A monthly financial reset regimen is a simple routine where you take time to review your finances, reassess your goals, and plan ahead. Usually done at the start or end of the month, it’s a practical way to stay organized and make sure your spending habits align with your priorities. For many Filipinos who manage tight budgets, this kind of regular check-in can be especially helpful.
With rising living costs and the growing use of digital tools like e-wallets and online banking apps, having a monthly financial reset helps bring more clarity and control to everyday money decisions. It allows you to spot spending patterns, adjust your budget before problems arise, and stay focused on short- and long-term financial goals.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to create a monthly reset ritual that supports your personal finances, from reviewing your past spending to setting new goals.
Review Your Spending from the Past Month
Start your reset by looking back at your spending. Go through your bank statements, e-wallet transaction history, and even receipts from the past few weeks. Doing this regularly helps you identify spending patterns that may be silently draining your finances.
It’s also important to include borrowed money in this review. If you took out a credit card cash advance or availed yourself of buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) services, for example, list down how much you borrowed and how much you’ve repaid so far. When it comes to cash advances, make sure you understand the terms and fees attached. Many people turn to cash advance credit cards in urgent situations, but not all cards offer the same interest rates or repayment flexibility. Choosing the right one can make a big difference in how easy it is to repay and avoid growing debt. Maya’s credit cards, for instance, have some of the most reasonable charges and manageable payment options today. Since the card is part of the Visa network and it’s issued by the #1 digital bank in the Philippines, you can conveniently withdraw a cash advance from any Visa-supported ATM.
As you go through your expenses, ask yourself, were these purchases necessary? Did I stick to my budget? Can I cut back on any recurring costs next month? The answers to these questions will give you a strong foundation for making better financial choices moving forward.
Rework Your Budget Based on Upcoming Needs
After reviewing your spending, make sure to update your budget to reflect the coming month’s realities. If you know you have additional expenses coming up, such as a family celebration, school payments, or a planned trip, make room for them in your budget now rather than reacting later. This way, you reduce the chances of needing to borrow money unexpectedly.
You should also reassess spending categories where you might have gone overboard. For example, if your dining-out budget keeps getting exceeded, consider increasing it slightly to match your lifestyle, or find areas where you can cut to balance things out. Also consider aligning your expenses with financial tools like the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card from Maya, which not only doubles as Landers membership but also rewards you with up to 5% cashback at Landers, 2% on dining spends, and 1% on all other qualified transactions. By channeling your grocery, dining, and other everyday purchases through this card, you can stretch your peso further and offset part of your monthly expenses with cashback rebates. This way, your budget isn’t just about cutting costs, it’s also about making any money you spend work harder for you.
Don’t forget to include loan or credit repayments in your computation, which should be prioritized to avoid penalties or growing interest.
Set or Revisit Your Financial Goals
Every monthly reset should include a fresh look at your financial goals. These goals give your money direction and purpose. Start by setting a few realistic objectives for the month ahead. These could be short-term goals like “save PHP 2,000,” “cut food delivery expenses by 50%,” or “pay an extra PHP 500 toward my loan.” What matters is that your goals are specific, actionable, and measurable.
It’s also a good time to reflect on your bigger financial aspirations, such as building an emergency fund or saving up for a business. Your monthly goals should move you closer to these long-term ambitions. For example, if your long-term goal is to buy a car for work, a monthly goal could be to save a fixed amount in a dedicated digital bank account.
Use Tools That Make Tracking Your Spending Easier
To stay consistent with your financial reset, consider using digital tools that simplify tracking and organizing your money. Budgeting apps, spreadsheets, or even simple notes on your phone can be incredibly helpful.
If you regularly use credit cards, take advantage of features that allow you to manage your spending more effectively. In the case of Maya credit cards, you’re able to set transaction limits on different types of credit card transactions on the Maya app, including your daily spending limit, foreign transactions, online payments, contactless payments, and cash advances. This built-in control can serve as automatic guardrails that help you stick to your budget without constantly second-guessing your purchases.
Reflect and Stay Accountable
At the end of your reset session, take a moment to reflect. You don’t need to write a full journal entry, but a few quick notes about what worked, what didn’t, and how you felt about your spending can be powerful. These insights help you become more mindful and less reactive with your financial decisions.
You can also choose to share your goals or progress with someone you trust. Having someone to check in with occasionally can keep you motivated and committed.
Make It Part of Your Wellness Routine
To turn your reset into a sustainable habit, tie it into a relaxing routine. Pick a quiet day each month and dedicate 30 minutes to your financial check-in. Brew your favorite coffee, play soft music, and make the process feel like a form of self-care rather than a chore. You can even pair it with other wellness habits like journaling or setting new intentions for the month.
Having a monthly financial reset ritual is a small but meaningful step toward managing your finances more intentionally. It gives you the space to approach each new month with a clearer perspective. Over time, this habit can help you become more confident in handling your money, no matter your income level or current financial situation. What matters most is staying consistent and making choices that support your financial well-being.
