A simple monthly money check-in

Looking at money can bring up a lot of feelings, and it is easy to put it off until something goes wrong. A short, regular check-in can make it feel more ordinary and less scary. You do not need to be good with numbers or have everything sorted first.

Pick one regular time

Choose a time that is easy to remember, such as the day after payday or the first Sunday of the month. Put it in your calendar with a reminder. Twenty minutes is plenty.

Three questions to answer

• What came in this month?
• What went out, roughly? Your banking app may already group this for you.
• What is coming up next month, such as renewals, birthdays or annual bills?

Rough answers are fine. The aim is to notice, not to judge yourself.

Make it easier to start

• Keep a single note on your phone called Money check-in with the three questions.
• Have a drink or some music ready so it feels less like a chore.
• Open your banking app first, before anything else, so you do not get pulled into other tasks.
• Aim for around 20 minutes to keep the routine manageable. If you spot an urgent bill, overdue payment or approaching deadline, deal with it promptly or seek help rather than waiting until next month.

An example

Sam sets a reminder for the Saturday after payday. With a coffee, he scrolls through last month in his banking app and notices two subscriptions he no longer uses. He writes down that his car insurance renews in March. It takes 15 minutes, and he feels less worried about the month ahead.

Free tools and help

MoneyHelper, a free service backed by the UK government, has an online budget planner if you would like something more structured. If bills or debt are becoming hard to manage, Citizens Advice and the GOV.UK free debt advice directory can point you to free, independent help. It is fine to ask for help early, before things feel organised.