During winter, it’s easy to settle into a routine of seeking comfort, being less active overall, and waiting for warmer days. The issue is that our tendencies to hibernate during the colder months can spill into how we manage our daily finances. The colder months, due to the holiday season and the increased spending on utilities, among other factors, seemingly encourage a more lax attitude towards budgeting and financial discipline compared to other months of the year. Now that winter is almost over and spring is upon us, let’s consider the following 5 financial spring cleaning tips aimed at helping you bring your best financial plan into the light. 

1. Reevaluate your budget. With the first quarter of the year closing, it’s an opportune period to assess your budgetary practices. Analyze spending trends, assess your priorities in life, and plan ahead to ensure healthy fiscal behaviors, especially ahead of the costly summer travel season. It’s challenging to chart a new path forward without this full understanding of where you’ve been.
2. Build an emergency fund. Recent times have underscored the importance of having a safety net. A Bankrate survey indicated that nearly 22% of Americans do not have any emergency savings. Start with a modest goal, say $500, then incrementally notch it up to reach at least 6 months of total income in your emergency savings. 
3. Manage existing debts. Remember, not all debt is bad. For instance, strategic investments like student or mortgage loans can bend towards long-term profitability. However, remaining oblivious to the urgency of high-interest debts can derail your financial stability. While you’re evaluating your budget, strategize a plan for reducing such liabilities. 
4. Prioritize retirement planning. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that 50% of women and 47% of men between the ages of 55 and 66 have no retirement savings. It’s never too early to start preparing, so review your 401k, IRA, or other retirement strategies and fine-tune as necessary. Target 15-20% of your annual pay for retirement savings to maintain your standard of living after 65.
5. Revisit your choices in credit cards. A 2017 Experian study found that the average American consumer has 3.1 credits cards. If you find yourself among these ranks, dedicate some time to understand if you are truly maximizing your credit card benefits, and if not, consider consolidating or staggering your spending.

This spring, take a hard look at where you’ve been these past few months of winter and take note of what’s aligned with your values, and what isn’t. Don’t hesitate to cut what isn’t working, and use the change in season to breathe new life into motivating yourself to build a plan for the life you want. Prioritize what’s most important, cut at what isn’t, then use available technologies such as the financial management app Piere to review your entire financial picture and solidify a plan for turning over that new leaf. With your goals completely aligned and a sense of having gained control of your money picture, your financial life will bloom and blossom for years to come.