Mid-Year Money Check: 8 Simple Ways to Review Your Finances
13th November 2025
It’s July, halfway through the year already. Summer’s a good time to pause, take stock, and give your money a quick once-over. Nothing major, just a chance to see where things stand and what might be helpful in the months ahead.
Here are 8 simple and practical ways to check in with your finances this summer.
1. Look over your spending
Take five minutes to scroll through your bank app or online statement. You’re just looking for patterns. What’s going out regularly? Any surprises?
It can help to note things down under three simple groups:
- Needs (bills, rent, travel)
- Nice-to-haves (streaming, treats)
- Not sure why that’s there
This small step can help you spot where your money’s going, which can be a good starting point for change. Try MoneyHelper’s Budget Planner to break things down simply and get a clearer view of what you’re working with.
2. Check for subscriptions you’re not using
Open your banking app and head to your list of direct debits and standing orders. You might spot old subscriptions, maybe a streaming service you’ve not used in months or a gym you forgot you joined.
Cutting them doesn’t mean giving anything up. It just gives you the choice to spend that money somewhere else, if you want to.
Check out the Money Saving Expert’s guide to cancelling subscriptions for tips on what to watch out for.
3. Check what help you might be missing
There are many support schemes in the UK, from help with rent or energy bills to school meals and uniform grants. But a lot of people don’t realise they qualify.
Take a couple of minutes to check. You might find something useful.
Turn2Us Benefits Calculator is a free, confidential, that shows you what help you might be able to claim based on your situation.
4. Take a quick look at your credit report
You can check your credit report anytime without affecting your score, it’s called a soft check. It’s different from applying for credit, which may involve a full credit check.
You can use Experian or ClearScore to view your report, both are easy to use, update regularly, and won’t impact your credit score.
5. Set one small goal for the next month
Forget five-year plans or big targets. What’s one small thing you could try for the rest of the month?
Ideas could be:
- Checking your bank balance every Friday
- Using cash for food shopping once a week
- Making packed lunches twice a week
Small goals can build confidence, especially when life’s already busy. Check out National Debtline’s Simple Budgeting Guide to setting small, achievable money goals.
6. List your ‘must-pays’ to stay on top of priorities
Write down all the payments you need to make each month – things like rent, gas and electric, council tax, travel, or your phone.
Even if you already know them in your head, seeing them written out helps you plan around them. You’ll be clearer about what’s left once those are covered.
You can use a simple notepad or try an online tool like the EntitledTo budgeting tool, which helps you separate essentials from flexible spends.
7. Keep an eye on the next big expense
Is there something coming up soon that might cost a bit more, like the holidays, a birthday, or back-to-school costs in August?
Even a rough plan can help, whether that’s setting a bit aside weekly or spreading out the cost.
If it’s school-related, Citizens Advice has guidance on what support might be available, including help with uniforms, meals, or travel.
8. Know where to turn if you need a bit of extra help
It’s good to have a go-to place if money gets tricky. Free, confidential services like StepChange, Citizens Advice, and National Debtline can talk you through your options without judgement and help you make a plan that works for you.
Saving their details in your phone or bookmarks means you’ve got support ready if you ever need it.
A thought to take with you
You don’t need to change everything all at once. Even small steps can help you feel more on top of things. Whether you try one of these tips or all eight, what matters is that you took a moment to check in, and that’s a step in the right direction.
This time of year is a good chance to pause, reset, and move forward with a bit more clarity. You’re not behind, you’re doing your best, and that’s more than enough.