Easy Steps to Wealth: The 30 Minute Monthly Money Check-In
Do you ever feel like your money is running you instead of the other way around? Every month I do a quick check on my net worth, budget, and investments that takes less than 30 minutes. Since September 1st is right around the corner, this is the perfect time to try making your own routine and track your progress. By the end of this post, you’ll have a step-by-step guide to doing your own money check-in and building a habit that grows wealth over time.
Money drifts when it’s ignored. Even small, regular check-ins prevent overspending and missed goals. Think of it like checking your car’s oil—easy to do and it saves you from bigger problems later. I like doing this once a month because it gives enough time to notice patterns, surprises, and real results. A money check-in is one of the simplest ways to make money less stressful and much more rewarding.
Step 1: Review Your Cash Flow
Cash flow is simply what came in and what went out. I track my income as it arrives, but I wait until the end of the month to really look at expenses. Most of my spending flows through credit cards (paid off in full each month), which gives me a clean summary of where the money went. Scheduled expenses like insurance or utilities are easy to track—what matters most is spotting lifestyle spending and habits.
If your expenses are less than your income, you’ve got breathing room to save or invest. That gap is where progress lives.
Step 2: Check Progress on Your Goals
This is where your check-in gets exciting. Ask yourself: How much closer am I to paying off debt, building savings, or growing investments this month?
Debt payoff: Even small extra payments create long-term breathing room.
Savings: Automate transfers, even if it’s just $100, toward vacations, emergencies, or bigger goals.
Investing: Don’t overthink it—consistent contributions, no matter the size, are what count.
The key is to make sure your money is always moving you closer to something meaningful.
Step 3: Update Your Budget for Next Month
Life doesn’t stick to a spreadsheet. If you overspent, don’t beat yourself up—just adjust. Add buffers for categories that keep surprising you. Trim back recurring expenses that no longer feel worth it (like that overpriced $5 soda stop). Budgets are living tools, not rigid rules.
Step 4: Snapshot Your Net Worth
This is my favorite part. Add up your cash and investments, then subtract debts—that’s your net worth. Track it each month and you’ll see the story unfold. Some months it will dip (hello, market swings or big expenses), but the long-term trend is what matters. Watching progress over time is one of the most motivating parts of this process.
Step 5: Set One Small Action for the Next 30 Days
Big changes are great, but small, consistent actions stick better. Maybe it’s cutting your grocery runs down to two trips a week, prepping more meals, or canceling a subscription you don’t use. These little wins snowball into real results. Progress, not perfection, is the goal.
Make It Stick
The hardest part of any new habit is consistency. My advice?
Put it on your calendar—same day, same time each month.
Pair it with something you enjoy—coffee, music, or even a “money date” with your partner.
Celebrate milestones—when you hit $1,000 saved, $10,000 invested, or $100,000 net worth, take a moment to reward yourself. You earned it.
Final Thoughts
The 30-minute monthly money check-in is small but mighty. Over months and years, these little check-ins build momentum and financial freedom. Remember: it’s always about progress, not perfection.
Try your first 30-minute money check-in this week. Block off half an hour, follow the steps, and see how it feels. Write down your numbers and keep them somewhere safe—you’ll be surprised at the changes you’ll see even after just a few months.
Want help building your routine? Explore my other guides on budgeting, saving, and investing—or reach out for coaching support. Let’s make money simple, together.
