A Spring Financial Check-In – Small Tweaks Before the New Tax Year

1. Take Stock of Where You Are

Before looking to the future it helps to look at the present:

• How are your savings looking right now?
• Are your regular outgoings still realistic?
• Can you make any reductions or changes to your expenditure?
• Have there been any changes in your income or to your lifestyle during the past year that could change your financial needs?

This check-in isn’t about judgment — just about getting clarity.

2. Review Savings and Regular Contributions

March is a good time to check:

• Whether you are regularly building up your emergency fund?
• Whether you have any spare money which could be put into an ISA?
• Whether your pension contributions still affordable and appropriate?
• Whether small increases would be possible in the new financial year?

You’re not committing to any changes yet — just noticing what’s working, what could be improved and what you coud change.

3. Check Your Spending Patterns

• Are there any subscriptions, direct debits or costs you’ve stopped or are not using?
• Has your spending crept up in any areas which you coud address?
• Are there easy tweaks that could free up cash?

4.  Think Ahead to the New Tax Year

With April approaching, March is the perfect time for:

• Noting which allowances reset soon (ISAs, pensions, etc.)
• Being aware of which allowances you can carry over and which are lost on 6th April
• Considering goals for the next financial year
• Deciding on financial priorities from April onwards

There is no pressure to act immediately — this exercise is merely about preparing mentally.

5. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

If finances feel messy or “not quite there yet”, that’s fine.

Financial planning isn’t about getting everything perfect before a deadline — it’s about allowing yourself to:

• Make informed decisions – when you’re ready
• Taking manageable steps which are sustainable over time
• Building confidence in yourself and what you’re doing