Often with money, it's the small actions you take consistently that have the biggest impact over time.

This seven-day challenge is designed to help you review your finances, make your money go further, and build habits that will support you for the rest of the academic year. Each day focuses on one practical action which will give you greater insight into your money and help you feel more confident managing it.

Day 1: Check where your money went

The most important thing you can do to successfully manage your money is understand how you're already spending it. Looking back through your transactions can highlight habits you weren't aware of, show where your money is really going, and help you find areas where small changes could have a big impact.

Look out for:

• Spending that surprised you
• Small purchases that added up over time
• Regular payments you had forgotten about
• Areas where you spent more or less than you expected

Today's challenge is all about building awareness. The more familiar you are with your spending habits, the easier it becomes to spot opportunities to make your money go further.

Try this: Spend five minutes looking through the last month of transactions in your banking app and add up the total for the 3 most common places you spent money.

Day 2: Plan your next food shop

Food is one of the easiest areas to overspend without realising. Shopping without a plan often leads to buying items you don't need, making extra trips to the supermarket, or picking up convenience foods during busy weeks. So, whilst your main food shop can be within your budget, your overall food spend can be a lot higher.

Before you shop:

• Check what you already have in your cupboards, fridge and freezer
• Decide on a few meals you'll actually want to cook
• Write a shopping list and stick to it
• Think about whether there are any offers you can make use of

Today's challenge is about reducing those small costs that can add up over time. Planning your shop before you leave home can help you avoid unnecessary spending and make your food budget go further.

Try this: Before your next shop, spend five minutes checking what you already have and build your shopping list around it.

Day 3: Review your regular payments

Subscriptions can come with attractive sign-up offers, but they’re easy to forget about once they have been set up. Reviewing your regular payments every few months helps make sure they still fit your budget and are worth the cost to you.

Take a look at:

• Entertainment subscriptions
• Gym memberships
• Mobile phone contracts
• Any other regular monthly payments

Today's challenge is about finding opportunities to make your money go further. A quick review of your regular payments can help you identify anything you no longer use, any costs you could reduce, or changes that could free up money elsewhere.

Try this: Check your regular payments today and decide whether there's anything you no longer use or could review.

Day 4: Make one low-cost swap

The things you buy regularly can have a bigger impact on your budget than occasional purchases. Making small swaps to the everyday items you buy can reduce your weekly spending and help your money stretch further throughout the term.

Try swapping:

• Branded items for supermarket own-brand
• Fresh ingredients for frozen or tinned alternatives
• Pre-cut fruit and vegetables for whole versions where practical
• Individual snacks or drinks for larger packs

Today’s challenge is about spotting the everyday purchases where a small change could save you money over time. Start by looking at the items you buy most often, as small price differences can add up across the term.

Try this: Pick one item you buy regularly and compare a few alternatives the next time you shop.

Day 5: Check you're receiving the right funding

Before looking for ways to cut your spending, it’s worth checking that you’re receiving all the funding and support available to you. Making sure your income is correct can have a bigger impact on your budget than small savings alone.

Take a few minutes to check:

• Whether your Student Finance details are still correct
• Whether your circumstances have changed since you applied
• Whether you're eligible for any University bursaries
• Whether it would be helpful to speak with a Money Adviser

Today’s challenge is about checking that you’re making the most of the funding available to you. Reviewing your student finance, bursaries, and support options could help you identify support you may be eligible for or changes you need to make.

Try this: Spend ten minutes checking your Student Finance account or browsing the Money Hub to see what support is available.

Day 6: Prepare for one future cost

Some of the biggest financial pressures come from costs we know are coming but haven't planned for. Thinking ahead gives you more time to plan, spread the cost, and avoid having a large expense arrive unexpectedly.

You might want to think about:

• Accommodation deposits
• Travel home
• Course materials
• Summer living costs
• Graduation expenses

Today's challenge is about looking beyond this week and preparing for a cost you know is coming. Once you know what’s ahead, you can decide how you'll manage it.

Try this: Write down one larger expense you'll need to pay later this year and decide one step you can take to prepare for it.

Day 7: Set one money habit

The most effective money habits are usually the simplest ones, and the biggest changes to your money usually come from the things you do consistently. A simple routine can help you stay aware of your spending, prepare for costs, and make better decisions throughout the year.

Choose one habit to continue:

• Checking your balance every Monday
• Planning your food shop before you go
• Reviewing your spending once a week
• Moving a small amount into savings when money comes in
• Checking upcoming costs before they arrive

Today’s challenge is about turning one of the actions you’ve tried this week into a regular habit. The more often you check, plan, or prepare, the easier it becomes to stay on top of your money.

Try this: Choose one money habit you'll continue after this challenge and add a reminder to your calendar.

Completing this challenge has helped you identify practical ways to make your money go further, from reviewing your spending to planning ahead for future costs. The biggest impact comes from continuing the habits that work for you throughout the rest o