Are you a financial ick? This money hygiene checklist may expose you

What is financial hygiene, anyway?

Financial hygiene means you’ve got the basics covered. You know where your money’s going, you’re making informed choices, and you’re not ignoring the stuff that matters - like your credit score, savings, or monthly outgoings. You don’t have to be perfect. But if your goal is to buy a home, a bit of financial hygiene now could save you a lot of stress later! Remember that even if your financial hygiene isn’t squeaky clean, you can also improve it over time.

The money hygiene checklist

1. You don’t know how much is in your account

If you’re avoiding your banking app and hoping for the best, it’s time to face your fears. Ignorance may be bliss, but it can lead to overspending, missed payments, and unnecessary stress further down the line. Don’t let your mortgage lender uncover your financial faux pas before you do!

You might like: Tips on how to save money faster

2. You haven’t looked at your credit score

Your credit score affects everything from phone contracts to mortgage deals. If you’ve never checked it, now’s the time. There are so many free tools available, making it easy to get on top of. Regular checks can help you spot issues before they become a problem.

Read our guide on Why your credit score matters when buying a house here.

3. Your savings are all in one pot (or earning no interest)

If you’re saving money in this economy, you can pat yourself on the back, but if your money’s sitting in a low-interest account, it’s not working as hard as it could be. You’ll grow your savings faster with a high-interest savings account or Cash ISA, helping protect your future purchasing power from inflation. If you’re saving a house deposit, consider a Lifetime ISA, where your savings will be boosted with a free 25% government bonus of up to £1,000 a year.

4. You’re still paying for subscriptions you forgot you had

Streaming services, monthly app charges, random free trials that never got cancelled — they all add up. Going through your statements can help you spot waste and free up extra cash for your goals.

5. You’ve never switched banks, energy suppliers or internet providers

If you’ve been with the same providers for years, there’s a good chance you’re overpaying. Comparison sites or auto-switching tools can help you make easy savings that add up over time.

6. You avoid money chats with your partner

Talking about finances can be awkward, but if you’re planning to buy a home together, it’s better to get everything out in the open so you each know where you stand. Lenders will look at both of your financial situations, so you need to be on the same page.

You might like: The 5 essential money talks before buying a home together

7. You don’t know how much you spend each month

If your bank balance surprises you more often than not, it might be time to track your spending. One week of reviewing your outgoings can highlight quick wins and help you stay on top of your finances so you can live within your means, and even start saving a goal you want to achieve.

Read more: 17 ways to smash your savings goals

8. You’ve never set a financial goal

Having a goal (even a rough one) gives you direction. Whether it’s buying a home, building an emergency fund, or clearing debt, a clear target makes it easier to track progress and stay motivated. 

Keep reading: How to set and reach your saving goals

So… how did you do?

0–3 ticks: Financially fresh. Keep it up!

You’ve got solid money habits and lenders are likely to see you as a safe pair of hands. Stay consistent, keep reviewing your finances regularly, and make the most of tools like high-interest savings accounts or a Lifetime ISA to keep building on your progress.

4–6 ticks: On the right track.

You’re doing well, but there’s room for improvement. Whether it’s switching to a better savings account, checking your credit score, or having that awkward-but-important money chat, a few small changes could make a big difference.

7–10 ticks: Time for a money reset. But don’t worry, you don’t have to go it alone.

If your finances are feeling a bit all over the place, now’s the time to get organised. Start small: track your spending, set a savings goal, and monitor your progress. It all starts with small steps that build over time!