Journal prompts
20 journal prompts about money
Most money decisions are older than the spreadsheet they end up in. These questions start with what you were taught and work forward to what you do now.
Almost nobody arrives at their money habits by reasoning. They absorb whatever was normal in the house they grew up in, then supply the reasons afterwards. That is why this list opens with what you were taught rather than with what you earn.
From there it works forward through the practical things: where the money actually goes, how you feel about debt, what you have been avoiding looking at. Question eleven is the one most people find uncomfortable and the one worth sitting with. The last few turn to what you want next. There is no budgeting advice here and nothing to fill in. This is about the part of money that is not arithmetic, which is most of the part that decides what you do with it.
If you share your money with someone, this list works well answered separately and compared. Most arguments about money are arguments between two different childhoods, and the first four questions surface that faster than any conversation about the current account is going to.
The prompts
Complete the following sentence: for me, money means …
You can complete this sentence in a multitude of ways. Sit on it for a while and feel free to explain the reasoning behind your answer. Common ways to answer the question include: money is .. a means to an end, a piece of freedom or very much a struggle.
What were you taught about money growing up?
Can you describe what you were taught about spending money and saving money? How would your parents react to your purchase decisions growing up?
Can you tell the tale of your financial past?
Try to take your beliefs into account. How was your childhood, career, and do the values align with your story?
What is your money philosophy?
Everyone sees money in their own unique way. How do you see money at this time? Is it merely a means to an end? Or is there more to it?
Where does your money go?
Try to think of common categories such as housing, groceries, leisure, etc. Which spending category do you need to reduce? Is this possible short term?
How do you earn your money?
Try to dig deeper than just your profession. Is your earning based on time, effort, or value you deliver? For example, are you paid per hour, or paid based on a deliverable.
Is there a direct relationship between your time and income?
For example, are you paid per hour, and is that pay the only income you receive? If so, time and income would be very connected. Having primarily passive income, or getting paid per sale of a product would be the opposite and signify a very loose relationship between time and income.
How do you think about savings?
Write down anything that comes to mind. Is there a set amount you aim to save? Is it ever enough? Would an interest rate motivate you to save more?
What are your thoughts on debt?
It is very likely that you will be in debt at least at one point in your life. This could be your mortgage, a student loan, or perhaps payments towards a car. How does it feel to be in debt and make the payments? Does it incur a particular feel?
How does it feel to spend money on something you enjoy?
Consider if this answer differs depending on a particular expense. For example, it might feel different to spend money on new shoes than it does on a utility. How does it feel 5 minutes after spending money? What about 5 days or 5 months?
What aspect of your finances do you avoid?
Knowing your weak spots is a good tactic towards improving your financial situation. This can be anything from filling out paperwork, changing bank accounts to managing your credit. Is there a person who can help you to manage your weaknesses?
What financial decision are you most proud of?
This could be landing that dream job, buying stocks, or gaining equity. But remember, it doesn’t have to be a big decision; even small ones are worth noting.
What financial decision do you regret the most?
This does not have to be a big one; simply write down the one that most jumps out to you. It can be events like making a purchase, buying stock, or rejecting a job offer.
Can you name one purchase that delivered you incredible value for money?
Value for money is very subjective. It can surprise you how often the smallest (least considered) purchase brings the largest happiness. If it’s a bigger purchase, what made its value for money so memorable?
Do you prefer security over a higher payout?
A higher payout often comes with a higher degree of risk. While with higher security, you will have a good idea of the outcome. These decisions come into play while investing in objects, stocks, or taking out loans.
What is your next money milestone?
Most people define a financial milestone. It’s not always written down; sometimes it only lives inside our heads. For example, when you start your first day job, your milestone may be to make enough money to purchase a house. Do you have a financial milestone currently? And if not, can you define one that is worth pursuing?
Do you have strong feelings towards the financial situation of a loved one?
Having strong feelings about other people you know well can signify how you feel about your own financial do’s and don’ts. Can you describe the strong feelings you are experiencing and why you are feeling this way?
What does it do to you when you receive money from someone?
How do you feel while receiving money? Do you feel different when nothing is expected in return?
Are you in control of your financial destiny? And do you know where to find support when you need it?
Try to answer this one on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being you are in total control and 1 being you feel overwhelmed and stretched to the end of each month. Can you pinpoint where you could gain more control?
How would you see your ideal financial future?
Try to encompass your finance in entirety. What does your income look like? Do you have any savings, stocks, or other equities? Try to be positive but realistic in your expectations. Your vision of the future can easily change as you progress through life.
Prompts that keep your answers
These lists are yours to use anywhere, and a notebook works perfectly well. If you would rather the questions came to you, and kept every answer in one place so you can read them back later, that is what Luci does. Over 600 prompts across twenty topics, and when a question comes round again it shows you what you said last time.
All journal prompt topicsSee how guided prompts work in Luci
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