10 set and forget money moves
Somewhere between work, life admin, family, and trying to remember what you walked into the kitchen for, money habits can feel like one more thing to manage.
That’s why the best money plan is not the one that relies on motivation. It’s the one that runs in the background, even when you are flat out.
And in celebration of Raiz turning 10, this is your reminder that small, consistent steps really do add up over time. You do not need a perfect budget. You just need a simple system you can stick with.
Here are 10 set and forget moves that make your money feel easier:
1. Automate your banking
If you only do one thing, do this. Set up automatic transfers on payday so your money lands in the right places without you thinking about it. This is the easiest way to keep bills covered and stay consistent. You can automate a bills account, savings, extra debt repayments, or a small regular investment. Start with one, then build from there.
2. Use Round-Ups to invest your spare change
Using Round-ups feels like free money! Of course it’s not, but it certainly doesn’t feel like “saving”. You tap away with your card for your normal spending, with spare change quietly working in the background.
3. Build a bills buffer
Bills are not the problem, surprise bills are. A bills buffer is a separate account where you drip-feed money each payday, so bigger bills stop hijacking your week.
4. Give yourself a weekly spending amount
Busy weeks often mean takeaway, Ubers, and the random thing you forgot existed. It’s almost impossible to budget out every dollar. A set weekly spending amount for all those extras that pop up keeps the damage contained without making you feel restricted.
5. Use Raiz Jars for goals
Goals work better when your money has a job. Instead of one lump sum called “savings”, split it into labelled goals like a holiday, car stuff, home upgrades, or future me. When you can see what your money is for, you’re much more motivated to keep going and actually want to see that Jar grow.
6. Do a 5 minute money check-in
This is the part that stops things from drifting. Pick one time each week and keep it simple: Check bills are covered? Check your spending account balance? No overdrawn accounts? Does anything need attention? Five minutes. That’s it.
7. Cancel one subscription per month
Netflix, Stan, Youtube… subscriptions are a big drain on our finances. Set a reminder for the first of each month. Cancel one thing you do not use, then redirect that amount into a goal or investment. It’s a quiet win that stacks up fast.
8. Set some rules for impulse buys
Rules give you a pause button. Try one of these:
- 48 hour rule: if it’s not essential, wait two days.
- No spend days or weeks: essentials only for a set window.
- Wish list rule: add it to a list and revisit at month end.
Most impulse buys lose their appeal with a little time.
9. Track your net worth
At least once a year, put all your assets and liabilities in one place. Your Raiz balance, your super, your bank accounts, and your debts. It’s a game changer because you can actually see the needle moving, even if one area feels slow. When motivation dips, a net worth check reminds you the whole picture is improving.
10. Make your plan resilient, not strict
The best systems work on your busiest month, not your best month. Set amounts you can maintain even when life gets messy. Then, in the easier months, you can add extra as a bonus.
How Raiz can help you set and forget
If you want investing to run quietly in the background, Raiz can help by making it easier to automate. You can set up recurring deposits, use Round-ups, and create Jars for different goals, so you’re building the habit without needing daily willpower.
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Download it for free in the App store or the Webapp below:
Important Information
This blog has been issued by Instreet Investment Limited (ACN 128 813 016 AFSL 434776) as Responsible Entity of the Raiz Invest Australia Fund (ARSN 607 533 022) and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on such information, you should conduct your own review or consult a financial advisor before making a decision to invest. Please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and any associated reference documents before making an investment decision. In accordance with the Design and Distributions Obligations, we maintain Target Market Determinations for our Funds. All documents can be found on the Raiz website www.raizinvest.com.au, or calling the Customer Support team on 1300 754 748. Please note that past performance is not a reliable indicator or guarantee of future performance. Historical returns, forecasts, and market commentary are provided for general informational purposes only. All investment carries risk and may result in loss of capital.
