A year-end money review is one quiet hour to look back at your money with curiosity instead of judgement, and to choose one direction for next year. These 15 prompts make it easy. You don't need your bank statements open for most of them.
Before you start
- Pick a calm time between Christmas and New Year, or a quiet evening in December.
- Make a warm drink. Light a candle if you like.
- Write by hand if you can. It slows the mind down.
- Skip any prompt that doesn't fit. This is yours.
Part 1: Looking back
- What am I proud of with money this year, however small?
- What was my best money decision of 2026?
- What purchase brought me real joy? Why?
- What did I spend on that I wouldn't choose again?
- When did I feel most anxious about money? What was happening?
Part 2: Understanding
- What money habit kept showing up, for better or worse?
- Who or what influenced my spending most this year?
- When did I avoid looking at my money? What was I afraid of seeing?
- What did I learn about what I actually value?
- Where did I say yes when I wanted to say no?
Part 3: Looking forward
- How do I want to feel about money by next December?
- What is one money habit I want to keep in 2027?
- What is one money habit I'm ready to let go of?
- What's one boundary that would protect my money and my peace?
- What's the smallest first step I could take in January?
After you write
Read your answers back and circle one sentence that feels most important. That's your direction for 2027. Not a resolution, not a rule. A direction. If you want more prompts for the year ahead, see our 30 money journal prompts.
Why a gentle review works better than a resolution
Resolutions often start with what's wrong. A review starts with what happened, which is far easier to face. When you understand the patterns behind your money, change feels less like willpower and more like a choice. There's research behind writing things down, too: read the science of journaling.
Take your review further in 2027
The Complete Collection includes all three Matriarch workbooks, the Money Dashboard, the No-Spend Challenge, the Holiday Planner and an exclusive Matriarch Money Calendar 2027: one theme, three small actions and a monthly money date for every month of the year.
€109 instead of €121.99 bought separately · Digital download
Want to start smaller? The 7-Day Money Anxiety Reset is free.
Frequently asked questions
What should I include in a year-end money review?
What worked, what didn't, how money made you feel, and one direction for next year. Numbers help, but reflection matters just as much.
When is the best time to do a year-end money review?
The quiet days between Christmas and New Year are ideal, or any calm evening in December.
Do I need my bank statements?
Not for these prompts. If you'd like to add numbers, a quick look at your yearly spending categories is enough.
Save these prompts for a quiet evening in December.
Educational content only. Not personalised financial advice.