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Love Your Savings: Tips to Boost Your Financial Heartbeat
When it comes to financial wellness, your savings are the heartbeat that keeps everything else running smoothly. This month, we sat down with Paul Warrick, Branch Manager of Kitsap Credit Union’s Puyallup Meridian Branch, to talk about what it really means to build a healthy relationship with savings—and how small, intentional choices can lead to long-term financial confidence.
Paul has been with Kitsap Credit Union for two years and brings with him more than 20 years of experience in the financial industry. Here’s his take on how members can show their savings a little more love.
What Does a “Healthy Relationship with Savings” Look Like?
To Paul, a healthy savings relationship starts with security and peace of mind.
“Having enough money set aside to cover unexpected expenses or time out of work is a critical part of financial stability,” he explains. Life happens, things like medical bills, car repairs, or even job interruptions can show up without warning. That’s where savings creates a safety net.
Financial experts often recommend saving three to six months of essential expenses. While that goal may feel big, having that cushion can significantly reduce stress, help avoid debt, and provide stability during challenging times.
Small Habits That Make a Big Difference
One of the biggest misconceptions about saving is that it requires big sacrifices. Paul sees the opposite every day.
“Small, mindful habits add up,” he says. Something as simple as cutting back on discretionary spending—like buying coffee three times a week instead of five—can free up extra money without feeling restrictive.
The key is intentionality. Setting aside those small savings, even just a few dollars at a time, builds strong habits that compound over time into meaningful results.
Making Saving Feel Automatic (Not Overwhelming)
If saving feels intimidating, Paul recommends starting small and letting consistency do the heavy lifting.
A simple strategy? Begin by saving 1% of each paycheck, then gradually increase it over time. Because the amount is small, it often goes unnoticed in daily spending but over time, it grows into a solid financial cushion.
Automation is your friend here. When saving happens automatically, it removes the pressure of having to make the decision every month. Set up automatic transfers in Digital Banking today.
Common Challenges—and How to Overcome Them
Paul notes that many members face similar hurdles when trying to grow their savings:
Helping Your Savings Work Harder
Once you’ve built the habit of saving, the next step is making your money work for you.
“At KCU, we offer options that help members earn more while keeping their money secure,” Paul shares. High-yield savings accounts, money market accounts, and certificates can provide higher earning potential than a traditional savings account—all while maintaining accessibility and safety.
These tools are a great starting point for members who want to maximize their savings with minimal effort. Learn which savings account is best for you.
A Final Thought from Paul
With decades of experience in finance, Paul has seen firsthand that generational financial challenges can be changed.
“Small, intentional changes can break long-taught behaviors,” he says. Education and awareness are powerful tools, which is why he recommends It’s a Money Thing, the micro-learning courses available on KCU’s website. These bite-sized lessons focus on real-life financial decisions, making education practical, approachable, and easy to apply.
Your savings don’t have to be perfect, they just have to be intentional. With small steps, the right tools, and a little consistency, you can build a financial heartbeat that supports you through every season of life.
Our team is here to help every step of the way. Whether you are looking for assistance in creating a budget or recommendations on the best way to build your savings, we are here for you. Reach out to us or stop by your local branch to get started today.
Together it’s possible.
Insured by NCUA
Paul has been with Kitsap Credit Union for two years and brings with him more than 20 years of experience in the financial industry. Here’s his take on how members can show their savings a little more love.
What Does a “Healthy Relationship with Savings” Look Like?
To Paul, a healthy savings relationship starts with security and peace of mind.
“Having enough money set aside to cover unexpected expenses or time out of work is a critical part of financial stability,” he explains. Life happens, things like medical bills, car repairs, or even job interruptions can show up without warning. That’s where savings creates a safety net.
Financial experts often recommend saving three to six months of essential expenses. While that goal may feel big, having that cushion can significantly reduce stress, help avoid debt, and provide stability during challenging times.
Small Habits That Make a Big Difference
One of the biggest misconceptions about saving is that it requires big sacrifices. Paul sees the opposite every day.
“Small, mindful habits add up,” he says. Something as simple as cutting back on discretionary spending—like buying coffee three times a week instead of five—can free up extra money without feeling restrictive.
The key is intentionality. Setting aside those small savings, even just a few dollars at a time, builds strong habits that compound over time into meaningful results.
Making Saving Feel Automatic (Not Overwhelming)
If saving feels intimidating, Paul recommends starting small and letting consistency do the heavy lifting.
A simple strategy? Begin by saving 1% of each paycheck, then gradually increase it over time. Because the amount is small, it often goes unnoticed in daily spending but over time, it grows into a solid financial cushion.
Automation is your friend here. When saving happens automatically, it removes the pressure of having to make the decision every month. Set up automatic transfers in Digital Banking today.
Common Challenges—and How to Overcome Them
Paul notes that many members face similar hurdles when trying to grow their savings:
- Inconsistent income
- Rising living costs
- Everyday spending that quietly adds up
- Feeling discouraged when progress feels slow
Helping Your Savings Work Harder
Once you’ve built the habit of saving, the next step is making your money work for you.
“At KCU, we offer options that help members earn more while keeping their money secure,” Paul shares. High-yield savings accounts, money market accounts, and certificates can provide higher earning potential than a traditional savings account—all while maintaining accessibility and safety.
These tools are a great starting point for members who want to maximize their savings with minimal effort. Learn which savings account is best for you.
A Final Thought from Paul
With decades of experience in finance, Paul has seen firsthand that generational financial challenges can be changed.
“Small, intentional changes can break long-taught behaviors,” he says. Education and awareness are powerful tools, which is why he recommends It’s a Money Thing, the micro-learning courses available on KCU’s website. These bite-sized lessons focus on real-life financial decisions, making education practical, approachable, and easy to apply.
Your savings don’t have to be perfect, they just have to be intentional. With small steps, the right tools, and a little consistency, you can build a financial heartbeat that supports you through every season of life.
Our team is here to help every step of the way. Whether you are looking for assistance in creating a budget or recommendations on the best way to build your savings, we are here for you. Reach out to us or stop by your local branch to get started today.
Together it’s possible.
Insured by NCUA
February 11, 2026