#64: What to Review Each Week to Stay on Top of Your Finances (Weekly Money Routine)

In this episode, Rita-Soledad Fernandez Paulino (Soledad; they/them), a queer Mexican-American money and self-care coach, breaks down exactly what to review during a weekly money check-in so you can finally follow your budget and feel more in control of your dinero.

If you’ve ever created a budget but struggled to stick to it, this episode will show you why weekly money dates—not monthly check-ins—are the key to building financial security.

Soledad explains how weekly check-ins create repeated, shame-free exposure to your finances, helping you reduce avoidance, regulate your nervous system, and make data-informed decisions instead of emotional ones.

What You’ll Learn

  • Why weekly money check-ins help you actually follow and adapt your budget
  • How to prepare your mind and nervous system before reviewing your finances
  • How to stay “cute and curious” instead of judgmental with your numbers
  • A simple 15-minute weekly money routine you can follow every week
  • How to track spending and make real-time adjustments
  • What to do with extra money based on your stage of financial security
  • How to navigate money check-ins with a partner without conflict

Your Weekly Money Routine

Here’s the exact process Soledad uses and teaches:

  1. Review Credit Cards
    • Calculate true balances using: total credit limit – available credit
    • Stay aware even if you’re carrying a balance
  2. Check Your Checking Account
    • Subtract your checking account buffer (5–25% of expenses)
    • Practice discipline and avoid overdrafting
  3. Subtract Fixed Expenses + Minimum Payments
    • Identify what money is already committed
  4. Create a Weekly Spending Plan
    • Plan for real life: groceries, gas, eating out, etc.
    • Include a miscellaneous category for flexibility
  5. Track Spending (If Needed)
    • Compare planned vs. actual spending
    • Adjust throughout the week
  6. Allocate Extra Money Intentionally
    • Based on your stage of financial security:
      • checking buffer
      • emergency fund
      • sinking funds
      • high-interest debt (above 9%)
      • investing

Work With Me

If you want support building this habit and staying consistent, I invite you to book a discovery call.

We’ll talk about:

  • where you are in the 10 Stages of Financial Security
  • where you want to go
  • and how I can support you through 1:1 coaching and Wealth Para Todos Academy

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome and Mission
00:21 Why Weekly Money Dates Matter
00:59 Wealth Building Cycle Basics
01:23 Why Budgeting Needs Weekly Check-Ins
02:14 Benefits of a Weekly Money Routine
02:46 Neutrality Over Shame
03:50 Staying Cute and Curious
05:27 Preparing Your Nervous System
05:44 15-Minute Routine Overview
05:53 Step 1: Review Credit Cards
07:00 Step 2: Checking Account Buffer
07:30 Step 3: Fixed Expenses
08:10 Step 4: Weekly Spending Plan
09:11 Step 5: Track and Adjust
09:52 Step 6: Allocate Extra Money
11:26 Overcoming Perfectionism
12:53 Money Dates With a Partner
14:16 Episode Recap and Takeaways
15:32 Milestone + Coaching Invitation
16:48 Next Episode + Disclaimer