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Getting better with money, one habit at a time

These are the lessons that actually made a difference for us. Not perfect budgets, just knowing where you stand, checking in regularly, being a bit brave about the numbers, and still leaving room for the good stuff.

• Know where you stand, even when it’s scary

  The hardest and most useful thing I did with money was add it all up. Why looking is better than guessing, even when the number frightens you.

  4 min read

• Ten minutes a month beats a perfect spreadsheet

  Every budget I tried died within a fortnight because it needed too much from me. What finally stuck was doing less, but doing it every month.

  4 min read

• Pay the card off, but book the holiday

  The maths says throw everything at your debt. Real life says you need something to look forward to. Here’s how I do both.

  5 min read

• Your safety net: three months of essential bills, not three months of life

  An emergency fund sounds huge and out of reach. It got a lot less scary when I worked out what it actually needs to cover.

  4 min read

• Give every account a job

  Bills, spending and savings all in one account meant I never really knew what was spare. Splitting them up changed that.

  3 min read

General tips from our own experience, not financial advice. Everyone’s situation is different. For free, impartial help, try MoneyHelper.