Set Up Your Month

The same money. Very different results, depending on how you pay.
Payment methods
P
Meet Priya

Priya is 18 and in her first year of college, with a part-time job. Every month, money comes in and money goes out. How she pays for each thing is a real decision: some methods are instant, some are automatic, some are borrowing, and some are risky. You'll set up her month, then press play and watch how each choice turns out.

What you'll do

  • Eight things Priya needs to pay for this month.
  • For each one, choose how she pays from a short list of methods.
  • Press "Play the month" to see how every choice worked out.
  • Finish with the key lessons and a reference card of every payment method.
8Things to pay
9Ways to pay
~6Minutes

Why this matters

The method is not just a detail. A standing order keeps you in control of the rent; a direct debit copes with a bill that changes; a debit card spends money you have while a credit card borrows it. Pick the wrong one and the same money leaves you overdrawn, in arrears, or out of pocket to a stranger.