YOUR FINANCIAL FIGHTBACK STARTS HERE!

By Tynah Matembe | Scotland’s No-Fluff Money Coach | Helping You Flip the Script on Wealth.

Feeling the pinch? You’re not alone.

MoneyMatiX has launched a FREE Masterclass series designed to empower women to take control of their finances, puts more money on your table and a smile back on your face. You can secure a place HERE.

In the meantime, I’ve created a 7-day action plan to help you take control and push back against the cost-of-living crisis.

Energy bills, food prices, and rent have all shot up. And while everyone’s shouting “cut the takeaway” and “cancel Netflix”, we’re here to give you real, useful hacks that move the needle.

Now it’s time to hit back at the cost-of-living crisis - and we’re here to help.

Whether it’s slashing your bills, making your food shop go further, or finding free ways to have fun, we’ve got your back.

Think of it as a “Cough to 5K” for your finances - simple steps that’ll take you from spluttering at your bank balance to striding into savings success in just a few weeks.

So, buckle up - your financial comeback starts now.

Monday: PLAN YOUR MONEY  

Today’s the day to stop avoiding your finances and start facing them head-on. Yes, it can feel daunting - especially if you're unsure where you stand - but honesty is the only way forward.

Face the facts: If you’ve got a partner, be completely transparent with each other. That means coming clean about hidden debts, maxed-out credit cards, and anything else lurking beneath the surface. Financial wellbeing starts with honesty and teamwork.

Make a money map. Create a simple spreadsheet or use a free online template. List every debt – credit cards, loans, overdrafts – with the balance, interest rate, monthly payments, and loan term. This gives you a clear picture of where you are.

Talk about it.  Sharing money worries reduces stress and helps protect your mental health. You're not alone.

Set goals. Whether it’s paying off a credit card, saving for a holiday, or building an emergency fund – having goals gives you focus and boosts motivation. Hitting those milestones feels good and puts more money in your pocket.

Rewire your money mindset. Our beliefs around money shape our choices. If you’ve grown up thinking, “I’m just bad with money,” challenge that. Create a more positive, empowered mindset about your financial future.

Check your entitlements. Ensure you’re getting all the benefits and support you’re eligible for – from tax breaks to energy grants. A few clicks could unlock help you didn’t know you had.

And finally, remember volatility is normal. If your pension pot has dipped recently because of Trump’s tariffs war, don’t panic. Markets go through ups and downs – but investing is a long-term game, and history shows they do recover.

Tuesday: CUT COSTS: SWAPS COULD SAVE YOU HUNDREDS

Today, take five minutes to do something powerful: look at your daily spending and ask yourself one simple question - what can I live without or swap for a cheaper alternative?

These aren’t life-changing sacrifices but could give you a healthier bank balance. 

Take your morning Starbucks, for example. Ditching that daily Tall Latte on your way to work could save you a staggering £851 a year. That’s a holiday, your energy bill paid, or the breathing room and emergency fund sorted.

So, here’s your challenge: log into your bank account and get ruthless.

• Cancel subscriptions you barely use and audit your direct debits

• Switch your energy provider

• Review your phone contract. Switching to a SIM-only deal or negotiating with your provider could save you £10–£30 a month.

• Save on medicine with an NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate – it could cut your pharmacy bills significantly.

Small changes add up. In a year’s time, you could be hundreds – even thousands – better off.  Start today. Your future self will thank you.

Wednesday: PUTTING MORE MONEY ON THE TABLE

It's midweek and you're in your stride – today is a great time to take a few simple steps to put more money on the table. Have you thought about:

• Your time is money – how could you use just one hour to earn £50?

• Unused space – do you have any space you could monetise? There are millions of empty bedrooms in the UK that could be used!

• Hidden talents – what skill or talent could you turn into cash?

• Side hustle ideas – what business or gig has been living in your head rent-free?

• Cutting costs – is there a bill you could reduce just by asking?  Haggle is the way forward.

• Free local resources – is there anything in your community for support or savings?

• Costly habits – what's one habit that’s quietly draining your wallet?

• Hidden value at home – what items could you sell? Check out vinted.com and one of my personal favourites, Facebook Marketplace.

• Travel for less - Budget commuting: Railcards, carpooling, and public transport alternatives. Think about fuel-saving strategies: Driving efficiently and cutting petrol/diesel costs. Consider cycling & public transport: Investment vs. long-term savings.

• Energy efficiency tips: Small changes that make a big impact.

Sit down quietly with a cup of coffee and think about how you can put more money on the table today and commit to doing it.

Thursday – SMARTER INVESTING WILL GROW YOUR MONEY 

Today look at your investments. It might seem odd to talk about investing in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, but smarter investing can help put more money on the table - both now and in the future.

If you haven’t already opened an ISA, do it now. You can save up to £20,000 a year, and any interest or returns you earn are completely tax-free. You might be thinking, “So what?” — but fast forward 10 years and you’ll see just how far tax-free savings can take you.

Likewise, if you’re in full-time employment, your employer is legally required to contribute to a workplace pension. But here’s the thing: do you even know how much is in your pension pot? If not, find out. Ask your HR department or check your pension provider’s website.

