Seven Quick Ways To Get Organised With Your Finances

This time of year can get a bit chaotic and overwhelming. I’m finding myself wanting to declutter and reorganise everything at the moment. But now is the perfect time to get organised with your finances.

None of these options should take you more than 10-15 minutes, but they should leave you feeling more organised.

Digitise your loyalty cards

Loyalty cards can take up a lot of room in your purse, but most of them can be added to your phone’s digital wallet. You may be able to add them directly to your Apple Wallet. But I also use an app called Stocard. You can scan your loyalty cards and keep them in one place.

I have  Boots, Iceland, Ikea, Nandos, Morrisons, Nectar, The Body Shop, Waterstones and so many more added to mine.

Get organised with your finances- Get your banks app

You may already have it, but make sure you have the apps for anywhere you have finances. This can be savings and current accounts, bonds or ISA’s and credit cards. This means you can be in touch with your finances anytime and you can check things on the go.

Official banking apps are secure as they don’t store your bank details directly on the app, and the data is encrypted before it leaves your mobile.

If you already have the app make sure you know all the things you can do with it. It’s so easy to use apps for what you need without knowing what else it can do.

Change bank accounts

People are getting more loyal to their banks, with 40% of people saying they only change banks once every 10 years according to Statista. But there are loads of benefits to switching your bank account.

After several years of really low interest rates things are finally on the rise. Most banks were offering as low as 0.5% interest, but currently I can earn up to 5.20% with my Monzo account.

If your account isn’t offering high rates, or just doesn’t suit all your needs consider switching. Thank to the Current Account Switching Service it’s super easy to do and the new bank will do all the changes for you. And you may be able to earn a welcome bonus for switching.

Get organised with your finances- Shred some paperwork

I don’t know about you but I have folders full of paperwork, and I definitely don’t need it all. Every so often I will go through it and shred things that are outdated or not needed. This may be statements over a year old, insurance policies from old providers etc.

There is some paperwork that it’s worth keeping, but some things can just be saved digitally on your phone/ laptop. If you’re not sure whether to keep something check out my post on how long to keep your paperwork for.

If you are getting rid of anything make sure you shred it before binning it.

Set savings goals

Setting goals will help you stay motivated and focused when it comes to your finances. But make sure it’s achievable so you don’t put too much pressure on yourself. December and January are great times to look at the year ahead and think about your priorities.

Do you want to go on holiday next year? If so think about starting to save now so it works out less to put aside each month. For us our savings goals for 2024 are for furniture for Luke’s office, then for an electric fireplace, and finally to pay off more of our solar. We’re going to focus on one at a time and move on once the last one is fully funded.

Get organised with your finances by setting reminders

Use reminders on your phone, or through a to-do list app for any financial commitments. I have reminders a month before various insurance policies run out (household/ van/ car etc). This gives me time to shop around and compare it to my renewal offer.

You can also add things like MOTs and vehicle services to give you time to get them booked. Or reminders to cancel subscriptions after trial periods etc.

I use an app called Todoist and it has changed my life when it comes to organisation.

Clear out your purse

Once you’ve sorted out your loyalty cards check out what else is in your purse or wallet. It’s so easy to fill it up with stuff you really don’t need.

Throw any old receipts you don’t need and store at home things you may need such as warranties, or proof of postage receipts. And take out cards you no longer need so you’re only carrying the essentials.