Eight Steps to Review, Organize, and Tidy Your Accounts for 2026

The turn of the calendar page to a new year often inspires acts of cleaning and organizing. It feels good to declutter, put things in their place, and sweep away the residual dust and debris from the previous year. A literal clean start to the new year feels good!

So why not apply that to your finances, too? 

I created a framework that takes you through two steps for each of the next four weeks. If that feels too overwhelming, extend it to six or even eight weeks - whatever pace works best for you!

Below is an overview of the framework. Download a PDF of the checklist at the bottom of this post.

Week 1: Reflection & Intention

Before you evaluate your accounts, start with YOU.

Clarify your current financial values
Money values evolve. What mattered to you a few years ago may no longer be a priority. Take a moment to identify the money-based values that are meaningful to you now - things like security, freedom, generosity, retirement, legacy, or self-improvement.

Name your financial goals and desires
Where do you want to be financially by the end of this year? In three years? What experiences do you want to enjoy or save for?

When values, goals, and desires are identified, your clarity fosters intentional decisions that feel aligned with who you are and what you want.

Week 2: Review

Before you begin your review, set aside any self-judgment or criticism. This week allows you to see where you are, celebrate your progress, express gratitude for what you have, and notice where you want to adjust.

Review your savings, checking, retirement, and investment accounts
Look at balances, withdrawals, and deposits. Make notes. Notice where you feel good and where you feel misaligned.

Review credit cards, loans, and other debt accounts
Check balances, payment amounts, interest rates, and due dates. Take notes. Celebrate your progress and notice where you want to make changes.

Gain a clear understanding of where you are, so you can move forward to what is next.

Week 3: Organize & Adjust

Based on your review in Week Two, take action to apply that clean, fresh start feeling to your finances. 

Organize your accounts to create financial ease
Consolidate, close, or open accounts to support your goals. Update passwords. Adjust auto-pay and auto-transfers so your systems work in alignment with what you want.

Make adjustments to allocations, payments, and contributions
Make shifts to align your accounts with your financial values, goals, and desires. Small tweaks can make a big difference over the course of a year!

Take action this week to create synergy between your financial values, goals, and desires.

Week 4: Plan for Maintenance & Move Forward

This week is about sustainability and celebration!

Check your credit report
Visit annualcreditreport.com to review your credit report for free. Check one reporting agency every four months to stay aware of any errors or fraud. Take action now to add a reminder to your calendar.

Celebrate your financial wizardry
Do a little dance to soak in the good vibes of being fully aware and aligned in your financial life! Then plan out the steps to complete a monthly mini-review, so you stay aligned with your goals and desires throughout the year.

Maintain your awareness to build long-term financial ease.

A Clean Start That Lasts

This framework is an opportunity to review, organize, and tidy your financial accounts. When complete, you’ll feel aligned and motivated to continue the momentum at a pace that works for you. Notice your confidence grow and feel empowered as the year goes on. 

Get the PDF of the eight-step checklist here.

While you’re at it, why not boost your financial wellness in other ways, too? Join my free MONEY MATTERS list to receive a monthly email, each with a different money-related task or challenge, that helps you build your money mindset and grow your personal wealth.

The purpose of this post is to provide information and education (& hopefully some entertainment!). I am not a financial, medical, or mental health professional, so please do not interpret my words as the direction of a financial planner, doctor, or therapist.

I know you're smart and will ALWAYS consult with your physician or another appropriate, accredited professional before implementing any changes to your investments, diet, medication, lifestyle, exercise regimen, supplement regimen, or health practices. After all, you're here to live well, right??

Seriously - consult with your financial or healthcare team and assess your own risk. Verify what you find on the internet. I care about you!