Moneybox expert Brian Brynes reveals how one simple habit can help households stay on top of their finances and avoid missing out on better deals.
A leading personal finance expert is urging households to adopt a monthly ‘financial date night’ as the simplest way to take control of their money and secure their future. Brian Brynes, Director of Personal Finance at Moneybox, suggested the surprising move as part of Financial Planning Week, explaining how the move is a powerful way to embed good money habits early.
The ‘financial date night’ is a dedicated monthly check-in—solo or with a partner—to review income, expenses, and overall financial strategy. Mr. Brynes explains that this ritual creates an open environment for people to set and review short- and long-term goals, open new accounts and get to grips with your retirement planning.
For those in mid-life and beyond, these regular ‘money MOTs’ are essential for ensuring existing savings pots are working hard enough and for sense-checking retirement projections.
The advice follows new research of 2,000 UK adults which shows the importance of staying informed. The study, commissioned by the savings and investing platform Moneybox , revealed that even seasoned savers can benefit from reviewing their accounts to track interest rates and spot better returns.
The also found that in 2025, 11% of UK adults opened a Cash ISA for the first time, and 8% opened a Stocks & Shares ISA. Furthermore, one in ten (11%) plan to increase their pension contributions in 2026.
“Putting aside a bit of time, either on your own or with a partner, to look at your money can make a huge difference to how in control you feel,” said Brian Brynes. “Because interest rates, bills and everyday costs can change so quickly, regular reviews are more important than ever.”
Mr. Brynes also stressed two vital areas for every household to focus on during their check-ins. Firstly, pensions. A regular review is the ideal time to check workplace contributions, track down old pension pots from previous employers, and consider consolidating them for a clearer financial picture.
Secondly, he stressed the importance of building a strong savings foundation before focusing on more complex goals. Establishing a healthy cash buffer with a competitive interest rate is paramount. For the 25% of adults who have made a rainy-day fund a top financial goal for 2026, a Cash ISA offers a flexible and tax-efficient solution.
The expert added that being clear about savings goals is crucial. Short-term goals (like holidays or emergencies) are best suited to cash savings, while longer-term ambitions (such as children’s education or building wealth) benefit from the growth potential of investing through a Stocks & Shares ISA.
People often put off saving or investing because they feel they don’t have enough spare cash, but Brian explains consistency matters more than the starting amount. Even small, regular contributions can add up over time, thanks to interest and compounding.
Mr. Brynes said: “For many people, the biggest barrier to financial planning is feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin. Taking a simpler, more regular approach can help break that down and make money feel easier to manage.”
