most deeply about? Climate solutions, gender and racial equity, human rights, ethical governance, community wellbeing?

Some of us may feel strongly about advancing climate action while also wanting to avoid investment in industries that cause harm such as fossil fuels, firearms, or tobacco. The good news is that seeking financial returns and contributing to positive social outcomes are not mutually exclusive. In fact, a values-based lens can often point toward companies and funds that are better positioned for long-term success.

A simple way to begin can be looking at what we currently own, especially in retirement accounts. A few questions to ask:

What are my green, fossil-free or solutions-focused options?

How many of the  funds I own are managed by women and/or people of color?

Which fund managers are using shareholder engagement as a lever for change?

If your retirement plan doesn’t currently offer options that align with your values, talk with Human Resources. Employees asking for better choices is often what prompts change.

For personal investments, try having an open conversation with your financial advisor about your desire to align your money with your values—while still investing for growth.

2. Consider working with a values-aligned advisor

Some financial advisors specialize in helping clients align their investments with their ethical commitments. A values-aligned advisor can help translate your priorities into an investment strategy that supports both your financial goals and the kind of economy you want to see thrive.

If you’re looking for a place to start, directories like ValuesAdvisor can help connect you with professionals who integrate ESG, impact, or socially responsible investing into their practice.

3. Move your money to a local bank or credit union

Where we keep our cash matters. Our deposits are not neutral—they are actively put to work financing various projects. Moving your money is one of the most immediate and tangible ways to align your finances with your values.

Before choosing a bank, ask yourself:

• How does this bank support me as a customer?

• Is my bank a global “Big Bank” or a local institution?

• Do the people leading the bank live in or understand my community?

• What does the bank finance with my deposits?

• Are my deposits supporting local businesses—or being leveraged for speculative activity elsewhere?

Large banks continue to play an outsized role in financing fossil fuels and extractive industries, while smaller banks and credit unions are far more likely to reinvest directly in their communities.

6 Steps to Moving your Money 

1. Organize current accounts. Often, the roadblock to moving money is getting organized. Figure out which accounts you have, so you know which accounts you need to close. Make sure all pending transactions have time to clear. That process can take a week or two. 

2. Choose your new bank or credit union and open your new account/s. Hopefully your friends or colleagues have good suggestions, and if not, you may want to do a bit of research. I input my zip code into the Independent Community Bankers of America website and it gave me a list of all of my local, independent banks. You can open your new account with a small deposit (electronic transfer is often the fastest and safest way to go). 

3. Change your automatic deposits and payments. Make sure to update any direct deposit and automatic payments attached to your old account and update them. (ex. car payments, credit cards, utilities, and loan payments). 

4. Transfer your money into your new account. Once all automatic payments and direct deposits are linked to your new account, electronically transfer your money from your old Big Bank to your new account. If electronic transfers aren't possible for you, you can get your money in the form of a check when you close your Big Bank account and deposit it into your new account. 

5. Say Goodbye to the Big Bank (This can be the fun part). Go to your Big Bank and tell a teller that you want to close your account (each bank will have different procedures for closing accounts). I recommend giving them direct feedback about why you are closing the account. Let them know that when they do X or stop doing Y, you will consider banking with them again. Get written confirmation that your accounts are closed. Consider bringing friends for this step. 

6. Celebrate! Moving your money is a powerful act and a great first step to financial fitness and alignment. I encourage us all to make a commitment today to put our money at a bank that puts people and planet in line with profit.

As we step into 2026, I invite us to expand our definition of self-care and resilience to include our financial lives. Aligning our money with our values is not just a personal decision, it’s a collective act with ripple effects far beyond our individual accounts.

Let’s commit to placing our money in institutions that put people and planet alongside profit and to remembering that our capital, like our voices, is powerful when used with intention.

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Important Disclosure:  

The views presented here are those of Nia Impact Capital (“Nia”) and these views may be subject to change. All information is obtained from sources believed to be reliable, yet Nia does not certify the accuracy or completeness of this information.This article does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of any offer to buy any security. All investments carry risk. An investor is strongly advised to consult with their investment professionals prior to making investments to ensure that they understand any associated risks.