How to Do 30 Days of Financial Self-Care as a Parent

Being a parent can be grueling, especially if you have young kids. From the early days of sleep deprivation to toddler tantrums, potty training, more sleep deprivation (hello, 2-year-old sleep regression) and kindergarten routines, you’re putting in the work to create a loving, happy home for your family. Frankly, you deserve a treat.

Self-care often means striking a balance between short-term gratification (a cookie!) and long-term benefits (talking through messy feelings with your therapist!). Similarly, practicing financial self-care can help reduce stress around money and help you feel more free to enjoy the things that replenish you.

Here are our ideas for a month of financial self-care to help you feel more empowered and informed about your finances.

30 Days of Financial Self-Care

Financial self-care looks different for everyone. Some people may feel best when focusing on improving their financial security or savings. Other people may be more interested in ideas to spend on treats without going over budget, or thinking about financial growth like beginning to invest. Before making financial decisions, consider the potential risks and your intended goals to help you decide if an idea is right for you.

Choosing financial self-care habits that align with your goals and practicing them consistently may be one way to help you make progress toward your financial well-being. Consider trying one of these ideas each day, or choose just a few that feel right to you and give yourself a one-month financial focus “retreat” to focus on those.

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Education

Better money habits may start with a clearer mindset. Try these ideas to help grow your financial knowledge.

1. Listen to a financial podcast:

   Your commute, daily walk or chore time can be an educational opportunity.

2. Read a book about managing money:

   From making more money to eliminating debt, books can help offer fresh ideas you may be interested in trying.

3. Learn about a new aspect of finance:

   Explore an unfamiliar topic you’ve wanted to know more about, like investing or how UGMA accounts work. Finance is a wide field with a lot of options and tools, so it can be worth taking some time to learn about new areas that might benefit your family.

4. Compare budget methods:

   Following some form of budget is a consistent habit in 86% of American households, for good reason. Budgeting can be an important practice to track how money flows in and out of your home and help guide your financial decisions. Different budget methods may suit different families—you don’t necessarily have to use a spreadsheet (unless you want to) or track each purchase to the penny. Do an online search to review the popular methods like zero-based budgeting or the 50/30/20 budget to find what suits your style.

5. Learn about retirement plans:

   Make this the year you confidently understand 401(k) versus 403(b) and the difference between an IRA and Roth IRA. Multiple accounts may offer advantages to help you plan a more secure financial future.

6. Talk with your kids about money:

   Young children can start learning basics of saving and spending. Older kids can start planning for college and learning about more complex topics like credit and how to manage investments.

Inspiration

Keeping up the motivation to stick with new money habits is easier when you have a clear vision in mind. Get inspired with these tips.

1. Make a money vision board:

   You can create a digital vision board or a physical poster. Choose images or words that connect to your values to help you envision your best financial life.

2. Write positive affirmations:

   Use a planner or journal to commit to your intentions in writing.

3. Follow inspiring social media accounts:

   Think about which influencers and people in your life are positive influences, encouraging you to focus on values that feel healthy to you, and not on spending more money or comparing yourself to others. Furthermore, unfollow accounts that make you envious or unhappy.

4. Start a vacation account:

   Or home renovation or restaurant fund. Whatever you’re hoping to spend time and money on, dedicate a place to save for it. If you choose an account and make steady contributions, over time this can help your funds grow.

5. Stop paying for guilt:

   Sometimes people spend years paying for a newsletter they keep meaning to read but don’t truly have time (or interest) for. Or maybe you take your kid to the music class your friend swears by, and your toddler hates it—but you feel pressure to try another session. Some expenses bring more guilt than real benefit. Give yourself permission to stop forcing yourself to pay for things you feel you “should” enjoy but don’t actually want to do.

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Financial wellness

Sometimes, self-care isn’t as immediately enjoyable as a bubble bath. Strengthening your habits and working toward a solid financial foundation can benefit your overall wellness. Here are good-for-you practices you might want to try, and ways to make them a more enjoyable part of your routine.

