If the new year is meant to be a time for financial order, it’s best to start with the basics.

The beginning of a new year is often the first moment in a long time when people truly look at their bank accounts. We check what’s left, how much we managed to save and- often quietly- wonder whether our money is actually working for us or simply “sitting there.”

The start of 2026 is a good moment to ask yourself one very specific question: does the way I keep my savings still make sense today?

Deposits and savings accounts are not spectacular or trendy solutions, but in the new year they can become a solid foundation for financial order—provided they are chosen consciously.

In this article, I explain:

how to approach saving money at the start of 2026,
the practical difference between a bank deposit and a savings account,
what to pay attention to when choosing a bank offer,
which mistakes are most often made at the beginning of the year.

New year, old habits – why savings often don’t grow

January is the season of resolutions. “I’ll start saving,” “I’ll put money aside,” “I’ll finally get my finances in order.” The problem is that these declarations are often not followed by a concrete plan.

The most common scenario looks like this:

money stays in a current account,
there is no clear goal or schedule,
after a few months, the topic of saving disappears.

Meanwhile, even simple banking products such as deposits and savings accounts can genuinely help in 2026:

protect capital,
build an emergency fund,
bring structure to the household budget.

Bank deposits – a calm, low-risk start to the year

A bank deposit is one of the simplest financial tools available. It involves placing a specific amount of money for a fixed period—most commonly 3, 6 or 12 months-with a guaranteed interest rate.

At the beginning of 2026, a deposit may be a good solution if:

you have surplus funds after closing the year,
you don’t plan any major expenses in the coming months,
you value predictability and peace of mind.

The advantage of a deposit is that you know your return in advance. The downside is limited flexibility. Terminating a deposit early usually means losing interest, and attractive terms are often limited by amount or available only for new funds.

A deposit is not a way to grow money quickly, but it can be a safe first step at the start of a new year.

Savings accounts – the foundation of financial security for 2026

A savings account offers greater flexibility than a deposit. Funds are accessible at any time, and the account allows you to save regularly without “locking” your money away.

This solution works particularly well as:

a place for an emergency fund,
an account for systematic saving,
an alternative to a non-interest-bearing current account.

It’s worth remembering that savings account interest rates are very often promotional. After a few months, rates can drop significantly, which is why such accounts require regular monitoring.

Interest rates and tax – real returns in 2026

When choosing a deposit or savings account, many people focus solely on the interest rate. That’s a mistake. Interest rates:

often apply only for a limited time,
may be capped by amount,
are almost always subject to capital gains tax.

Capital gains tax is 19%, which means the real net return is always lower than what’s shown in the offer. That’s why it’s worth looking beyond the number and considering the full set of conditions.

Safety of funds – deposit guarantee schemes

Deposits and savings accounts held in banks operating in Poland are covered by the Bank Guarantee Fund up to the equivalent of EUR 100,000 per client per bank.

Thanks to this:

funds are protected even if a bank encounters problems,
these products are considered among the safest ways to store money,
they provide a solid base for those who value stability.

The most common New Year’s mistake: saving without a plan

Most people lose money not because they chose the wrong account or deposit, but because they:

don’t have a clearly defined goal,
fail to monitor conditions after a promotion ends,
save money only “occasionally.”

The new year is a good moment to:

define a savings goal,
divide funds into liquid savings and surplus,
choose products that fit the plan—not the other way around.

Deposits and savings accounts – a sensible combination for 2026

In practice, many people use both solutions at the same time. A savings account provides flexibility and security, while a deposit helps organize surplus funds.

This combination offers:

greater control over money,
peace of mind,
better financial management at the start of the new year.

How to enter 2026 with well-organized finances?

Deposits and savings accounts still make sense in 2026 if they are part of a thoughtful plan. They won’t replace long-term investments, but they can effectively protect capital and help build financial security.

The new year doesn’t have to mean a revolution. Sometimes a few conscious decisions are enough to make your finances look better than the year before.

The beginning of the year is a good time to organize the basics. And well-organized basics bring peace of mind—financially as well.