✅ 4 Ways to automate your UAE finances
- Kacper Duda
- Apr 1
- 3 min read
We're big believers in optimising our lives so we can spend more time having fun with people we love. Let's face it - managing our finances is rarely the most exciting activity!
Luckily, there are ways in which you can automate your finances to free up some time and increase consistency in how you manage your money. Read on to find out:
What monthly financial tasks can you automate
How to set up these automations
In the news: New symbol for the UAE Dirham announced
Why you should automate your finances
To make your life simpler. With automation, it will cost you less time, you're less likely to forget and it will be easier for you to keep to your commitments.
Our general principle is to have all your bills, payments and savings leave within 4-5 days after your payday. That way you easily know what's left over each month. You can always ask your provider to change your payment dates to help with this (a lot of them will).
So what are the best things to automate in your finances and why?
🧾 Bill auto-payments
Ever stressed about paying your bills on time? They all arrive at various times throughout the month, with different due dates and ways to pay. Forget to pay and you will be chased by the provider.
Our solution: Set up autopayments with your utilities and telecom providers. It's very simple, and when the bill is due, your credit card will be automatically charged. One less thing to do.
DEWA - look at “Auto Pay” for supported banks, then set up via Dubai Now app
ADDC - follow instructions to “Set up Auto Pay” which will allow you to pay by debit or credit card, or “Direct Debit” for payments directly from your account
Du - Set up Auto Pay from “My Account” either on their app or through the website
e& / etisalat - Go to this link and set up Auto Pay using one of their methods
For other providers - Google the name of your provider + “autopay” and, if available, this should come up with the right results.
💳 Credit card and loan payments
Missing a credit card or loan payment will have a significant impact on your credit score. It's not worth the risk of doing this manually every month. Some financial institutions will take care of this for you but others won't so be sure to check.
Our solution: Set up autopayments with your bank. If your loan or credit card is with the same bank as your current account, you can have the right amount leave your account on a set date every month (this is called direct debit). Contact your bank to set this up.
💰 Automatic savings transfer
"Paying yourself first" is an important principle we recommend you follow. When your salary hits your bank account, make sure you transfer your savings first so that money is securely locked away.
Our solution: Set up a monthly standing order. Your budget should tell you how much you can save each month. Head to your banking portal and set up a standing order to automatically transfer that amount into your savings account every month the day after you get paid.
🧮 Monthly budgeting
Yes, spending time on your budget and moving money around can feel like a chore. But it's important to your financial well-being. Getting it done will also give you a dopamine boost!
Our solution: Block monthly budgeting time in your calendar. Once you've done all your tasks reward yourself with your favourite treat. That should help with motivation!
Do the 4 things above and we guarantee, you will free up time and feel better for it afterwards.
If you managed to automate anything else in your personal finances, get in touch and tell us so we can share it with others too!
IN THE NEWS - New symbol for the UAE Dirham announced
Last week saw the UAE Central Bank's announcement of a new symbol for the Dirham, a letter D with two horizontal lines going through it.
There are two versions of the symbol - one for the physical Dirham and one for the digital version (expect more on this soon). See the symbol in this Arab News article.
Disclaimer: Please bear in mind that this email does not constitute financial advice. Any choices you make you are solely responsible for. We always aim to provide highest quality, independent views but do your own research to ensure you’re comfortable with any changes you make to your personal finances.
