The Best $100 You Can Spend in Every Month of 2026

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If 2025 didn’t go exactly how you planned, 2026 is the year where you can start with a clean slate.

Here’s how you could spend $100 each month of the upcoming year to make it a more fulfilling year for both you and your wallet. 

January: Subscribe to a Budgeting or Habit App

Start the new year strong by investing in a budgeting app like You Need a Budget or Monarch Money. For around $10 a month, you can get a clear view of your spending and build accountability right from the start of the year. Use the rest of your $100 to set up savings goals or sinking funds.

February: Get a Secured Credit Card

If your credit score not where you want it to be, put $100 toward a secured credit card deposit or a credit builder loan to start building it up. Having a higher score can save you thousands later through better loan and insurance rates. 

March: Upgrade Your Workspace

If you work from home, a cluttered or uncomfortable workspace makes it much harder to focus. Consider investing $100 on things like a laptop stand, ergonomic chair cushion or dual monitor setup to make long workdays easier. 

April: Start an Investing Habit

April is Financial Literacy Month, which is the perfect time to start investing if you haven’t already. Put $100 into a beginner-friendly brokerage account or a fractional share app like Fidelity, SoFi or Charles Schwab so you can start growing your portfolio and your net worth. 

May: Build an Emergency Fund

The average American budgeted around $3,500 for summer vacations in 2025, according to a new Deloitte survey. Before summer vacations roll around again, set aside an extra $100 in a high-yield savings account just in case. Even if you already have an emergency fund, a small buffer helps cover spontaneous plans, flight changes or other unexpected expenses on your trip. 

June: Invest in Better Sleep

With quality sleep, you’re less likely to develop health issues or other problems that could affect many areas of your life, including your finances. So, use $100 to invest in blackout curtains, a new pillow or cooling bedding to make your bedroom a sleep sanctuary.

July: Buy Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades

Hot weather equals high utility bills. If you live in a humid or hot city, spend $100 on a smart thermostat, weather-stripping, or blackout curtains to keep your home cooler without blasting the AC. 

August: Learn a New Skill

If you’re feeling stagnant or want to challenge yourself, take an online course or learn a high-income skill that could make you more marketable. Udemy and Skillshare have many affordable courses that can actually pay off in higher income later.

September: Declutter and Reorganize

Fall is the perfect time to deep clean and declutter your house before guests come over during the holidays. Invest $100 in organization tools like storage bins, closet organizers or a label maker to tidy up your space. 

October: Save Up for Holiday Spending

Set aside $100 this month to start your holiday fund early. Having this cash saved ahead of time will help you avoid crippling credit card debt and stress when holiday season approaches. And if you have the time and energy, consider DIYing some of the holiday gifts to save even more. 

November: Take Your Retirement Savings Seriously 

Before the end of the year, top up your 401(k) or IRA contributions. Just $100 extra can compound over decades into thousands. If you’re self-employed, you can put that $100 into your SEP IRA or Solo 401(k) plan.

December: Give Back to the Community 

To end the year on a good note, give back to the community by donating $100 to a local charity, helping a friend in need, or buying from small businesses.

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