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5 Money Moves to Do Before the End of the Month

The end of the month is one of the best times to check in with your money. It’s a small pause, but the choices you make right now can set the tone for the month ahead.

And the best part, you don’t need to spend hours doing this. Five simple steps is all it takes to finish strong and start the next month feeling in control.

1. Tally your takeout and dining spend

Take a minute to go through your receipts, bank app, or food delivery history and add up every order you made this month.

Seeing it in black and white can be surprising. But this isn’t about feeling guilty…it’s about awareness. Once you see the total, you can decide if this is the pattern you want to keep or if you want to make a change next month.

Maybe a few nights of takeout cost more than you expected. Now you can plan to cook at home a little more or schedule meals out intentionally instead of randomly. The point is to know where your money went and make choices with intention.

2. Check for leftover funds

After all your bills are paid, check your account to see if there’s anything left over. Even if it’s just a small amount, move it into savings.

This could be your emergency fund, a vacation fund, or just money you want to grow. Doing this prevents leftover cash from slipping through the cracks and gives you a small win at the end of the month.

It doesn’t have to be a huge number either. Moving a little consistently makes a difference over time. Think of it as telling your money what to do instead of wondering where it went. This habit alone can make your financial life feel lighter and more organized.

3. Pay down a little extra debt

Take a look at your balances and see if you can put an extra $20 or $50 toward your highest-interest debt, or maybe your lowest balance. Small payments may feel insignificant, but they help reduce the principal and cut down the interest over time.

The key is consistency, not perfection. Even tiny extra payments each month add up and help you chip away at debt faster. You don’t have to empty your account or stress over it. Just doing a little now keeps momentum going and makes you feel more in control. By the end of the month, you’ll know you made progress instead of leaving it all for later.

4. Review your subscriptions

Go through your recurring payments and see what you’re actually using. Are there trials you forgot about or apps and services you don’t need anymore? Cancel them. This step is about taking control of your money and making sure every dollar leaving your account is intentional.

Doing this at the end of the month is perfect timing because it prevents surprise charges from hitting next month and disrupting your budget. It’s also a chance to see where you might reallocate money toward savings, debt, or something that actually matters to you. It’s a small habit that gives you clarity and keeps your money working for you.

5. Create next month’s budget

Before the new month begins, write down your income, your bills, and what you want to spend on everything else – groceries, gas, fun money. Having a plan in place gives you control and peace of mind. 

Budgeting isn’t about restriction. It’s about choice. You get to decide where your money goes instead of wondering where it disappeared. Starting the month with a budget makes it easier to stay on track and helps you reach your bigger goals. The habit of planning ahead reduces stress, keeps you consistent, and makes your money feel manageable instead of chaotic.

(Related: Here is a user-friendly budgeting template that you can start using today)