1. Follow a monthly budget:

   A pretty planner or an app to help budgeting feel more like a game can help make this task more fun.

2. Set a 90-day savings goal:

   If you love a challenge, give yourself a target to hit and a deadline. Don’t forget to plan a small reward for when you hit your goal!

3. Pay down a debt balance:

   Paying down a credit card balance reduces your overall debt and can help reduce or eliminate the late fees or interest you pay. This may help you use money toward savings or purchases you actually want to make.

4. Check your account balances weekly:

   You may feel more ready to relax and enjoy the weekend when you know the state of your account.

5. Schedule an appointment with a financial representative:

   A pro in your corner can help you discuss your financial future.

6. Automate your accounts:

   One way to lower stress? Set up an investment schedule or kids college account contribution to help you toward goals without thinking about it.

7. Try “cozy finance”:

   The “cozy cardio” trend involves comfy clothes, peaceful surroundings and a gentle approach to exercise. You can apply a similar approach to finance. Pour a favorite beverage and aim to cross off small tasks regularly, instead of grinding through a mega-session to overhaul your entire financial life.

8. Look into options for your kids:

   You might like to explore ways to set aside money for your children, like a Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) account, trust fund or college savings plan to help prepare for your child’s future.

Treats

Self-care should feel good. While it’s important to take care of bills, it can also feel good to enjoy your money (responsibly). Try these ideas for wallet-friendly fun.

1. Find a “free” treat fund:

   You might accrue money in places other than your bank account. For example, cashing in credit card rewards points can offer a way to enjoy an occasional splurge without using income in your usual budget.

2. Prepare a list of free or low-cost treats you love:

   This could be a classic self-care bubble bath, a hike in a nearby national park or even a swirl of whipped cream on your morning coffee. Make a list of what brings you joy so you have ideas on hand the next time you need a pick-me-up.

3. Look for student versions of luxury services:

   Schools for hair styling or massage therapy may offer discounted services so students can practice.

4. Calculate a treat’s “happiness rate”:

   Cheaper isn’t always better. If a $7 coffee makes you happy for 20 minutes, the “happiness rate” is $21 per hour. If fresh flowers cost $30 but you get 10 hours’ worth of enjoyment, your “happiness rate” is only $3 per hour! When you set aside money for occasional treats, consider prioritizing treats that boost your mood longer and passing on others that don’t last.

5. Know when to say yes:

   You don’t have to swear off lattes or takeout forever. Financial self-care is about protecting your financial stability so you can enjoy some splurges guilt free.

6. Plan a treat day:

   This can be helpful if you notice a pattern of overspending on pick-me-ups throughout the week. Instead of impulse spending on short-term fixes, try making specific plans (and setting a specific budget) to enjoy time to rest. Positive anticipation can be a mood boost!

Social tips

Managing money can be better when you have support from your community. Find like-minded people to support your journey with these ideas.

1. Join a local buy-nothing group:

   Make friends, swap items and get ideas.

2. Donate to a good cause:

   Caring for others can make you feel good, too.

3. Talk with your partner:

   Discuss anything from how much they feel comfortable with you spending before talking to each other about it, to how they’d spend a surprise windfall, to learn more about their relationship with money.

4. Practice saying no to friends:

   Don’t cave in to pressure to spend in order to hang out. Practice a response you’re comfortable with in advance, like “We’re saving for a down payment,” or “We’re not doing dinners out right now, but could we get coffee together?”

5. Ask for financial gifts:

   Family members may be happy to help you reach your goals. For holidays and birthdays, you can let them know if you’d prefer contributions to your child’s UGMA or college account rather than a wrapped gift.

Practicing financial self-care is important as long as you have a relationship with money. Keep learning, seeking inspiration and following the practices that can help strengthen your family’s finances.

Fabric exists to help young families master their money. Our articles abide by strict editorial standards.

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