Spring isn’t just for dusting off shelves and organizing closets—it’s the perfect time to tidy up your financial life, too! Just like your home, your budget, spending habits, and savings strategies can accumulate a bit of clutter over time. At Money Saving Duo, we believe that a little intentional effort can go a long way in helping you save more and stress less.
Please note: This post may contain affiliate links that when clicked, may result in us being financially compensated for directing you there.
Here are five smart ways to spring clean your finances and set yourself up for a successful year ahead:
1. Review and Refresh Your Budget
Think of your budget like a junk drawer—it needs a good clean-out now and then. Start by comparing your current expenses to what you budgeted at the beginning of the year. Are there any subscriptions you no longer use? Has your grocery bill crept up? Adjust your spending categories to reflect your current lifestyle and goals. Consider using a budgeting tool like YNAB or Monarch (which is the one we currently use), or a simple spreadsheet to track things more clearly.
Related: Why We Chose Monarch Money When Our Favorite Money App Decided to Come to An End
2. Unsubscribe and Unfollow
Marketing emails and social media ads can be a real temptation when you’re trying to save. Use this season to hit “unsubscribe” on promotional emails from retailers you don’t shop at regularly and unfollow influencers or brands that prompt impulse purchases. Out of sight, out of cart!
3. Automate Your Savings
Make saving a no-brainer by automating it. If you haven’t already, set up a direct transfer from your checking to your savings account—either with every paycheck or once a month. Even small amounts add up over time. You can also check if your bank offers “round-up” savings features that put your spare change to work.
Want your savings to go even further? Consider a higher yield savings account. We use Wealthfront for ours and currently get a 4% APY. Sign up through our referral link below and you’ll also get a 0.50% APY boost for up to 3 months.
4. Clean Up Your Credit
Take a few minutes to check your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com, which allows you to get free reports from each of the three major bureaus. Look for any errors or suspicious activity. If your score could use a boost, consider setting reminders to pay bills on time or paying down high-interest debt more aggressively.
5. Reevaluate Your Goals
Just like your home evolves with the seasons, so should your financial goals. Are you saving for a summer vacation, a new car, or building an emergency fund? Update your goals to match your current priorities. Use visual reminders like a savings tracker or goal thermometer to stay motivated!
Spring is all about new beginnings—and your finances deserve a fresh start, too. Tidy up, tune in, and take control of your money this season. Your future self will thank you!
Resources shared in this post:
- YNAB (https://www.ynab.com)
- Wealthfront (https://www.wealthfront.com/c/affiliates/invited/AFFB-WZTF-SHQR-O1IU)
- Annual Credit Report (https://annualcreditreport.com)