This money reset isn’t about drastic changes. It’s about small actions that can make a real difference.

It’s about spending 10–15 minutes a day doing one practical action that helps you feel more in control of your money.

By the end of the week, you’ll know where your money is going, where you can improve, and what your next step is.

Day 1: Check Your Bank Statements

Before you change anything, you need to know where your money is going.

Open your banking app and scroll through the last 30 days.

Ask yourself:

• Do I recognise every payment?
• Have any direct debits increased?
• Are there small, regular payments I’ve forgotten about?
• Are there spending patterns I didn’t realise were happening?
• Am I seeing the same store over and over again?

Awareness is the first step. Once you can see where your money is going, you can start taking action.

Day 2: Cancel, Pause or Downgrade your Subscriptions

Now you’ve spotted your regular payments, it’s time to review them.

It might be:

• A streaming service you barely use
• A premium app
• A subscription box
• A gym membership you haven’t used in months

If you don’t use it and you won’t be charged, cancel it.

If you use it occasionally but aren’t getting value for money, try downgrading your plan or pausing it.

Even £8–£10 a month back in your bank account adds up over the year.

Day 3: Work Out Your Weekly Number

This is one of the most powerful money habits you can build.

1. Check how much money you have available for the rest of the month or term.
2. Subtract any fixed payments still due.
3. Divide what’s left by the number of weeks remaining before your next payment.

That’s your realistic weekly spending amount.

Just knowing this figure will make you more conscious of how much you’re spending.

If you have very little left – or you’re in a deficit – you know you need to act. You can get some advice by contacting the Money team in Student Services (studentservices@chester.ac.uk).

Day 4: Fraud & Scam Check-In

Protecting your money is part of being future ready.

Today, take 10 minutes to:

• Update one important password to something strong and unique
• Turn on two-factor authentication for your accounts (if it’s not already on)
• Check your banking app security settings
• Set up alerts so you’re notified when money leaves your bank account

Students are frequently targeted by scams, especially around accommodation, part-time jobs and “easy money” schemes.

Day 5: Plan One Low-Spend Week

Look ahead at next week and plan where your money will go.

Think about:

• Your meals (can you cook more at home?)
• Your travel (are there cheaper options or routes?)
• Your social plans (can you suggest a lower-cost alternative?)
• Any upcoming or one-off costs you need to factor in

The aim here isn’t to cut out everything enjoyable. It’s to reduce unplanned spending and avoid last-minute decisions that cost more.

Even one intentional week can help to reset your habits and protect your budget.

Day 6: Start (or Strengthen) a Mini Buffer

If you can, move a small amount into savings — even £5–£20.

If that’s not possible this week, set a reminder for your next income date.

If you already have savings, review them:

• Are they easily accessible?
• Are they separate from your everyday spending account?
• Do you have a realistic target?

An emergency fund isn’t about having lots of money saved up. It’s about creating breathing space when something unexpected happens such as a broken laptop, travel home, or a delayed payment.

Day 7: Set a 3-Month Money Goal

Now that you’ve reset, think ahead.

Ask yourself:

• What’s one habit I want to improve this term?
• What would make me feel more confident about money?
• Is there something specific I’m saving towards?

Make it realistic and measurable.

For example:

• Save £150 by the end of term
• Stick to my weekly spending number
• Build a £200 emergency buffer
• Speak to the Money team to get support with budgeting

Being financially prepared doesn’t mean having it all figured out. It means knowing where your money is going, and what to do next.