Spring is often synonymous with new beginnings, so why not get a fresh start on your finances and give them a good spring cleaning?
Here are five tips to get you started on your fresh start:
1. Give Your Budget a Refresh
Dust off your budget and make sure you’re fully aligned with your spending. It might be time to reallocate funds to bigger priorities or cut back on streaming services or dining out. You may also decide that your current budget situation isn’t working and try a different approach.
2. Destroy and Digitize Old Docs
Spring cleaning means getting rid of old files. But if they’re financial docs, you’ll want to make sure you shred them before tossing them. For those you want to keep, go digital by scanning them with apps like Scannable, Adobe Scan, or Microsoft Lens. Next, go paperless, making tracking your finances easier online and more eco-friendly.
3. Check Your Credit Report
You should check your credit report at least once a year to get a good overview of your credit health. This will allow you to dispute any inaccuracies or discrepancies and stay proactive against fraud. You can access your three credit reports (Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian) for free by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com. You won’t get your credit score, but it’s not necessary if you are just checking for what is being reported and if there are any errors listed.
4. Start Saving
Spring is also a good time to start good habits, like putting money towards savings. While saving for your future is a must for financial health, it’s also a good idea to start putting some savings away for the holidays. It might seem early, but it's too late by the time October or November rolls around—and no one likes starting the new year off in debt.
5. Spring Clean With a DMP
Credit card debt can seriously clutter up your finances. With interest rates at historic highs, paying them off is no easy feat. However, by enrolling in a debt management program (DMP) through a credit counseling agency, you can consolidate your credit cards and reduce your interest rate to pay them off in three to five years—giving you a new beginning.
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