With Hobonichi recently announcing their 2026 line-up, I’ve been reflecting on which planner would fit my life next year. More than just choosing a cover or layout, I find myself asking: What aspects of my life do I actually want to track or write down next year? Hopefully, that’ll help me figure out which Hobonichi feels right for me.

My Current Setup: Hobonichi Weeks Mega

This year, I’ve been using the Hobonichi Weeks Mega as my main journaling tool (read: How I Set Up My Hobonichi Weeks Mega). While I love its spacious notes section, I sometimes feel it’s a bit excessive for what I truly need. That leaves me with two options: either switch to a different Hobonichi style or stick with the Weeks Mega but create a setup that feels more effective and intentional.

Interestingly, during this period of considering, a thought came to me: I want to start tracking anomalies in my spending.

Why Spending Anomalies Matter to Me

Every year, there are certain months where my spending spikes. Sometimes I manage to save a lot, but other times I dip into my savings. I already keep detailed financial records in an Excel sheet, but I thought having a visual reminder inside my journal would feel great. It feels more immediate and more personal.

At the same time, I’m not sure if handwriting my spending anomalies in a Hobonichi is necessary. Would it really help me, or would it take up space I could use for something else? If I decide to do it, I’ll need a smart, simple way to visualize it without overcomplicating my pages.

What Triggered This Thought

This idea came up recently after I moved to a new apartment. Moving expenses, like paying a moving company and buying essentials for the new place, reminded me how certain months carry unusual financial weight. It made me realize that tracking these spikes, even in a minimal way, could help me better understand my financial rhythm throughout the year.

Journaling as a Way of Processing Decisions

I decided to write down that thought as part of my search for my Hobonichi soulmate for 2026. While jotting it in my journal, which also doubles as a blog post and a continuation of my Hobonichi 2026 wishlist, I was reminded of something almost too obvious: I already track my budget in Excel. The realization appeared like a spark of magic as the words spilled onto the page, even I was surprised by this feeeling when it happened. It was as if my thoughts, once released through handwriting, wandered through my mind, stumbled upon a familiar corner, and whispered,“you already have the tool you need.” That moment of clarity also nudged me to question whether adding yet another budgeting system would truly be wise.

I realized (for the nth time) then that the act of handwriting, even in the simplest form, brings a sense of order and perspective. Putting pen to paper captures a thought. It reshapes it, making it sharper, calmer, easier to see for what it really is.

I still haven’t made a final decision on how I’ll track spending anomalies next year. But one thing feels certain: writing down my thoughts, doubts, and even small confusions helps me slow down and approach choices with more care. And in this case, it’s about something as simple yet meaningful as choosing the right journaling tools for my next Hobonichi journey.

Every time I sit down to write, I’m reminded of this truth: even the simplest act of handwriting can unlock unexpected feelings and insights, like small gifts waiting quietly on the page.