If there’s one thing that I’ve tried to get on top of in 2026, it’s my finances. I’ve spent the last couple of years freelancing and struggling. Now that I have a permanent part-time job, I can get back on track. That’s why I like to sit down every payday and organise my money. Here’s a closer look at my monthly money routine for 2026.
REVIEW LAST MONTH’S BUDGET
The first thing I do is make sure my budget for last month is up-to-date. I track all of my expenses and income, but I do my budget by payslip, rather than the calendar month. It might be an odd way of doing it, but I’ve tried it this year, and it’s working for me!
Next, I’ll look at each category to see if I was under or over budget, making a note of all this on a Google Doc. I have a monthly review template that I use, and I just answer a few questions. It helps me in planning the next month.
For example, I’m having to increase my budget for local transport. This year, I’ve gone from working two days a week, then to three and now mostly to four or even five days. As long as I pay for my train tickets around a week or so in advance, they cost between £4 to £8 a day, plus a £3 bus fare. This category is my biggest spend by far now!
SET NEXT MONTH’S BUDGET
Following that, I bring up my calendar and look at my plans for the next month, whilst setting my budget. Because I’m trying to save as much as possible, I’m trying to reduce my general spending, but that’s not always the case.
For example, in October, I’m heading on two shopping day trips, a theatre day trip and two concerts out of town. That’s meant adjusting my budget massively to cover buying autumn/winter clothes, a larger budget for eating out, and paying for trains and a hotel for one of the concerts.
Whilst I try to stick to my budget, I’m not so rigid that if I go over budget in one category, I refuse to spend any more in it! Luckily, I have a credit card for anything unexpected.
MOVE MONEY INTO BILLS ACCOUNT
As soon as payday hits, I move whatever I need to into my bills account. This covers all bills, subscriptions, credit card payments, loan payments, pension payments, etc. I’d rather have that in one place, as those are all non-negotiable payments that need to be paid every month. Whilst they don’t all come out at the start of a month, I’d rather have the money put aside.
That’s why I set up a separate bills account just for that purpose. I also transfer an additional £200 there to put into my Help 2 Buy ISA, which is with the same bank. I’ll then move that cash immediately into the ISA, so I’m not tempted to spend it!
MOVE MONEY INTO MY BUSINESS ACCOUNT
Whilst my business is all over the place right now, I still have some expenses. It’s a small amount (less than £50 a month), but I’ve tried to minimise it. All it is now is website hosting, Canva and a graphics membership (because I need the inspo). Whenever I get money deposited into that account, such as an invoice paid, I tend to transfer it into my regular bank account because I get cashback and interest!
MOVE MONEY INTO SAVING POTS
This used to be something I’d have to think about. However, as I’m planning on moving, I transfer most of what’s left into one ‘House fund’ pot. I usually stick £40-50 into a pot named Tenner Tuesdays, and I save that money up to spend on a trip at some point.
Typically, I’ll leave myself around £50 in my regular bank account to pay for anything the following week. However, if there’s money still left over from last month, it means I get to save more! This month, though, I’ve got a regular saver with Chase, so £300 a month is going into that to max it out.
REVIEW + ADJUST BUDGET WEEKLY
Despite doing a monthly budget, I think it’s important to review it every week. During my Sunday reset routine, I input my income and outgoings, as well as a five-minute review. If I’m starting to spend more than planned in one category, I’ll simply adjust it. To me, a budget is a plan, not a prison sentence. I like to start my Sunday reset with this routine, so I get the ‘brain work’ out of the way first!
I’d say a monthly money routine is totally personal, so take whatever you need from this post. Maybe you get paid twice a month, or your pay is sporadic throughout the month. This is a routine that I’ve carved out over the last year or so, since I returned to working in retail. If I worked full-time or if I was still freelancing, it might look a little different. It’s okay to edit your routines, or else you can get bored!
The way to make this fun is to do something fun at the same time. Whether it’s music, YouTube, a podcast or TV, try to make budgeting fun! I tend to watch a box set when I do this, and right now, I’m rewatching Gossip Girl! My monthly money routine for 2026 is sure to change next year, but for now, it’s what’s best for me.
If you enjoyed this post all about my monthly money routine for 2026, you can find my other money content here. Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok too.
