At the end of the month, you look at your bank balance and ask yourself how it could have come to this. It’s not unusual to think at this moment: «I didn’t spend that much!» But then it turns out that you have accumulated numerous small expenses over the month that you quickly lose sight of. 

Everyday habits that affect your bottom line

The daily habits that impact your savings are often invisible, but they play a key role in determining your long-term financial goals. They’re often small actions that, if left unmonitored, accumulate and eventually eat away at your income without you realising it.

Here are a few:

1. Ill-considered subscriptions and recurring payments

The little subscriptions that you often don’t even realise you have are another habit that can cost you a lot of money. From streaming services to digital magazines, to fitness apps – if we don’t keep an eye on these regular payments, they can quickly turn into a big financial burden. 

2. Travel costs and transport

In everyday life in particular, there are many small costs for transport, be it petrol costs, parking fees or public transport. If you regularly use the car to travel short distances, this is one of the biggest sources of expenditure in the long term. Maybe walk or cycle instead?

3. Unplanned purchases for the household

Household purchases are often the result of spontaneous, unplanned decisions. Whether it’s a new kitchen utensil or a new technology gadget – these purchases are often unnecessary and put a strain on the budget without us realising it. 

A conscious approach to money is important

We live in a society in which the temptations of shopping are omnipresent: Advertising, special offers, discounts and easy access to online shops can easily influence us. Conscious action enables us to distinguish between real needs and momentary desires and avoid impulsive purchases that could jeopardise our financial well-being.

A conscious approach to our finances means that we know exactly how much we earn, how much we spend and where our money goes. This not only helps with saving but also with planning long-term financial goals.

To develop more mindfulness with your finances, you can try the following strategies:

  • Budgeting: Create an effective budget to manage your finances and achieve your financial goals. One option is the 50/30/20 rule, where you budget 50% of your income for basic needs and fixed costs, 30% for personal expenses and 20% for savings. 

Find out more about the family budget here.

  • Track your spending: Make a note of every franc you spend, how much you spend and, if possible, why you made that purchase. Was it a necessity or an impulse purchase?
  • Check your account balance regularly: Every time you make a purchase, the Clanq app will tell you your exact balance and keep you up to date. This way, you become more aware of your spending habits and are less likely to lose track.

Conclusion: Control and monitor your spending

It’s not uncommon to be surprised by your spending at the end of the month. But the way to change this starts with better awareness and control of your own finances. By being aware of where the money is going and making small changes to our habits, we can regain control and stop being surprised at the end of the month and be proud of our financial decisions.