As December winds down, most of us start switching off. Calendars empty, inboxes quieten, and attention turns to food, family, and a well-earned pause.

But before the year disappears completely, there’s value in asking one simple question:

Is there anything in my financial life that needs tidying up?

Okay, it’s not the most exciting question you’ll ask yourself, but it is an important one. For many people, the biggest financial decisions are already behind them. You know, the big stuff: buying a home, starting a pension, investing for the long term. What’s left are the small, unglamorous actions.

And quietly, it’s these small actions that make a big difference. Think of them as the compound interest of good habits. Nothing dramatic. Just thoughtful, consistent care that leads to peace of mind and long-term security.

With that in mind, here are five practical year-end moves worth your attention before the year comes to a close.

Five Small Moves That Really Matter

The best investors don’t rely on moments of brilliance. They build wealth through steady, intentional action. These five checks won’t take long, but they can help you head into 2026 feeling organised, prepared, and in control.

1. Check your insurance and beneficiaries

This is one of those tasks many people rarely think about, but it can make an enormous difference when it matters most. Take a few minutes to review the beneficiaries listed on your insurance policies. The names you added years ago may no longer reflect your current wishes, and life changes quickly.

It’s also an opportunity to catch any simple administrative errors before they turn into real problems. This ten-minute check could spare your family the stress and frustration of discovering an incorrect beneficiary nomination at claim stage, at a time when they least need added complications.

2. Get your paperwork in order

No one enjoys thinking about worst-case scenarios, but organisation is an act of care. Is your will still up to date? Do the people closest to you know where to find important documents if they ever need them? Think of this as creating a clear roadmap for those you love. A little effort today can prevent confusion and chaos tomorrow. One calm afternoon of sorting might be the most thoughtful gift you give your family this year.

3. Review subscriptions and debit orders

Small monthly payments have a habit of quietly multiplying. The streaming service you meant to cancel. The gym membership you’ll “definitely use next month”. Insurance on a phone you no longer own. Scan through your bank statements and be honest about what’s actually adding value. You may be surprised how much money you free up without changing your lifestyle at all. Every pound saved is a pound that can be put to better use next year.

4. Plan ahead for known expenses

Now is a great time to look into 2026 and ask: What’s coming that I already know about? A car replacement. Home maintenance. University fees. A milestone trip or anniversary. When you plan for these expenses in advance, even roughly, they stop feeling stressful. Setting up separate savings pots for each major expense allows you to pay for future plans calmly, rather than scrambling when the time comes. Prepared money feels very different from reactive money.

5. Deal with the one thing you’ve been avoiding

You already know what this is. You’ve been really good at avoiding it - next-level good. Maybe it’s consolidating old pension pots, finally setting up your powers of attorney, or having that money conversation with your adult children. Whatever it is, consider this your permission slip to tackle it (you're welcome).

The relief of getting it done will far outweigh the discomfort of dealing with it now, and you’ll head into the new year feeling lighter and more in control.

Small Actions. Big Impact.

You don’t need to tackle all five at once, that would be overwhelming! Even completing just two or three puts you ahead of most people, who let the year slip by without any review at all. Focus on what feels most relevant to your life right now, and start there. The very fact that you’re thinking about this says something important. It shows financial maturity. It shows intention. It shows care, for your future, and for the people around you. You don’t need perfect execution. You just need consistent attention to what truly matters.

Take a breath. Tidy up what you can. Then enjoy the holidays knowing you’ve set yourself up well for the year ahead. 🩷