And remember this: for every £100 you put in; the government adds £25 in tax relief. That’s free money - it’s a no-brainer.

Don’t overlook the power of regular saving. Even small amounts, set aside consistently, can unlock the best interest rates and build up surprisingly quickly.

To keep your finances healthy, aim to follow my 70:10:10:10 rule: spend no more than 70% of what you earn; save at least 10%; invest at least 10%; and give away at least 10%.

The bottom line? You don’t need to be wealthy to invest wisely — you just need to start today.

Friday – SMARTER SHOPPINGS 

Today, I want you to become a smarter shopper. How? By researching how to use discounts, vouchers, and cashback offers to cut costs and put money back into your pocket - helping you stay ahead in the fight against the cost-of-living crisis.

Consider switching your bank account. Some banks offer up to £200 just for switching—and they do all the work for you. For example, First Direct is offering up to £175 in instant cashback for new customers. You can compare the best deals at www.moneysavingexpert.com. Many banks also offer cashback and discounts on everyday purchases, so take the time to compare the market and find the option that works best for you.

Don’t forget to check out cashback sites like TopCashBack (https://www.topcashback.co.uk) and Quidco (https://www.quidco.com), which offer money back on a range of purchases. According to an analysis by MyVoucherCodes, the average UK household could save up to £1,223 a year on groceries simply by using available voucher codes.  Also, my special money hack is check out www.jamdoughnut.com. 

Combine coupon codes, cashback apps (like Rakuten or Honey), and store sales to maximize savings. Many stores allow multiple discounts - you just must layer them in the right order.

Finally, Stop Impulse Buys – My 24-Hour Rule. Before you click “buy” on that Amazon or ASOS item, wait 24 hours. Chances are, you’ll realise you don’t really need it. It’s a simple trick that curbs unnecessary spending.

Saturday – FREE FAMILY DAYS OUT

Keeping the family entertained - especially during school holidays and bank holidays - can be costly, but it doesn’t have to be. Today, why not plan a fun day out which is completely free?

Here are a few of my smart tips to help you do just that:

• Check Tripadvisor and search for the best free things to do in your area. You'll be surprised at how many hidden gems are nearby.

• Browse websites like https://www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk and  https://www.kidspass.co.uk for inspiration – they are packed with free and low-cost activities suitable for all ages.

• Money-saving expert Martin Lewis has a great round-up of free and cheap family-friendly ideas. You can view his suggestions here: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/deals/things-to-do-with-the-kids/

• Getting outside and enjoying nature is great for your mental wellbeing - and for your children too. With so many options, it’s easy to keep the family entertained for hours.

• Creative activities like arts and crafts are another brilliant (and inexpensive) way to have fun. Kids love making things with their own hands—it helps them explore their creativity and express their feelings. Best of all, you don’t need to spend a fortune. Get inventive with old t-shirts, cardboard tubes, and plastic bottles. It’s not only cost-effective but also eco-friendly, giving everyday items a new lease of life.

My Bonus tips for keeping costs down: Walk instead of taking the bus—it’s healthier, greener, and completely free. If you're going out in the evening, only take cash. It’s a simple trick that helps you stick to your budget and avoid unexpected spending.

Small changes like these can make a big difference to your wallet—without missing out on the fun.

Sunday – SMART COOKING

Sundays are often the day we spend with the family, cooking a delicious Sunday lunch. Today, I want you to think about how you can save money with smarter cooking.

▪ Start by batch cooking for the week ahead and preparing a meal plan. If you currently buy lunch at work, you could save £1,012 a year by bringing your own lunch instead. Make sure to factor this into your plan.

▪ Another great tip is to downshift your brand during your weekly shop and consider visiting the budget supermarkets to make your budget stretch further.

▪ Eating out has become the norm for many, with fast food chains now dominating the high street. But getting to know your kitchen can really help you save money. According to recent research the average UK household spends around £31 per week on takeaways and dining out. By cooking more meals at home, you’ll spend less and eat healthier. In fact, preparing your lunches and dinners at home could save you £40–£60 a week—that’s over £2,000 a year!

▪ So, whether it's learning to cook more or simply cooking more often, you could save £1,612 per year by making small changes to your routine without really letting anything go.

▪ Purchase staples like rice, pasta, and canned goods in bulk - these items often have a long shelf life. This hack can save you money in the long run. Also, store fresh produce properly to extend its shelf life and reduce food waste.

▪ Repurpose leftovers into new meals. Leftover roast chicken can become a chicken salad or a stir-fry, while yesterday’s veggies can be turned into a hearty soup or casserole. This helps cut down on food waste and ensures you get the most out of your ingredients.

And finally, Ladies, because empowerment is at the heart of everything I do - especially for women and disadvantaged and often-overlooked groups - I’ve launched a free online masterclass series just for women, which I am calling Girl Money Geeks. It’s designed to give you the tools, tips, and know how to take control of your money, and it runs fortnightly over lunchtime, so it fits around your busy life.  Secure your space now at: https://www.moneymatix.com/girl-money-geeks