Journal Prompts for Intentional Spending Habits

Journaling was not a habit that I intentionally started this year, but one day I looked up and realized it had been seamlessly integrated into my everyday routine. From quiet spiritual journaling to recording memories in my One Line A Day journal, I am now using journaling to stay grounded in multiple areas of my life. This habit that seeped into my life also naturally seeped into my financial life as I began to really reflect on where I wanted to see my finances thrive this year. More than just organizing cash inflows and outflows, effective money management also requires emotional input. Starting a finance journal can be one way to help bring awareness to your money mindset and behaviors, and also help visualize your financial goals. [/caption][/caption]

There are many areas in which we could dig into our thoughts and reflections around our finances, but I thought a good place to start would be in an area that we interact with daily: spending decisions. Spending decisions are the core of your money management routine, and reflection and meditation on your spending behaviors help keep your financial goals at the forefront of your mind, propelling you towards meeting that goal via intentional spending. 

Intentional Spending Journal Prompts 

To begin your own finance journal, you just need to grab a pen, a notebook, and maybe a cup of coffee! Take a few minutes to journal what comes to mind with each prompt, and then go deeper with the additional reflection question. Consider any budget action items you want to note at the end of each journal entry to work on in your finances at a later date. 

What spending behaviors did I observe growing up? 

A path forward often starts with reviewing where you’ve been. Reflect on how your parents spent money. Was it in abundance or scarcity? What was a common purchase or a rare treat? 

Further Reflection: How do you think this influenced your current habits? 

What does being intentional with my spending mean to me? 

Discuss whether or not you practice intentional spending habits. What is your definition of intentional spending? When was the last time you followed this definition? 

Further Reflection: Does my spending in the last week reflect my values and priorities? 

How do my current spending habits support my future goals? 

If you have mapped out a budget and planned to save a specific amount each month toward your goal, then every time you make a purchase, that purchase is either moving you closer to or farther away from that goal. Does your spending support the plan you have mapped out for your financial goals? Or does saving toward goals feel like an afterthought with whatever funds are left over at the end of the month? 

Further Reflection: What spending areas are you great at? And where can you improve? 

What is the last thing that I bought that was really worth the money? 

Reflect on a recent purchase. Note how you felt when you bought it and how you felt after some time had passed. Was it worth the money? 

Further Reflection: Why? What value or priority is that feeling connected to? 

Where might my spending habits be triggered by my emotions? 

Meditate on your feelings when you make a purchase. Are your purchases often driven by emotions?   

Further Reflection: Can you identify other ways to manage that emotion? 

Journaling may not seem like the most conventional place to start when you take control of your spending habits, I know. However, having an understanding of the emotions and behaviors underneath the spending can shine a light on why you may be making that purchase decision, and if you want to change it next time you head to the checkout line. 

Kristian Brennon is an Accredited Financial Counselor and Budget Blueprints. Visit Kristian’s FindAnAFC profile to view her services and connect with her on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.