Money doesn’t have to be stressful. I’m not talking about spreadsheets, endless tracking, or cutting out the little joys in life. I’m talking about simple, doable rituals that take just a few minutes once a week to help you feel more organized, more confident, and less weighed down by financial “what-ifs.”

These are the practices I’ve made part of my week, and they’ve made money feel less like a burden and more like a tool to enjoy life.

1. The Ten-Minute Money Check-In

Once a week, I open my banking app and take a quick look: what came in, what went out, and what’s left. It’s not about judgment, it’s about awareness. Knowing where you stand helps you feel in control. I’ve been on trips with a friend who was sent into a panic when a check bounced or a water or light bill wasn’t paid because she hadn’t been on top of it. For me, it just makes me feel more secure. It may be as simple as moving money from one account to another (I put money into an interest-bearing account until I “NEED” it).

My tip: I light a candle or make a cup of tea before I sit down. Turning it into a ritual makes it feel less like “money stress” and more like self-care.

2. The One-Swipe Rule

Every week, I pick one small charge or subscription I don’t really use and cancel it, pause it, or replace it with something better. Even if it’s just $10 a month, it adds up, Clearing the little things feels empowering. I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I have two BIG ones that I keep ignoring because I really love one of them (but I know I could replace it with something less), and another because I need physical help, and not just cancelling to handle it. I’ll get to both of them shortly, but in the meantime, I still keep the switch happening. Like subscribing to Netflix for one month just to catch up on everything I want to see, binging it all and then cancelling.

My tip: I keep a running list of “things I never use.” That way, when I do my weekly review, I know exactly what to cut.

3. A Little Savings, Automatically

Once a week, I move a small amount into savings. Even if it’s $20, it adds up over time. The consistency matters more than the amount. Think of it as paying yourself first.

My tip: I give each little savings pot a name—like “Paris Trip” or “Spa Day Fund.” Naming it makes me excited to contribute instead of seeing it as money disappearing.

4. Guilt-Free Treat Money

Finances aren’t just about saving, they’re also about enjoying. Living life means enjoying your money and not living so stringently, so I set aside a little “treat” budget that I can spend however I want, from flowers, dessert, or a magazine to gambling money for my cruise. It keeps me from feeling deprived and reminds me that money is meant to be enjoyed.

My tip: I always choose something that makes me feel special, not just something I need. It’s my way of saying, “You matter, too.”

5. Plan for One Big Thing Ahead

I make sure to check the calendar for birthdays, travel, holidays, etc., and set aside a small amount toward it. That way, when the event arrives, I can enjoy it instead of stressing about the cost. Giving gives me so much pleasure that I have to make sure there’s enough for special gifts.

My tip: I jot these in my planner. Seeing them written down makes me feel prepared and helps spread out expenses instead of scrambling at the last minute.

Wrapping It Up

Finances don’t have to be scary or complicated. With just a few weekly rituals—checking in, saving small, cutting what doesn’t serve you, and treating yourself—you can create a system that feels calm and supportive.

Because money should make life easier, not harder, and when you’re intentional about it once a week, it truly does.