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10 Simple Financial Tasks You Can Do in Under an Hour (Totally Worth It)

Financial tasks you can complete in under an hour that can help strengthen your money habits and reduce stress.

By Holly Humbert

Edited by Lauren Wellbank

Updated Nov. 4, 2025

When life gets busy, it's easy to push non-essential financial jobs to the bottom of the to-do list. But the truth is, taking just a few minutes here and there can help you lower your financial stress and build better financial habits over time.

Not every task will deliver instant savings, but collectively, it can lay the groundwork for a more stable and secure financial future. Here are some quick financial wins that are worth the time.

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Pulling your credit report

Each year you can access your credit report for free from each of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — through AnnualCreditReport.com. Reviewing your report can help you spot errors, monitor your financial history, and check for signs of identity theft.

It doesn't change your credit score, but keeping tabs on your report is one of the easiest ways to protect your credit.

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Freeze your credit

If you're not planning on applying for new credit accounts anytime soon, freezing your credit is a smart way to add a layer of protection against identity theft. It prevents lenders from gaining access to your credit file without your consent, making it much harder for scammers to open fraudulent accounts. It is free to do, and can easily be lifted later.

Checking for unclaimed assets

You might have money waiting for you and not even know it. Old paychecks, forgotten refunds, and inactive bank accounts are often turned over to state governments, and you can search for them on your state's unclaimed property website. If you're lucky, you could end up with some extra cash you didn't even know was missing.

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

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Compare pricing for everyday expenses

If you've had the same car insurance or cell phone provider for years, you may not be getting the best rate anymore. Take a few minutes to compare your current plan with other offers.

According to a survey conducted by LendingTree, 92% of people who switch auto insurance carriers end up saving money. Even if you don't switch immediately, knowing what you're paying could give you leverage if you want to negotiate with your current carrier.

Download a coupon app

Clipping coupons has never been easier. Coupon apps can not only help you have money immediately on purchases but many can help you find discount codes or offer you cashback on your everyday purchases.

Setting up a savings app takes less than 10 minutes, and you could start earning money back on things you were going to buy anyway. It may not make you rich, but over time, those small savings can add up.

Apply for a low-interest rate credit card

If you're currently carrying a balance on a high-interest credit card, applying for a low to 0% APR card with a balance transfer offer could save you hundreds of dollars in interest. These promotional cards typically give you 6–21 months of no interest, giving you breathing room to pay off your debt faster.

Make Money: 8 things to do if you're barely scraping by financially

Set a price alert

If you've been eyeing a big purchase, like a new laptop or flight for an upcoming trip, set a price alert using a browser extension like Google Shopping. This will notify you when prices drop, helping you avoid overpaying and make more informed spending decisions.

It only takes a few minutes to set up and is an effortless way to let technology help you save money without constantly watching prices yourself.

Open a HYSA

A high-yield savings account (HYSA) earns significantly more interest than a traditional savings account, sometimes 10 times more. It's a great place to stash your emergency fund, short-term savings goals, or even just your regular buffer.

Opening a HYSA online takes just minutes, and many accounts have no minimum deposit requirements. Over time, the extra interest earned is money that you can use to build up your savings or reach other financial goals.

Evaluate your subscriptions

The average American spends $91 a month on subscriptions. Take a few minutes to scan your bank or credit card statements and identify any recurring subscriptions you no longer use or need. Canceling even one or two forgotten subscriptions could free up $20 or more per month, which equals out to hundreds per year back in your pocket.

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Set up autopayments

Over one-third of Americans have had to pay a late fee in the last 12 months, according to a study by NerdWallet. Setting up automatic payments for bills and credit cards can help you avoid late fees, missed payments, and unnecessary interest charges. For fixed bills like your rent, mortgage, student loan, or utility payments, autopay adds convenience and peace of mind.

Bottom line

Improving your finances doesn't always require a spreadsheet or a weekend spent budgeting. Sometimes, the most impactful money moves are the ones you can make in under an hour.

While none of these tasks alone will transform your finances overnight, they all contribute to helping you move beyond living paycheck to paycheck, one small step at a time.

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