Have you ever used the phrase “get your ducks in a row”? Maybe you’ve said it before a big project or when life feels a little chaotic—but have you ever stopped to wonder where it actually comes from?
Some reckon the saying goes back to the 18th century and was inspired by a line of ducklings following their mother in a neat little row—orderly, calm, and heading in the right direction. Others suggest it originated in the world of bowling, where early pins were nicknamed “ducks” and needed to be reset correctly after each frame. Either way, it’s all about getting organised and ready to take action.
So, what does it really mean today? In short: to sort things out before making your next move. And when it comes to money and life goals, that’s a pretty handy mindset to have.
Why it matters now more than ever
Many of us are still feeling the ripple effects of the last few years—whether it’s financial stress, burnout, or just trying to get back on track after life threw us off course. The good news? You don’t need to have everything perfect. You just need to start getting those ducks lined up.
Here’s how to get your money ducks in a row:
- Know where your money’s going
Start with the basics. Look at your spending habits over the last month or two. You might be surprised how much goes on takeaway, subscriptions you’ve forgotten about, or those little ‘tap and go’ splurges. Awareness is step one. - Build a simple budget (yes, it can be painless!)
I always say a budget isn’t about missing out on the good stuff—it’s about making sure you’re in control. Want that weekend away or new gadget? Great. But know where it fits in your overall cashflow. There are free budget tools on The Money Sandwich site and over at MoneySmart to get you started. - Pay yourself first
Before anything else—rent, bills, coffee—put a set amount aside into a savings account. It could be $50, it could be more. It’s not about the number; it’s about making saving a habit. - Prioritise and set a goal
Maybe it’s getting out of credit card debt, building an emergency fund, or saving for a home deposit. Pick one, write it down, and make a plan. One goal at a time makes it more manageable—and way less stressful. - Reassess and review
Life changes. So should your budget and goals. Set a time each month to check in on how things are going and adjust if needed. Like ducklings, your priorities might wobble a bit, but keep steering them forward.
The beauty of this saying is it’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. So if your financial life has felt more like a flock of headless chooks lately, take a breath, pick one small thing to change, and start lining up those ducks.
Because when your ducks are in a row, you can move forward with confidence—and a lot less stress.
Marc Bineham – Speaker, Coach, and award-winning author of The Money Sandwich