The Financial Reset Routine We Use Every Month
A behind-the-scenes look at the monthly money check-in that keeps our family budget grounded, aligned, and stress-free.
Every month, I sit down with my budget tracker (coffee in hand, toddler toys scattered around, real life in full swing) and take the lead on something I’ve grown to love: our financial reset.
I’m the one who manages the day-to-day numbers in our home—but this isn’t a solo act. My husband and I team up at the end of each month to reflect, plan, and make sure we’re both on the same page financially.
If you’re the primary money organizer in your household, you know the emotional mental load that can come with that. This routine keeps things clear, consistent, and collaborative. It also helps us make values-based decisions instead of reactive ones.
Here’s the exact process we use, and how you can create a monthly money routine that works for your family too.
Step 1: Reflect on the Month (Together)
Before diving into numbers, I do a quick self-check:
Where did our money feel aligned this month?
What felt off or unexpected?
Are we still spending in a way that reflects our values?
This part is mostly me making notes in our budget tracker, but it sets the tone for our monthly conversation. When we talk through the highs and lows of the month, we keep it simple, honest, and judgment-free.
Step 2: Review the Numbers
As the designated budgeter in our home, I update our budget tracker with:
Monthly income (including side hustle wins)
Fixed bills and recurring expenses
Groceries, gas, and flexible spending
Savings and sinking funds
Then, my husband and I go over it together. We look at what worked, what needs adjusting, and what we want to prioritize next month. We keep it light and practical—it’s not a boardroom meeting, it’s just two partners checking in.
Bonus tip: I always double-check our accounts for duplicate charges or weird subscriptions. Monthly reviews to help spot fraud early and keep your money safe.
Step 3: Reconnect With Our Goals
This is where things shift from routine to motivating. After we’ve reviewed the numbers, we revisit our family goals:
Are we closer to that vacation fund?
Do we need to pause extra payments this month?
Where should we allocate any extra we managed to save?
What small win can we celebrate together?
My husband and I may approach money a little differently (he’s more big-picture, I’m all about the details), but this monthly reset helps us stay aligned. We’re not just managing money, we’re building something meaningful as a team.
According to the American Psychological Association, couples who share financial planning experience less money-related stress and greater relationship satisfaction. So yes, this monthly check-in is a form of self-care and relationship care.
Why This Routine Works for Us
This isn’t a complicated system. It’s just a consistent one. Having a simple routine helps me feel:
More in control of our finances
Less overwhelmed when things change
Deeply connected to our values and goals
It also gives my husband a clear picture of where we stand—without me carrying the mental load alone.
Want to Start Your Own Reset Routine?
You don’t need a fancy tool or hours of free time.
You just need a rhythm that works for your life.
Grab my Free Budget Tracker to get started… it’s the exact one I use in our monthly reset and it’s designed to be simple, flexible, and stress-free.
Whether you’re managing money on your own or with a partner, this reset routine can be a powerful way to bring peace, progress, and purpose to your finances.