5 Money Habits That Changed My Life

Sarah Roughsedge
Chartered Financial Planner
5 Money Habits That Changed My Life
Small daily habits can lead to massive financial transformation. After years of working with women on their finances, I've noticed that the most successful ones share certain habits. Here are the five that completely changed my own relationship with money.
1. Checking My Accounts Every Morning
It sounds simple, but this one habit transformed how I think about money. Every morning with my coffee, I spend 2 minutes looking at my accounts. Not to stress, but to stay connected.
Why it works: You can't manage what you don't measure. When you know your numbers, you make better decisions throughout the day.
2. Paying Myself First
Before any bills get paid, a portion of my income goes straight into savings. It's non-negotiable—like paying rent.
How to start: Set up an automatic transfer for the day after payday. Even £50 a month adds up to £600 a year.
3. The 24-Hour Rule for Purchases Over £100
Impulse buying used to be my weakness. Now, for anything over £100, I wait 24 hours. Most of the time, the urge passes.
The result: I've probably saved thousands by avoiding things I didn't really need.
4. Regular Money Dates
Once a month, I sit down for a proper "money date"—just me, a cup of tea, and my finances. I review spending, check progress on goals, and plan for the month ahead.
Make it enjoyable: Put on some music, light a candle, make it feel like self-care rather than a chore.
5. Learning Something New About Finance Every Week
Financial literacy is a skill, and skills need practice. Whether it's reading an article, listening to a podcast, or taking a course—I'm always learning.
Easy wins: Subscribe to one finance newsletter, or commit to one podcast episode per week.
The Compound Effect of Good Habits
These habits might seem small individually, but together they create a compound effect. After a year, you won't recognise your financial life.
Ready to build better money habits? Our Money Mindset course can help you identify and change the beliefs holding you back.
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