A couple of hours in December makes January much easier. Work through this list between the holidays.
- Review 2026 spending. Add up the big categories and note surprises.
- Take a net worth snapshot. List assets and debts with today's balances.
- Check debts. Balances, rates and which to pay first.
- List irregular 2027 costs and set sinking funds with the free sinking funds calculator.
- Draft the 2027 budget with the free 2027 paycheck budget calculator.
- Check benefit deadlines at work, such as flexible spending or open enrollment; ask HR for your plan's dates.
- Start a tax folder for the forms that arrive in January (see how to organize tax documents).
- Plan 2027 time off (how to plan your 2027 PTO).
- Review subscriptions and cancel what you don't use.
- Update passwords and account lists.
- Pay off or plan holiday spending so it doesn't follow you into spring.
- Set 3 money goals for 2027 (2027 money goals).
This is an organizing checklist, not tax, legal or financial advice.
Spreadsheets that help
The 2027 Net Worth Tracker ($8), 2027 Annual Budget & Sinking Funds Planner ($7), Tax Document Organizer ($7) and 2027 PTO & Vacation Tracker ($6) cover most of this list.
Bundles: the 2027 Fresh Start Finance Bundle ($15; $22 separately) has the budget, net worth and tax organizer. The New Year 2027 Money Bundle ($22; $31 separately) adds the Small Business Year-End Review and the PTO tracker. Made with AI assistance.
Free download: 2027 Budget Quick-Start Calculator (pay what you want, $0 is fine).
LB3 Trackers makes its printables and spreadsheets with AI assistance and checks them before listing.