Improving your finances doesn’t have to mean huge lifestyle changes or extreme budgeting.
Who wants to feel like they’re scrimping and never treating themselves? You work too hard for that. Luckily, sometimes it’s the small, consistent habits that make the biggest difference. Developing a better relationship with money doesn’t mean cutting out every little joy. In essence, it’s just making smarter decisions in ways that actually feel sustainable. Here are some micro-habits that can help you feel more in control of your money without making life miserable.
1. Check your bank balance regularly.
Avoiding your bank account because you’re scared of what you’ll see only makes things worse. Checking in regularly, whether daily or a few times a week, keeps you aware of what’s coming in and going out. The more you track your balance, the less likely you are to spend mindlessly. That doesn’t mean obsessing over every transaction, but simply knowing where you stand. Money anxiety is often worse when you have no idea what’s happening with your finances.
2. Take a minute before making impulse purchases.
Before hitting “checkout” or swiping your card, take a moment to ask yourself, “Do I actually need this?” Giving yourself even a few minutes to think can help stop unnecessary spending. If you still want it after some time has passed, it’s probably something you truly value. For bigger purchases, waiting 24 hours or even a week can make a huge difference. Most of the time, the urge passes, and you realise you didn’t need it as much as you thought.
3. Round up your purchases and save the difference.
Many banking apps now let you round up your purchases to the nearest pound and put the extra into savings. It’s such a small amount that you barely notice it, but over time, it adds up. This is an easy, low-effort way to build up your savings without feeling like you’re sacrificing anything. If your bank doesn’t offer this, you can do it manually — every time you buy something, put a little extra into a separate account. It’s a simple trick that makes saving feel effortless.
4. Unsubscribe from marketing emails.
Brands love to tempt you with “limited-time” deals, but if you weren’t planning to buy something, it’s not actually a deal; it’s just extra spending. The fewer sales emails you see, the less likely you are to spend on things you don’t need. Take a few minutes to unsubscribe from those marketing emails that keep luring you in. Out of sight, out of mind.
5. Pay attention to small, repeated expenses.
It’s easy to justify little purchases — £3 here, £5 there — but they add up fast. A daily coffee, multiple subscriptions, or constant food deliveries might seem harmless in the moment, but over time, they can quietly drain your account. That doesn’t mean cutting out all the small things you enjoy, just being more intentional about them. Swapping a few of these for homemade options or free alternatives can free up money for things that matter more.
6. Set up automatic transfers, even for tiny amounts.
Waiting until you have “extra” money to save usually means you’ll never start. Setting up a small automatic transfer, even if it’s just £10 a week, creates a habit of saving without you having to think about it. Small amounts add up over time, and getting used to saving regularly makes it easier to increase the amount when you can. It’s about consistency, not perfection.
7. Start using cash for certain expenses.
It’s way easier to overspend when you’re just tapping a card or phone. Using cash for things like eating out or entertainment helps keep spending in check because you can physically see how much you have left. Even if you only do this for one or two spending categories, it makes a difference. There’s something about handing over actual money that makes you think twice before spending it.
8. Keep a “fun” budget.
Trying to save money doesn’t mean never spending on yourself. Having a set amount each month for guilt-free spending keeps you from feeling deprived while still staying in control. The key is knowing exactly how much you can afford to spend on fun stuff without dipping into savings or essentials. It’s easier to stick to financial goals when you’re not constantly feeling restricted. A little planned enjoyment goes a long way.
9. Return things you don’t actually need.
We’ve all bought something, taken it home, and realised it wasn’t really worth it. Instead of keeping it “just in case” or feeling guilty about returning it, get your money back. If it still has the tags, and you haven’t used it, there’s no reason to let that money go to waste. Getting into the habit of returning unnecessary purchases stops clutter and saves money. No shame in changing your mind.
10. Start a “treat yourself” savings jar.
Instead of impulse-buying things just because you feel like it, put the money aside in a “treat fund” instead. Every time you resist buying something you don’t need, transfer that amount into a savings account or even a physical jar. After a while, you’ll have enough to buy something truly meaningful. It’s a great way to reward yourself without financial guilt. Plus, you might realise that half the things you wanted in the moment weren’t really worth it.
11. Check your subscriptions regularly.
Streaming services, fitness apps, premium memberships — it’s easy to sign up for things and forget about them. Taking a few minutes each month to review your subscriptions can help you spot things you no longer use and cancel them before they keep draining your account. Even if each one seems cheap on its own, together they can add up to a decent amount. If you don’t use it enough to justify the cost, it’s probably time to let it go.
12. Keep a wishlist instead of impulse buying.
Source: Unsplash Whenever you feel the urge to buy something non-essential, add it to a wishlist instead of purchasing it right away. Then, wait a few days or weeks and see if you still really want it. Most of the time, the excitement fades, and you realise you didn’t need it after all. This habit helps separate short-term impulse from actual long-term desire. If something is still on your mind after a while, it’s probably worth considering, but at least you’re making a more thoughtful decision.
13. Celebrate financial wins, both big and small.
Money management isn’t just about restriction; it’s also about progress. Whether you save an extra £50, pay off a bit of debt, or finally stick to a budget for a month, take a moment to acknowledge it. Progress with money happens in small steps, and celebrating those steps keeps you motivated. Even something as simple as tracking how much you’ve saved or looking back at past spending improvements can help. The more you acknowledge your progress, the more likely you are to stick with good habits.
