The Ultimate Guide to Spring Cleaning Your Finances

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[{"selector":"#anim-acaf3aeb-bffa-4046-b9cb-7350097071f8","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-ebe3f887-c264-40f2-adca-8c1657ee8e59","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] It’s that time of year again – the sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and it’s time to do some financial spring cleaning. Learn more

[{"selector":"#anim-da549fdb-4f49-4222-af6e-64ad8bd4504d","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-e33ad51c-f2ec-4936-8e46-7376af30f508","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Just like you would clean your house from top to bottom to get rid of all the dirt and dust, you need to do the same thing with your personal finances. Medium Brush Stroke Learn more

1. Unsubscribe From Unused Services

[{"selector":"#anim-1691a916-4a6f-4287-b5b8-2660e53bcc06","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-83e7e7e6-6144-4715-a652-470153f1dd6c","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] The first step is to unsubscribe from any services you are no longer using. Examples are a subscription service, email list or even who you follow on social media account. Learn more

2. Update Your Budget

[{"selector":"#anim-a18abb5c-0d27-41d1-8c1a-20b7fb976c77","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-b9694d10-4614-44ec-bcc0-3a63425440c7","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] The second step is to update your budget. Take a look at your income and expenses and see where you can make changes. Learn more

It’s essential to be realistic about what you can and cannot change don’t try to overhaul your budget overnight. Just make minor tweaks that will help you save money over time.

3. Go Through and Organize Financial Documents

[{"selector":"#anim-a41bed59-2761-43dc-acaa-55d5ecc7ba89","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-a2fbd8f3-222d-4c5d-8de3-3c08f4ca4fe3","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] The third step is to go through and organize your financial documents. Go over your bank statements, credit card bills, retirement plans. Learn more

It’s a good idea to create folders or labels for each type of document so that you can find what you need quickly and easily. It is crucial to keep track of your documents when you need them.

4. Review Your Insurance Policies

[{"selector":"#anim-49487cd4-ce3b-4982-b4bd-c75c42bb6dd8","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-0407ce27-7ecd-466d-a299-dcfa34d2cd05","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] If you have any questions about your policies, now is the time to call your insurance agent. Don’t wait until something happens, and then realize that you’re not covered. Learn more

It’s better to be safe than sorry, so make sure you understand your insurance policies. You may also find that you can save money by switching to a different insurance company.

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[{"selector":"#anim-7cd903f6-d596-4f8c-93ac-1e5205d08d28","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-2d68584e-189e-4d93-ab3a-99c2c6090d83","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free quiz matches you with fiduciary financial advisors in your area or who serve your area. If you are ready to be matched with financial advisors that can help you achieve your financial goals, take the quiz now. Take Quiz Now!