Jasmine Birtles
Your money-making expert. Financial journalist, TV and radio personality.
Small habits to help you take control of your finances
Moneymagpie Team
20th Oct 2025
It’s only natural to feel a bit overwhelmed by the thought of managing your money. With the constant pressure of bills and those emergencies you rarely see coming, it’s easy to put your financial future to one side.
But small, manageable habits can make a noticeable difference over time. They’ll help you feel more in control and less stressed about money.
- Track your spending consistently
- Set a budget you can stick to
- Build a credit history step-by-step
- Review your subscriptions and memberships
- Start saving, even if it’s small
Track your spending consistently
One of the most straightforward habits to build is tracking where your money goes. It’s not as daunting as it might sound – many people are surprised to see how easily small, repeated expenses can add up over the course of a month.
You don’t need a fancy app; a simple spreadsheet or a notepad will work. Start by noting your regular outgoings such as rent, utilities, food and transport. Then, record discretionary spending like coffee runs or nights out.
This practice should help you spot patterns, giving you the opportunity to adjust where necessary. You’ll likely notice areas where you can cut back without sacrificing quality of life, such as dining out a little less frequently or reducing impulse buys.
Set a budget you can stick to
Budgeting doesn’t have to be limiting. It’s about giving yourself a clear framework and knowing where your money should go each month.
Start by allocating specific amounts for essentials, savings and non-essential spending. Try using the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating 50% of your income to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings or repaying debt. Or consider another budgeting method if that doesn’t work for you.
But remember that flexibility is key. If you find one category is too tight, adjust. The aim isn’t perfection, but rather the consistency of sticking to a budget that works for your unique situation. Over time, you’ll build better financial habits and start seeing positive results.
Build a credit history step-by-step
Building a healthy credit score doesn’t happen overnight, but regular small actions can have a big impact. If you don’t already have one, consider using a credit card builder to get started. This type of card is designed to help people with little or no credit history.
Use it for small, manageable purchases that you can afford to pay off in full each month. Over time, this will establish your creditworthiness and help improve your score, which can give you access to better deals in the long run when applying for loans or mortgages.
Review your subscriptions and memberships
It’s easy to forget about all those monthly subscriptions you signed up for in the past. Check your bank statements and make a list of all your subscriptions, from streaming services to gym memberships.
Cancel any that you no longer want, use or need. This small but impactful habit can free up money each month, which you can redirect into savings or paying off debt. Some subscriptions, like insurance or broadband, might have automatic renewals, so be sure to regularly review these to make sure you’re still getting good value for money.
Start saving, even if it’s small
Finally, making saving a priority, even in small amounts, can gradually build a financial cushion. It doesn’t matter how little you can put aside at first; just start. Whether it’s £10 a week or £50, the key is consistency.
Set up an automatic transfer to a savings account that you don’t touch, and before long, you’ll see your balance grow. As you gain more confidence in your financial management, you can gradually increase your contributions.
Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence.
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