A few years ago, I was constantly stressed about money. Not because I wasn’t earning enough, but because I felt like I was always behind – missing bill payments, forgetting to save, and not knowing where my money was actually going. I’d spend hours each month trying to track everything, but still felt like I was just treading water.
One evening, after forgetting (again) to pay a credit card bill, I decided something had to change. That night, I fell down a rabbit hole of personal finance blogs and videos. That’s when I first stumbled across the idea of automating my finances. It sounded too good to be true—but it ended up being one of the smartest moves I ever made.
What is Financial Automation?
In simple terms, it means setting up your finances so things happen automatically. Bills get paid, savings grow, investments build—all without you having to lift a finger every time. Think of it as putting your money on a schedule that runs itself.
This idea changed everything for me. I no longer needed to remember every due date or talk myself into saving each month. It just… happened.
Why Automation Works So Well
1. You Save Without Thinking About It
Every payday, a portion of my salary now goes straight into a savings account. I don’t even see it in my main account, so I’m not tempted to spend it. This small change helped me build an emergency fund faster than I ever thought possible.
2. Bills Get Paid On Time
I used to dread late fees and missed payments. Now, I’ve set up my regular bills to be paid automatically—rent, phone, subscriptions. It’s a huge mental relief.
3. Investing Happens in the Background
Once I got more comfortable, I set up recurring monthly investments. A small amount goes into a low-cost fund every month. Over time, it adds up more than you’d expect.
4. Fewer Money Decisions = Less Stress
We all have a limited number of good decisions in us each day. By automating the basics, I saved my energy for more important things—like planning my future or just enjoying my life.
How You Can Start
Step 1: Get Clear on Your Goals
What do you want your money to do for you? Maybe it’s buying a home, travelling more, or just feeling secure. A financial advisor can help you figure this out, especially if you have international needs or multiple income sources.
Step 2: Know Where You Stand
Before you automate anything, take a look at your income, expenses, savings, and debt. A financial consultant can walk you through this if it feels overwhelming.
Step 3: Pick the Right Tools
There are tons of apps and platforms that help with budgeting, saving, investing, and paying bills. An independent financial advisor can suggest what fits best for your situation. If you’re living abroad, expat financial planning can help make sure you’re covering all bases, especially with currency issues or international taxes.
Step 4: Automate Savings and Payments
Start by automating savings—just a small amount to begin with. Then add your regular bills. Once that feels easy, set up recurring investments.
Step 5: Check In Once in a While
Automation doesn’t mean you never have to think about money again. Things change. Your goals change. Life happens. That’s why I now do a quick review every three months. It helps me stay in control.
If You’re an Expat, Here’s Why This Matters Even More
Living and working abroad adds extra layers to your finances—taxes in different countries, currency exchange, and long-term planning. That’s where an expat financial advisor can be really helpful. They understand how to create a system that works wherever life takes you.
They can also help with:
- Choosing the right expat insurance
- Making sure your retirement plans fit with both local and home country rules
- Planning your estate across borders, including wills and trusts
Don’t Forget About the Future
Once I got my daily finances sorted, I started thinking longer term. That meant:
- Making a will
- Setting up a simple trust
- Understanding how things like UK inheritance tax might affect my family
These aren’t fun topics—but having a plan gives peace of mind. A fee-only financial advisor can walk you through it without trying to sell you something on the side.
Why I Still Work with an Advisor
Even with everything automated, I still check in with an advisor a couple of times a year. They help me stay on track, adjust my plans, and make smart decisions as life changes.
Working with someone independent—someone who doesn’t earn commissions—has made all the difference. I know their advice is about what’s best for me, not for their wallet.
Final Thought
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by money stuff, you’re not alone. I was there. But automating your finances can bring calm, confidence, and real progress. Start small. Ask for help if you need it. And before you know it, your money will be working quietly in the background—just like it should.
