Habit #1: The Weekly Account Check
A peaceful relationship with money is achieved via small habits that you build over time. The first habit is simply to check your checking account once a week. I recommend opening a spreadsheet or getting a notebook for this habit, then each week write down the following:
How much money is in you checking account?
What did you spend your money on last week?
What expenses are coming up this week?
You don’t have to be perfect! Please don’t stress about keeping track of every dollar that you spent or knowing exactly what you need to spend this week. Just make notes about big bills and needs in general. Did something unexpected come up last week? Is the rent due soon? If you need to move money from savings or pick up a side gig, now you know.
The first few weeks may not go smoothly. There will likely be bills you didn’t know about or weeks that you don’t feel good about what you spent. But this is not a sign of failing, it is the process of learning. Hopefully, as you make a habit of checking in and thinking about your finances once a week, you will start to feel more confident in your ability to manage your money