A money date is a regular, low-pressure check-in with your finances, alone or with a partner. Thirty minutes once a month is enough to catch problems early, stay on track and actually enjoy talking about money.

Use the online checklist below with its optional 30-minute timer, or download the printable. Your notes and checkmarks save on your device so you can pick up where you left off.

The 30-minute money date

• 5 minutes: set the mood and share one money win.
• 5 minutes: look back at spending and bills.
• 10 minutes: check your balances, debt payments and sinking funds.
• 5 minutes: plan next month.
• 5 minutes: decide on one change and celebrate.

Next step

Your next step: Pick the date and time for your next money date right now and put it on your calendar. More free tools are on our free printables page.