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Ah, spring. The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, and if you’re like most people, you’re suddenly overcome with the urge to declutter your home, organize your closet, and tackle those long-overdue projects. But while you’re dusting off shelves and packing up those questionable fashion choices from a decade ago, there’s one area you shouldn’t ignore—your finances.

Much like that overstuffed junk drawer, your budget and investments can accumulate clutter over time. Maybe you’re spending more than you realize on things you don’t need, your savings goals have shifted, or your investments aren’t working as hard for you as they should be. Now is the perfect time to clean things up and set yourself up for a fresh financial season.

So grab your metaphorical mop and let’s get to work.

Declutter Your Budget

You know those forgotten subscription services, unnecessary fees, and impulse buys that sneak into your spending? Time to sweep them out.

A good place to start is by reviewing your last three months of bank and credit card statements. Take a look at:

• Subscriptions you don’t use – That streaming service you signed up for to watch one show? That gym membership you forgot about? If you’re not using it, cancel it.
• Recurring charges that have gone up – Many services increase prices over time without you noticing. Check for price hikes on phone bills, streaming services, or insurance premiums and see if you can negotiate a better rate or switch providers.
• Everyday spending that adds up – $5 coffee here, $20 takeout there—it doesn’t seem like much in the moment, but it adds up fast. If you’re spending more than you’d like, set a limit for non-essential expenses.

Decluttering your budget isn’t about cutting out all the fun—it’s about making sure your money is going where it actually matters. A few simple adjustments can free up hundreds of dollars a month that you can put toward bigger financial goals.

Dust Off Your Savings Plan

Your savings plan might have made sense last year, but does it still fit your life now? If you’ve had a change in income, new expenses, or shifting financial priorities, now is the time to reassess.

Here’s how to refresh your savings plan for the season:

• Increase your automatic savings. If you got a raise or have a little extra room in your budget, bump up your savings by even $20 or $50 per paycheck. You won’t miss it, but it will add up fast.
• Check your emergency fund. Do you have enough to cover at least three to six months’ worth of expenses? If not, make it a priority to build it up before focusing on other savings goals.
• Adjust for short-term goals. Planning a summer vacation? A home renovation? A big purchase? Now is the time to set aside money so you don’t have to rely on credit cards later.

Spring is a season of renewal, and having a strong savings plan in place will give you peace of mind as you move into the rest of the year.

Refresh Your Investment Strategy

Investments aren’t exactly a “set it and forget it” deal. Just like your closet needs an occasional purge (goodbye, outdated trends), your portfolio needs a regular check-up.

Take a look at:

• Your risk level – Are you taking on more risk than you’re comfortable with? Or playing it too safe when you could be earning more? Make sure your portfolio matches your long-term goals.
• Diversification – Are all your eggs in one basket? If one part of your portfolio is too heavily weighted, it might be time to spread out your investments for a more balanced approach.
• High fees – Some investment accounts come with hidden fees that can quietly eat away at your returns. Take a look at what you’re paying and consider switching to lower-cost options if needed.

If you’re not sure where to start, talk to a financial professional. They can help make sure your investments are working as hard for you as they should be.

Toss Out Bad Money Habits

Spring cleaning isn’t just about getting rid of physical clutter—it’s also the perfect time to clean up financial habits that aren’t serving you.

If you’ve fallen into any of these patterns, now is the time to reset:

• Overspending on convenience – If you’re constantly buying takeout because you don’t feel like cooking or paying for express shipping when you don’t need to, take a step back. A little planning can save you big money.
• Only making minimum payments on credit cards – If you’re carrying a balance, you’re throwing money away on interest. Even small extra payments can help you get debt-free faster.
• Ignoring your budget because it feels overwhelming – If tracking every dollar stresses you out, simplify your system. Use a budgeting app or set up automatic transfers for bills and savings so you don’t have to think about it.

Getting rid of financial clutter isn’t just about numbers—it’s about creating better habits that make managing money easier and less stressful.

Final Thoughts

Spring is the season of renewal, fresh starts, and new opportunities. By taking a little time to declutter your budget, refresh your savings plan, optimize your investments, and break bad money habits, you’ll set yourself up for a stronger financial future.

If you’re not sure where to start, can help you spot areas that need attention and give you a clear path forward.

So as you’re airing out your home and donating those jeans you swore you’d wear again, take a little time to clean up your finances too.
Your future self will thank you.

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