Many of us treat weekends as a reset. Maybe you do a bit of housework, catch up on jobs, or relax before Monday rolls around again. Here’s a 15-minute action that can help you feel more in control of your money all week.
No budgeting to the cent or complicated spreadsheets required. Instead, the focus is adding a small, easy routine to your weekend that helps reduce stress, avoid midweek money surprises, and gives you a growing sense of confidence.
15-MINUTE MONEY CHECK-IN
Pick a time that works for you. Maybe it’s Saturday morning with a cuppa, or Sunday afternoon when things start to slow down. All you need is 15 minutes and a bit of quiet headspace.
Run through this quick checklist:
- Scan your recent bank transactions. Did anything surprise you? No judgment, just awareness.
- Look ahead. What’s coming up this week? Any bills due, events, or costs to plan for?
- Adjust if needed. You might move some money around, skip a non-essential spend, or prepare for an extra cost.
Even saying this out loud or jotting a few notes in your phone makes a difference. It shifts you from reactive to proactive, like you’re the boss of your money.
PRE-PLANNING
The weekend is a great time to handle a few simple tasks that can save time, money and mental energy later.
- Plan a few meals. Just three or four dinners you know you’ll need. It can cut impulse food spending dramatically.
- Top up essentials. Think groceries, fuel, kids’ items, public transport cards. All things that are predictable.
- Schedule payments or transfers. This clears them from your mind and avoids any late fees.
- Flag any “tricky” spending moments. Birthdays, school events, or a tough week that might tempt you to splurge.
Having a plan makes it easier to deal with issues ahead of time, and these small steps will avoid any midweek panic that can lead to rushed and expensive decisions.
MAKE IT YOUR TIME
To turn this into a habit, attach it to something you already enjoy. Pour your favourite hot or cold drink. Sit in your comfiest chair. Put on music that energises you. The goal is to make it feel like fun, not like a chore.
Keeping a “money wins” list, like the $15 you saved by bringing lunch or cancelling a forgotten subscription. Looking back over time, these small wins add up and build your confidence.
CONSISTENT STEPS
Focus on the progress you’re making and free yourself from the need to be perfect with your money. Just start with one check-in. Then do it again next week. Remember, small actions are powerful, and you’ll soon be on your way to financial freedom by building a habit that makes life easier.
