Marie Deary
May 2, 2023
Spring is a time for new beginnings!
Spring is a time for new beginnings, and it's a great time to take stock of your finances and make some positive changes. Here are a few reasons why spring is a good time to spring-clean your finances:
The weather is nicer.
Who doesn't want to spend more time outdoors when the weather is nice? Getting some fresh air and sunshine can help you feel more positive and motivated, which can be helpful when you're trying to make financial changes.
You have more energy.
After a long winter and if you live in California a long rainy season, you're probably feeling more energetic and ready to tackle new challenges. This is the perfect time to start working on your finances.
There are more opportunities.
Spring is a time of new beginnings, and there are often more opportunities available. This could include things like tax breaks, new job opportunities, or even just better deals on products and services.
You're more likely to stick with it.
When you start something new, it's important to stick with it. Spring is a great time to start new habits, and you're more likely to stick with them if you start when you're feeling positive and motivated.
Set some goals.
What do you want to achieve with your finances this spring? Do you want to save for a specific goal, pay off debt, or just get a better handle on your spending? Once you know what you want to achieve, you can start making a plan.
Track your spending.
One of the best ways to get a handle on your finances is to track your spending. This will help you see where your money is going and identify areas where you can cut back. There are many different ways to track your spending, so find a method that works for you.
Create a budget (50/30/20).
Once you know where your money is going, you can create a budget. A budget is a plan for how you will spend your money each month. It can help you stick to your financial goals and avoid overspending. There are many different budgeting methods, so find one that works for you. I recommend the 50/30/20 rule is a budgeting method that suggests dividing your after-tax income into three categories: needs, wants, and savings. The rule states that 50% of your income should be spent on needs, 30% on wants, and 20% on savings.
Pay off debt.
If you have debt, it's important to make a plan to pay it off as quickly as possible. The longer you carry debt, the more interest you will pay. There are many different debt payoff strategies, so find one that works for you.
Automate your finances.
Automating your finances can help you save time and money. You can automate your bill payments, your savings, and even your investments. This will help you stay on track with your financial goals and avoid overspending.
Review your finances regularly.
t's important to review your finances regularly to make sure you are on track. This will help you identify any areas where you need to make adjustments. You can review your finances monthly, quarterly, or annually.