The spring air and smell of blossoming flowers may have you feeling refreshed and motivated. While it could inspire you to do things such as clean your home, it might be a good time to take a look at your finances as well. Dust off your old budget and use these tips to help make your finances shine.

Change Your Spending Habits

Before you begin shopping for spring break or summer vacation, consider reviewing your bank statements. Seeing where you’ve spent your money recently may be a wake-up call and propel you to start saving money. Consider making a list of ways to clean up your finances and save money. For example, you might:

• Cook more meals and take leftovers to work or school
• Cancel any unused subscriptions
• Implement a 24-hour waiting period before making a purchase

Once you have a list of where you can save and a plan for where you’ll spend, stick to your budget. Use savings to strengthen an emergency fund or get out of debt faster.

Shred Old Financial Documents

Clean out that filing cabinet and pitch financial documents you no longer need. Of course, you’ll want to keep your birth certificate and social security card but be careful because some documents have a longer shelf life than others. The following documents are safe to shred right away:

• Paid utility and billing statements
• ATM receipts
• Sales receipts (for products not under warranty)

Documents safe to shred after one year:

• Pay Stubs
• Credit Card statements
• Medical bills (unless in dispute)

You can safely shred your documents at Cinfed’s next Shred event on Saturday, May 18 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m at our Glenway branch.

Plan cheap or at-home activities

Create fun opportunities with your family and friends without breaking the bank. Consider researching local parks or buying a new game or movie to enjoy. This will allow you to stay within your budget and continue putting money away for the future. Here are some cheap and free ideas for family fun.

• Host a backyard cookout or dinner party
• Plan a picnic at a local park
• Buy arts and crafts supplies for an evening of creativity

A few home improvements could lead you to spending more time at home as well. Consider adding new lighting, D-I-Y table and chairs, or a fresh coat of paint to old furniture to revitalize your common area.

A new financial outlook could lead to feeling more confident and satisfied with your overall well-being. While it can be difficult to manage a budget during the spring season, adjusting your spending habits and avoiding expensive activities can make a positive impact. If you’re struggling with your finances, you’re not alone. Schedule an appointment with a Cinfed Financial Coach today.