As the year draws to a close, it’s a natural time to pause and reflect - not just on the year that’s passed, but on how prepared you feel for the year ahead. A short financial check-in before 31st December can help make life easier, reduce uncertainty and give you confidence going into the new year.
You don’t need to make big changes. Often, it’s the small reviews that bring the greatest peace of mind.
Here are five simple things worth checking before the year ends.
1. Make Sure Your Insurance Still Fits Your Life
Life doesn’t stand still and insurance shouldn’t either. Whether you’ve moved home, made improvements, changed vehicles, or experienced family or work changes, your cover may no longer reflect your day-to-day reality. A quick review can remove a lot of uncertainty.
Taking time to review your home, car, life or business insurance helps ensure:
- You’re not paying for cover you no longer need
- Your protection reflects your life as it is now
- You’re not under-insured without realising
2. Check Where You Are with Your Mortgage
Mortgages often run quietly in the background - until a rate changes or a fixed term ends. Knowing where you stand can make life much easier and awareness now means fewer surprises later.
Before the year ends, it’s worth checking:
- When your current fixed-rate finishes
- What happens when it does
- Whether it’s time to start thinking about next steps
3. Look for Any Gaps in Your Protection
Protection is about making sure life can continue if something unexpected happens. As responsibilities change, it’s easy for gaps to appear, especially around income and family security.
A simple sense-check can help you understand:
- How long your savings would last if income stopped
- Whether your household could manage on one income
- Whether your cover still matches your responsibilities
4. Give Your Budget a Quick Reset
Rising living costs mean many people are spending more without realising where the money is going. A short budget review can help you feel more in control, and with small adjustments now, you can ease pressure in the months ahead.
Focus on:
- Subscriptions and direct debits
- Regular monthly commitments
- Seasonal or forgotten costs
5. Set Yourself Up for a Calm Start to the New Year
One of the simplest ways to make life easier is to plan ahead. Starting the new year knowing where you stand and what your options are removes a lot of stress.
A financial review at the start of the year can help you:
- Feel organised rather than reactive
- Make decisions with confidence
- Focus on what matters most to you
A simpler way to start the new year
A short year-end financial check can make a meaningful difference to how you start 2026. Reviewing these key areas now could help you avoid surprises, identify opportunities and feel more in control of your finances.
At Cherry Godfrey, we’re here to help you review your finances and budgets, insurance, and mortgage and protection needs with advice that values you; tailored to your life, your plans and your priorities.
Book a January review with Cherry Godfrey and start your year with confidence.
