I’m a personal finance expert – and this is the one surprising thing you should do that could transform your finances for years to come.
Brian Brynes, director of personal finance at Moneybox, has shared his insights as part of Financial Planning Week and has suggested a monthly ‘financial date night’.
This is a dedicated evening where you and your loved one, or you and a glass of wine or hot chocolate, sit down to look at what’s coming in, what’s going out, and whether anything needs a rethink.
This kind of regular money check-in creates a safe and open environment to take stock of your financial situation, set and review short- and long-term goals, open new accounts and get to grips with your retirement planning.
For younger people or those still in the early days of living with a partner, Brian said it’s a powerful way to build and embed good money habits early.
Each session can focus on a different topic from emergency funds to working out how much could be invested each month.
For those in mid-life and beyond, these regular check-ins play a crucial role in staying on top of existing savings pots, whether money is still working hard enough, or sense-checking retirement plans.
This advice comes as research of 2,000 UK adults, commissioned by the savings and investing platform [https://www.moneyboxapp.com/cash-isa], found 11 per cent opened a Cash ISA and eight per cent opened a Stocks & Shares ISA for the first time in 2025.
Regardless of whether you’re a first-time saver or a seasoned pro, Brian said everyone could benefit from a regular ‘money MOT’ across their financial accounts.
This helps households keep track of interest rates, spot better financial returns, and make sure savings and investments are still aligned with short- and long-term goals.
Brian said: “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.
“Having simple things written down, like what’s coming up this month or what you’re saving towards, helps turn vague intentions into something more concrete.
“Because interest rates, bills and everyday costs can change so quickly, regular reviews are more important than ever.
“But they don’t need to be dull or time-consuming – even a short check-in can help you spot opportunities and feel more confident about your next steps.”
The study also found one in 10 (11 per cent) plan to increase their pension contributions 2026, with Brian highlighting that regular money check-ins are the ideal moment to take stock of long-term planning.
He suggested checking how much is currently being paid in to your workplace pension, tracking down any old pension pots from previous employers, and considering consolidating them all into one to give you a clearer picture of how your pension savings are performing and how much you might be paying in fees.
Brian also stressed the importance of building a strong savings foundation before focusing on more complex goals.
A healthy cash buffer, which is earning a competitive rate, can help cover unexpected costs and provide valuable peace of mind.
For the 25 per cent of adults who said building a rainy-day fund is a top financial goal in 2026, he added that a Cash ISA can be a particularly useful option, offering both flexibility and tax efficiency.
Being clear about what you’re saving for is extremely important, as this helps determine whether cash savings or investing is the most suitable route.
He noted that short-term goals, such as emergencies or holidays, are often better matched with cash savings, while longer-term ambitions, such as children’s education, building wealth for the future, would benefit from the growth potential of investing through a Stocks & Shares ISA.
Brian added people 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, and that building the habit first is key with contributions reviewed and increased over time as circumstances allow.
Finally, Brian encouraged households to keep themselves informed and engaged when managing their money.
Understanding the basics – from how inflation and interest rates affect savings to how investing works over the long term – can make financial decisions feel far less daunting.
Brian, from Moneybox, added: “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.
“Over time, these habits can build confidence and give people a clearer sense of direction. That’s often when we see people develop a much healthier and more positive relationship with their money.”
