As your life grows and evolves, it’s only natural for your financial situation to change as well—making it important to check in regularly and keep everything organized and on track.
With warmer weather on the way, this is a great time to do some spring cleaning - not just of your home but of your financial life as well. Taking time to declutter and organize your finances can help you and your family realign your daily financial decisions with your long-term goals.
Here are five practical tips to help you refresh your financial health this season.
Tip # 1: Organize Your Digital Financial Life
In today’s digitally driven world, so much of your financial information lives online—whether through banking apps, investment platforms, budgeting tools, or other services. While these tools can simplify life and keep you connected to important data, they can also create digital clutter.
In the spirit of Spring cleaning, take the opportunity to "declutter" your digital financial life. Start by making a list of your accounts, apps, and subscriptions—especially the ones you pay for. A survey in 2024 found that unused paid subscriptions cost the average person $32.84 per month, adding up to $394.08 annually. That’s money you could redirect toward something more meaningful! [1]
After taking inventory of your accounts, unsubscribe from any services that are no longer relevant to your needs.
As you’re going through this process, take some time to update your passwords and boost your online security. Update old passwords, and if you’ve been reusing the same one for multiple accounts, switch to unique logins for each. A password manager can make this easier by securely storing all your login information, saving you the hassle of remembering dozens of passwords. Enabling two-factor authentication where available is another simple step to add an extra layer of protection.
Finally, consider creating a system to organize your digital financial documents. A secure cloud storage solution can be an excellent option as it will help you and your loved ones more easily access important documents from anywhere—whether for everyday use or in case your physical devices are lost, stolen, or damaged.
Tip # 2: Leverage Technology to Track Spending and Save
Managing your money is easier than ever thanks to advancements in financial technology. From budgeting apps to savings tools, there are plenty of resources designed to give you a real-time look at your spending habits and help you find ways to save more effectively.
Not sure where to begin? Check out popular budgeting apps like YNAB (short for “You Need a Budget”) or Credit Karma, which now includes Mint. These apps can sync with your bank and brokerage accounts, offering an up-to-date overview of your cash flow. They’ll help you categorize spending, track recurring expenses, and even highlight areas where you might be overspending.
Beyond tracking, are useful for identifying patterns and showing you the impact of your financial decision-making over time. They can also help you set and track your progress toward specific goals, like building an emergency fund or saving up for a down payment on a house. Seeing your savings grow can be a powerful motivator to stay on track.
With the right tools, you can take the guesswork out of managing your money and make real strides toward your financial goals.
Tip # 3: Adjust Your Budget for Inflation
Although inflation has eased from its record highs in 2022, it’s still affecting the cost of living—and it’s something we’re likely to see continue in 2025 and beyond. If you haven’t reviewed your budget recently, now is the time to make sure it reflects current expenses—especially if your salary hasn’t kept pace with rising costs. Unless you’ve received a promotion or salary increase on par with (or above) inflation levels, your buying power may be impacted this year.
Start by reassessing your budget to see where changes might be needed. For example, essential expenses like rent or mortgage, groceries, utilities, and transportation may now require a larger share of your budget, which could mean scaling back on non-essential expenses like entertainment or dining out.
This doesn’t mean cutting out all the things you enjoy, but rather finding ways to spend more intentionally. For example, you might opt for home-cooked meals instead of dining out or exploring free community events in place of pricier activities. Small changes like upgrading to energy-efficient appliances or making your home more energy-efficient can also help balance rising utility costs in the long run.
Tip # 4: Reassess Your Emergency Fund
Life has its surprises, which is why a solid financial safety net is so important. An emergency fund can help you avoid relying on high-interest debt and keep your overall financial plan on track when the unexpected happens.
Your emergency fund should have enough money to cover your expenses for three to six months—though some advise having enough to cover an entire year. This money should be in a liquid, easy-to-access account, and set aside strictly for emergencies.
If you haven’t yet built an emergency fund, use this season of Spring cleaning and fresh starts to prioritize establishing and growing one. The key? Give it the same level of importance you would your other important savings goals or financial obligations. Even setting aside just a small amount each month can add up over time. Consider automating your savings so it becomes a regular habit—you’ll ensure steady progress without having to think about it.
Having a well-stocked emergency fund can provide confidence and help you feel more prepared for whatever life may throw your way.
Tip # 5: Automate Your Financial Success
Speaking of automating your savings: anytime you’re able to automate an aspect of your financial life, you’re making it that much easier to ensure your financial priorities remain in check. It’s one of the simplest things you can do to help set yourself up for long-term success, as it reduces the chances of missed payments, overlooked savings goals, or spur-of-the-moment spending.
Putting your retirement plan contributions or savings on autopilot helps ensure you’re consistently building wealth without having to make a conscious decision every month. By essentially “paying” yourself first, you’re better able to prioritize your financial goals before other expenses.
The beauty of automation is that it simplifies your financial life while keeping you steadily moving toward your long-term objectives.
Ready to Get Organized this Spring?
The initial thought of Spring cleaning your finances may feel a bit overwhelming, but just take it one task at a time. Ultimately, the benefits of getting financially organized and decluttered are well worth it as you continue working toward your greater financial goals.
By incorporating the steps we’ve shared, you can use this spring as a chance to reset, refocus, and confidently navigate your financial journey.
Sources:
John J. Diak, CFP® is the Principal & Client Wealth Manager at Oatley & Diak, LLC in Parker, Colorado. He assists clients through many difficult lifestyle changes such as business downturns, retirement planning, divorce, the death of a spouse, and family estate issues among others. Oatley & Diak, LLC is a family-run registered investment advisory (RIA) firm that provides clients with investment management and financial planning services in a hands-on, intimate environment. Learn more about them at oatleydiak.com.
The opinions expressed in this material are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations.
This material was prepared in collaboration with Crystal Marketing Solutions, LLC, and edited using artificial intelligence, based on sources believed to be accurate. This information is for educational purposes only, does not necessarily reflect the views of the presenter or affiliates, and should not be construed as investment, tax, or legal advice.