The frequency of Money Dates is entirely up to you. You can do it weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. The purpose of it is to help you become confident while managing your money. Remember, what gets measured gets improved.
Feeling confident with money isn’t only about learning to invest. It’s about checking in with your finances regularly, not just when you’re saving for a home or planning a trip. A Money Date is your chance to spend some time with your money, notice patterns, and get on top of your finances.
You’ll always know where you stand.
See where your money really goes, and change what isn’t working.
“Someday” turns into a plan with numbers.
Facing your finances regularly makes the worry smaller.
Take time to notice your progress and feel proud.
Many women have mixed feelings about money. Maybe you worry about not having enough, or feel guilty about what you spent on clothes or takeout. Be kind to yourself and make it cozy: light a candle, pour a glass of champagne, and put on your favorite playlist. Soon your brain will connect Money Dates with something you actually look forward to.
Manage is the pillar where you get on top of your finances. You check that you’re sticking to your budget and find creative ways to save and earn more. It’s also your time to track your progress and celebrate it.
Go in order. Tick each box as you go. Grab a drink.
Make it as cozy and fun as possible.
Marie’s Budgeting Tool. It’s based on the 50/30/20 budgeting method and does most of the heavy lifting (aka calculations) for you, for free. Download it here
Ask yourself
Is your safety cushion growing? Is your debt getting smaller?
No surprises.
End on a win. Then book your next date.
7 days
The one rule that makes it work. End every Money Date with one action. Do it within a week. That is how knowing turns into doing.
Keep your Money Date short. Add these when you are ready.
You don’t have to change anything. See red numbers? Take a breath. Look at your long-term plan first.
Check each month or every 3 months. Use the same steps each time.
Assets are things you own: cash, savings, investments, pensions, and your share of a home.
Debts are what you owe: home loan, student loans, other loans, credit cards.
Add one row to your sheet: the date, the number, and what changed. Keep pensions and property apart from money you can use soon. It gives a clearer picture.
Count a line only if it is true most of the time.
I’m not sure what I’m doing.
I have a system.
My money helps me reach my goals.
Not there yet? Book a 30-minute slot that repeats. Set bills to pay on their own. Put due dates on your calendar.
Block 30 minutes this week. Grab a drink. Open your accounts.
Start your Money Date