3 Essential Money Moves, Revealed by Finance Expert Genesis Hinckley

Developing a solid money routine is essential for anyone looking to take control of their finances, regardless of income level. While earning more money through raises, side hustles, or unexpected windfalls may provide temporary relief from financial stress, long-term stability requires consistent planning and discipline. Financial influencer Genesis Hinckley, known for her Instagram page genuinelygenesis, recently shared three practical steps that can help anyone build an effective and sustainable money routine.

1. Set a Regular Time to Review Your Finances

One of the most overlooked aspects of personal finance is consistency. Simply intending to manage your money better isn’t enough—you need to set aside dedicated time each week to review your financial status. Hinckley emphasizes the importance of scheduling a recurring session where you can assess your income, expenses, and progress toward financial goals.

This doesn’t have to be a burdensome task. Whether it’s two hours every Friday afternoon or a quick 30-minute check-in on Sunday evenings, what matters most is that it becomes a habit. For Hinckley, Fridays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. work best because that’s when her paycheck arrives, and she reviews everything with her husband to stay aligned on their shared financial goals.

Other experts like Suze Orman suggest seasonal financial reviews as a minimum standard, but weekly check-ins allow for more proactive adjustments and prevent small issues from becoming major problems.

2. Stay Informed About Where Your Money Goes

A crucial part of any money routine is understanding your spending habits. Without regular tracking, it’s easy to lose sight of how much you’re spending—or where exactly your money is going. Hinckley recommends thoroughly reviewing bank statements and credit card bills during your scheduled time to identify patterns and potential overspending.

Creating a realistic budget based on your income and expenses is also key. As Dave Ramsey points out, making a budget gives your money a purpose—whether it’s paying off debt, saving for a vacation, or building an emergency fund. This clarity not only helps you avoid unnecessary purchases but also keeps you motivated by showing tangible progress toward your goals.

3. Be Willing to Adapt and Improve

No financial plan is set in stone. Life changes, incomes fluctuate, and new opportunities arise. That’s why flexibility is vital. Hinckley encourages people to regularly evaluate their spending and look for areas where they can cut costs or allocate funds more efficiently.

For example, if you notice you’ve been overspending on dining out or entertainment, adjust your budget accordingly. If you receive a raise or bonus, consider redirecting some of that extra money into savings or investments. Being adaptable allows you to make the most of your income while staying on track toward your long-term financial goals.

Hinckley also stresses the importance of personal accountability. It’s easy to blame external factors for financial setbacks, but true progress comes from owning your decisions and taking actionable steps to improve them.

By implementing these three strategies—setting a consistent schedule, staying informed about your spending, and remaining open to change—you can build a strong foundation for lasting financial health.