WuBuddy Weekly Money Playbook — August 29, 2025 — 8:10 am

Weekly money playbook: turn small habits into lasting gains

Your bank app can be a coach, not just a ledger. Use alerts, simple caps, and automatic transfers to make good choices the easy default. Start here.

Make saving automatic

create an emergency buffer in a high‑yield account and schedule transfers right after payday.

• Name your goal to stay motivated.
• Round up purchases to feed a micro‑savings jar.
• Send windfalls (refunds, bonuses) to savings first.

Simple, goal‑based investing

Tie investments to goals and time horizons. Automate contributions, diversify, and avoid reacting to noise.

• Keep an emergency fund before taking risk.
• Match investments to time horizon.
• Automate contributions monthly.

Quick wins this week

Practical steps you can apply immediately.

• Review weekly.
• Make one change today.
• Stack small habits.

Stay scam‑aware

Enable notifications, strong authentication, and learn to spot common scams. Review statements weekly and act fast.

• Use unique passwords & 2‑step verification.
• Review statements weekly for unfamiliar charges.
• Freeze your card if it’s misplaced; unfreeze in app.

Your 7‑day checklist

1. Pull your credit reports; set alerts if needed.
2. Review statements for unfamiliar charges and dispute quickly.
3. Automate a transfer to savings right after payday.
4. Compare your savings APY to a high‑yield account.
5. Set a weekly cap for one “leaky” category.
6. Enable two‑factor authentication and update weak passwords.
7. Target a high‑APR balance first; enable autopay at least for minimums.

Mini case study

A renter with two credit cards moved $75 a week by auto‑transfer into a high‑yield account, set autopay for minimums, and capped delivery spending. After 30 days, she had a $300 buffer and lower utilization.

Common fees to audit this month

• Account maintenance fees—ask for waiver criteria (direct deposit, balance minimums).
• ATM/out‑of‑network charges—plan cash needs or use partner ATMs.
• Overdraft/NSF fees—enable low‑balance alerts and link a backup account.
• Credit card interest—consider lower‑APR options or 0% intro balance transfers if suitable.

Banking app settings worth enabling

• Real‑time transaction alerts for large and card‑not‑present purchases.
• Category budgets with push notifications before you overspend.
• Balance thresholds so you never dip below your bill‑pay buffer.
• Two‑factor authentication and biometric unlock on your primary devices.

Micro‑habits that save $50 this week

• Do a pantry challenge before grocery shopping; build meals around what you have.
• Batch cook once; portion lunches for the workweek.
• Call one provider (phone, internet, insurance) and ask about a loyalty discount.
• Use a “24‑hour rule” for non‑essentials to avoid impulse buys.

Pro tip: Turn on category and large‑transaction alerts; the right nudge beats willpower.

Pro tip: Bundle errands to cut fuel and delivery fees for a week.

Pro tip: Use your bank’s virtual card numbers for safer online checkout.

Pro tip: Move emergency cash to an account that pays a competitive APY.

Pro tip: Unsubscribe or downgrade one recurring service you barely use.

Disclaimer: Educational content only—this is not financial advice.

Sources

• Chase has a digital budget tool that may help you stay on track financially to reach your goals. Learn more.
• Planning For Life | Articles | Wells Fargo Advisors
• Credit Cards Education and Resources | Chase
• We use secure technology to protect your information, so you can feel safe paying a bill, checking your balances and even depositing a check, no matter where you are.
• Whether you're looking to get a home loan, refinance a mortgage or access your home's equity, we've got all the tools and resources you need to get started.
• Learn more about J.P. Morgan Wealth Management’s financial planning services and experience personalized advice from our J.P. Morgan advisors.
• Buying a Home | Chase
• Business Knowledge Center | Chase for Business | Chase.com
• Getting a patent may involve multiple steps and can also come with various costs such as filing fees, attorney costs, and maintenance fees. Learn more.
• Find out the different ways you can manage your mortgage or home equity accounts at Chase
• Staying up-to-date on the latest scamming methods can help keep you safe from fraud. Use Chase's helpful guide on common scam techniques and how to avoid them.
• Chase for Business offers business banking solutions including business checking and savings accounts, business loans, business credit cards, and lines of credit.

This article was automatically generated from public educational resources. It is not financial advice.