Will You Go On A Money Date With Me?

April 1, 2026Kelani Tsai

Rejection Hurts.

The first time I went on a money date, I got rejected. By my bank account.

What even is a money date? A money date is a dedicated time you set aside to sit down and go over your finances and reassess your financial wellness. If you’re thinking that you’re too cool for a money date, think again.

Why do I need to do a money date? Well, thanks for asking. Here’s a couple of reasons why money dates work and why they’re important.

Prevents Jumpscares: Money dates build awareness around your financial wellness so you don’t get jumpscared by your finances after leaving them neglected
Reduces Anxiety: Going over your finances in a safe and happy environment can show you that finances don't have to be anxiety inducing
Creates Control: Having money dates will allow you to not only be aware, but also have control over your finances so you can achieve your goals
Builds a Habit: Consistency builds habits to ensure continuous financial wellness and success. Just like getting those gains, if you wanna have bands by retirement, you gotta create consistent healthy financial habits

I’m nervous for my money date. It’s okay! I've got your back. Here’s a step by step breakdown on how to have a successful money date full of financial rizz.

Woman looking at dollar

Your Guide To The Perfect Money Date

Step 1: Set the vibe

Light a candle, grab a drink, and put your favorite playlist on! The vibe is crucial.
Find an environment that makes you happy and sets you at ease.

Step 2: Check your accounts

Bank balance - Take note of the balance in your accounts! Make sure to record both checking and savings accounts
Bank Statements - This is your money story for the month and your best guide to your spending habits!
Credit cards - Make sure you know how much credit you have utilized. What is your balance? When is it due? Will you be able to pay it off in full?
Savings - Did you meet your savings goal for the month? Do you have an emergency fund set up?
Investments - Are you currently investing? How are your investments doing? Should you change up your investing strategy for the future?

Step 3: Review spending

List fixed expenses - Keep a record of all the expenses that are regular. For expenses that occur on a bi-monthly or yearly basis, divide them up to their monthly totals and budget that in!
Review expense categories - What areas of your life are costing you the most money? What areas of your life would you like to spend more on? Less?
Categorize your expenses as a need or a want

Ask yourself: Which expense category am I spending the most on?

Step 4: Review your budget (if you have one)

Go over your budget for the month
Review how your actual spending and budgeted amounts compare - This is a great step for figuring out if your budget is working for you or against you. Feelings of sadness, doubt, or discomfort are signs that your budget might not be supporting you in building a healthy relationship with saving and spending.

Ask yourself: Am I surviving off of my money or thriving?

Am I only spending on necessities or am I also allowing myself to budget money to spend on things I want or that bring me joy?

*If you want to learn more about building a budget refer to our Budget 101 blog post

Step 5: Plan ahead

Bills - Autopay is your best friend if you can swing it. If you're not quite there yet, that's okay! Find a way to budget and plan for your bills to avoid the stress of not knowing if you can pay them.
Upcoming expenses - No one likes surprises. Make sure you know what exenses are coming down the pipeline.
Big events - Holidays, weddings, and birthdays are so much fun, but they can seriously strain your wallet. Outlier events like this are always great to include in your monthly budget.
Budget for the next month - Tweak your budget if it isn't working and test it out the following month.

Ask yourself: Do I have an emergency fund set aside for unexpected circumstances?

Step 6: Reflect and Set 1–2 goals

Reflect on you you felt financially in the last month
Reflect on your relationship with money
Understand your short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals

Ask yourself: Am I aligned with my previous goals?

I got asked on a money date? What should I do? Here’s a list of proven money date ideas!

Go to a cafe or coffee shop: buy yourself a drink
Do a self care night: light a candle, do skincare/facemask, get a drink, and a snack
Invite a friend/partner
Print out your bank statements and color highlight your expenses based on their categories
Go outside in a quiet place and review your finances
Sit down with a financial counselor or advisor to get help
Create a playlist for money dates that you add to each time

Money Date FAQ

How often should I go on a money date?

There isn’t a specific frequency but the recommended amount is once or twice a month. Others prefer weekly money dates. But do whatever is comfortable and reasonable for you and your schedule.

How long should a money date take?

A typical money date takes about 20–30 minutes. It doesn’t need to be long, consistency matters more than how detailed you are.

Do I need a budget to do a money date?

No. A money date is about awareness, not perfection. You can start with just checking your accounts and slowly build a system that works for you.

What if I’m scared to check my finances?

That’s exactly why money dates help. Avoiding your finances creates more stress. Checking in regularly makes things feel manageable and less overwhelming over time.

Should I track every dollar?

Not unless you want to. Some people love detailed tracking, others just review general spending. Both are valid—the best system is the one you’ll actually stick to.

Can I go on a money date with my partner?

Yes! You can do money dates solo or together. Couples often benefit from a shared weekly check-in to stay aligned on spending and goals.

What if I overspend?

That’s normal. A money date isn’t about being perfect, it’s about noticing what happened and adjusting going forward.