Change your financial habits with these features
Whether you want to put more money aside or get insights into your spending, read on to see how digital tools in the N26 app can help you rethink your money habits.
4 min read
We know the feeling—once your salary hits your account, you’d rather head out for a shopping spree than save up for a rainy day. And we all have habits that we’d like to change—especially when it comes to our finances. Whether you want to start saving more, pay off a loan, or improve your financial wellness—examining your spending habits is always a good idea. The good news? N26 can help! Our mobile app has an array of features designed to help you cultivate healthy financial habits. From smart spending categorization to virtual piggy banks, we’ve got the recipe for your financial success—all in one bank account. Read on to learn more!
Get insights into your spending habits
From weekly restaurant visits to a weekend trip to Rome to new decor for your apartment—it’s easy to see how your bank account can run low at the end of the month. Sometimes it’s difficult to even keep track of what you’ve spent your money on. But if you’ve made up your mind to understand your expenses better, then we’re here to help!
We use our bank cards to pay for tons of small purchases every day. A coffee here, groceries there, a new top you had to have—but who feels like sifting through receipts at the end of the month to figure out where you spent what?
With N26 Insights, you can stay on top of your finances with an automatic breakdown of your spending in a simple-to-read graph. Plus, you can track your spending against your three-month average in real-time, and get a complete overview of your monthly recurring payments—all at a glance. Review subscriptions and other recurring payments, and check out the categories where you spend the most. This will help you figure out where you can cut down on your spending, if need be. With N26, tracking your spending has never been easier.
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Save for your unique goals
If saving money has never really been a strength, don’t worry—we’ve made it easier than ever. Whether it’s the new kitchen for your dream apartment, a long-awaited trip to Spain, or the new Polaroid camera you’ve been eyeing—with N26 premium accounts, saving money may become your new favorite pastime.
The simplest way to save for a specific goal is to set aside a fixed monthly sum. Whether you have a specific savings goal or simply want to put some money aside for your emergency fund, we have the perfect solution for you. With N26 Spaces, you can create up to 10 virtual sub-accounts that sit alongside your main account, and dedicate each one to a different savings goal. Give each space a name and photo to keep you motivated!
And, to help you save even faster, try N26 Rules. This feature allows you to set up automatic transfers between your main account and your Spaces—or between individual Spaces themselves. This way, you won’t have to constantly remind yourself to put money aside. Check out this article to learn how to set up a rule for your account.
Lastly, try saving your spare change with Round-Ups. This feature automatically rounds up your card payments to the nearest euro and transfers the difference to a designated space. So every time you pay, you save as well!
Stay on top of your regular payments
We get it—life gets busy, making it hard to keep track of your payments. Whether it’s a holiday or party time, sometimes you start spending and forget to set aside money for rent and bills. But guess what? N26 has a feature for that, too.
Income Sorter automatically moves a set percentage of all incoming bank transfers to one of your N26 Spaces. For example, if you have a space for your rent payment, the sum will automatically be transferred there when your salary hits—so you’ll remember not to spend it right away. And thanks to Spaces with IBANs, you can have your rent debited right from this space!
And with Income Sorter you can even specify a certain percentage (e.g. 5%) of each bank transfer you receive—like your salary— be deposited directly into one of your N26 Spaces.
Explore N26’s smart features
Are you ready to change your financial habits for good? Then it’s time to switch to N26. As a 100% mobile bank we’re here to help you to organize your finances simply and effectively. Plus, our N26 Smart, You, and Metal accounts are packed with premium features that will help you spend and save with confidence. Whether you need a personal or business account, you can discover the plan that fits best and get started right away. Sign up in just 8 minutes with no paperwork—and use our account switching service to automatically transfer your direct debits, incoming payments, and standing orders.
How long does it take to change your spending habits?
You might have heard the saying, “old habits die hard.” While it’s true that changing your spending habits might not be easy, it may help to set goals and hold yourself accountable. At N26, we’ve developed a variety of smart features like Rules and Round-Ups that help you automate your savings each month, so you’re not tempted to overspend. And with Spaces, you can create dedicated sub-accounts for your unique goals. These serve as a constant reminder of what you’re working toward, encouraging you to stick to your goals over the long term.
What are habits?
Habits are regular behaviors acquired over a long period of time. Habits can be good or not so good, depending on what your objectives are. Good habits might be those considered to improve your health or wellbeing, like regular exercise or pension contributions, while negative habits may do the opposite. And while negative habits can be hard to change or give up—with practice, motivation, and the right tools and support, they can be changed for the better.
How do we create habits?
Habits are created by repeating a certain behavior over and over again. They’re formed through a complex psychological process whereby our brains recognize a pattern so often that our bodies start doing the behavior without really thinking about it. For a habit to form, the brain needs to recognize a reward—like the endorphin high you might get from a long run or even a new clothing item. If you repeat this behavior enough, the brain recognizes it and a habit starts to form.
Why is it so difficult to change habits?
When you get used to doing something, it can be difficult to train your mind—and body—to change, especially if you’ve had the habit for years. But don't let that discourage you! Work to change your habits with small intermediate goals, and pause in between to reflect on how it’s going from time to time.
How can I change my spending habits?
While setting goals and sticking to them is a great way to change your habits, it’s not always enough on its own. You might want to set an incentive for yourself as a reward for reaching your goal. Or, you can try embarking on a habit change while you’re in a new environment (such as a vacation) where you won’t be tempted by the usual social cues or surroundings. Also, money-management tools can help! If one of your habits is spending too much and not saving enough, with N26, you can create separate spaces that sit alongside your main account. Once you reach your savings goal, reward yourself with some chocolate cake!
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