Why “Admin Nights” Could Be the Key to Better Budgeting and Lower Debt

As the new year gets underway, many people promise themselves they’ll finally sort out their finances. But between work, family and everyday life, important money tasks often slip down the to-do list.

Recently, the idea of an “admin night” has been trending—an evening dedicated to tackling those small but important financial jobs. Instead of struggling through them alone, people are sitting down with friends, partners or colleagues to budget, switch bills, and make better financial decisions together.

It’s a simple idea, but it reflects a bigger truth: taking small, practical steps can make a huge difference to your financial wellbeing.

Start with a simple budget

The first step of any admin night should be building or reviewing your budget. Knowing exactly what comes in and what goes out gives you control and helps prevent debt from building up.

Boom Community Bank’s budgeting guidance encourages people to list all income sources, track essential spending like rent, utilities and groceries, and include savings and debt repayments in the plan.

If you don’t know where to begin, you can use Boom’s free tools and calculators, designed to help you stay in control of household spending and reach your goals.
Explore Boom’s Money Focus tools

Tackle bills and subscriptions

An admin night is the perfect time to:

• Check direct debits and cancel unused subscriptions

• Compare energy, broadband or insurance deals

• Set up payment reminders or automated transfers

Even small savings each month can add up over the year.

Consider a 0% credit card switch

If you’re carrying credit card debt, switching to a 0% balance transfer card could reduce interest while you pay it down. This can make repayments more manageable and help you clear debt faster.

However, it’s important to:

• Check the transfer fee

• Make at least the minimum payments

• Plan how you’ll clear the balance before the 0% period ends

If your debt is spread across multiple accounts, another option could be a debt consolidation loan.

When debt feels overwhelming

Debt can feel stressful, but breaking it into manageable steps helps. One approach is to consolidate multiple debts into a single, more affordable loan. This can simplify repayments and reduce overall interest.

Boom Community Bank offers ethical, affordable loans and debt consolidation options designed to help people regain control of their finances.

Build an emergency fund

Another useful admin-night task is setting up a savings plan. Even small, regular amounts can build a safety net that helps avoid relying on credit for unexpected costs.

For more practical tips, tools and support, you can download Boom’s free money guide:
Managing Your Money booklet

You can also find free support at Step Change