Financial Checkup 101: The 6 Questions You Should Ask Yourself Every Month

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     When was the last time you checked in with your finances—like really checked in?

Most people don’t think twice about their money until something goes wrong: a surprise bill, a missed payment, or realizing payday is still a week away and your balance is dangerously low. But the truth is, just like your health, your finances need regular checkups.





Doing a monthly financial check-in can help you spot leaks before they sink the ship. It keeps you grounded, focused, and intentional with your money. And it doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.

Here are six simple, powerful questions to ask yourself every month to keep your financial life in check.

1. Did I spend less than I earned this month?

This is the heartbeat of financial health.

If you’re consistently spending more than you earn—even just a little—you’re heading toward debt or stress. But if you’re spending less than you bring in, you're creating breathing room.

💬 Real life tip: Track your spending with apps like Mint or You Need A Budget, or go old school with a spreadsheet. Review your bank statements and see if any expenses surprised you. Did those daily coffees or impulse Amazon buys add up more than expected?

Small changes here can make a big difference over time.

2. Where did my money actually go?

Budgeting is one thing—but knowing where your money really went is something else.

You might have planned to spend $100 on dining out. But did you actually spend $180? Did you forget that friend's birthday gift or the Uber rides after a night out?

Monthly reflection forces you to face the truth—not the version of the month you imagined. It helps highlight habits, both good and bad.

Ask:

  • Which categories did I overspend in?

  • What purchases didn’t bring real value?

  • What spending made me genuinely happy?

3. Did I make progress toward my goals?

Money is just a tool. It’s not about hoarding—it’s about using it to create a life you want.

Whether your goals are paying off credit cards, building an emergency fund, saving for travel, or investing—progress matters more than perfection.

Even small wins count.
Put $50 toward debt? That’s progress. Saved $25? Still a win.

Celebrate it, and ask what you can tweak to do a bit better next month.

4. What unexpected expenses came up—and how did I handle them?





Life is full of financial curveballs: car trouble, a surprise vet bill, or an unplanned trip.

Each month, look back:

  • What popped up unexpectedly?

  • Did I dip into savings, rely on credit, or adjust other spending?

  • How did that feel?

This isn’t about beating yourself up. It’s about planning better for next time.

If you're constantly caught off guard, it may be time to build or boost your emergency fund—even just $10/week helps.

5. Did I add to (or touch) my savings?

Savings isn’t just about retirement. It's your financial safety net, your opportunity fund, your stress reducer.

Ask:

  • Did I add to my emergency savings, sinking funds, or long-term goals?

  • If I dipped into savings, was it for a planned reason or a red flag?

Don’t worry if you didn’t save a ton. Consistency beats big, one-time efforts. Even $20/month adds up to $240/year. The key is building the habit.

6. What money habits should I change—or double down on?

Every month teaches us something about how we relate to money.

  • Did meal prepping save you cash?

  • Did skipping weekend takeout hurt or help?

  • Did unsubscribing from a service you don’t use make you feel lighter?

Use your monthly review to identify one habit to tweak or reinforce. Financial transformation happens one habit at a time—not overnight.

Quick Recap: Your Monthly Financial Pulse Check

Here are the six questions to guide your monthly financial reflection:

  1. Did I spend less than I earned?

  2. Where did my money actually go?

  3. Did I make progress toward my goals?

  4. What unexpected expenses came up?

  5. Did I add to (or touch) my savings?

  6. What habits should I change or double down on?

This doesn’t have to be a long, painful process. Brew a coffee or tea, open your budget, and spend 15–20 minutes answering these questions. You’ll finish feeling more in control and clear-headed.

Final Thought

Money isn’t just about math—it’s emotional, behavioral, and personal. A monthly checkup is like a compass that keeps you aligned with your values and goals.

Start this month. Set a calendar reminder. Make it a ritual.

Because the sooner you know what’s going on with your money, the sooner you can make it work better for you.


Disclaimer:

This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Always do your own research or consult with a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.


Location: United States

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