This surprising hack could help you stay on top of your money (Image: Getty)
A leading personal finance expert is urging people to adopt a monthly ‘financial date night’ as the simplest way to take control of their money and secure their future. Brian Brynes, Director of Personal Finance at Moneybox, suggested the surprising move as part of Financial Planning Week, describing it as the one thing that could transform finances for years to come.
The ‘financial date night’ is a dedicated monthly check-in to review income, expenses, and overall financial strategy. Mr. Brynes explains that this monthly habit creates an open environment for people to set and review short- and long-term goals, open new accounts and get to grips with your retirement planning.
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Mr. Brynes said it’s a powerful way to embed good money habits early, particularly for younger people and new couples. For those in mid-life and beyond, these regular ‘money MOTs’ are essential for ensuring existing savings pots are working hard enough and for sense-checking retirement projections.
The advice follows new research of 2,000 UK adults which shows the importance of staying informed. The study, commissioned by the savings and investing platform Moneybox, revealed that even seasoned savers can benefit from reviewing their accounts to track interest rates and spot better returns.
“Putting aside a bit of time, either on your own or with a partner, to look at your money can make a huge difference to how in control you feel,” said Brynes. “Because interest rates, bills and everyday costs can change so quickly, regular reviews are more important than ever.”
He also stressed two vital areas for every household to focus on during their check-ins. Firstly, pensions. A regular review is the ideal time to check workplace contributions, track down old pension pots from previous employers, and consider consolidating them for a clearer financial picture.
Secondly, he stressed the importance of building a strong savings foundation before focusing on more complex goals. Establishing a healthy cash buffer with a competitive interest rate is paramount. For the 25% of adults who have made a rainy-day fund a top financial goal for 2026, a Cash ISA offers a flexible and tax-efficient solution.
The expert added that being clear about savings goals is crucial: short-term goals (like holidays or emergencies) are best suited to cash savings, while longer-term ambitions (such as children’s education or building wealth) benefit from the growth potential of investing through a Stocks & Shares ISA.
Ppeople often put off saving or investing because they feel they don’t have enough spare cash, but consistency matters far more than the starting amount. Even small, regular contributions can add up over time, thanks to interest and compounding.
Mr. Brynes concluded: “For many people, the biggest barrier to financial planning is feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin. Taking a simpler, more regular approach can help break that down and make money feel easier to manage.”
