Wednesday, 17 September 2025

Spring Is Here — Time to Clean Up Your Finances Too 

As the days get longer and the air feels fresher, many of us turn to spring cleaning — clearing out closets, washing windows, and tackling those projects we’ve put off all winter. But have you ever thought about giving your finances the same treatment? Just like a cluttered house, a cluttered financial life can hold you back. 

Here are some simple, practical steps to help you do a “financial spring clean.” 

 

  1. Dust Off Your Budget
  • Review where your money has been going over the past few months. 
  • Cancel unused subscriptions or memberships that drain your account. 
  • Adjust spending categories (groceries, utilities, entertainment) to reflect your current lifestyle. 

Tip: Even small tweaks — like cutting $50/month in unnecessary costs — can add up to $600/year saved. 

 

  1. Wipe Away Old Debt
  • List all debts (credit cards, loans, buy-now-pay-later accounts) with their balances and interest rates. 
  • Prioritize repayments, starting with high-interest debts first. 
  • Consider consolidating to simplify repayments and reduce interest. 

Tip: Paying off even one small debt can give you momentum and motivation. 

 

  1. Organize Your Credit Report
  • Request a copy of your credit report from all three major bureaus. 
  • Check for errors or outdated information that could drag down your score. 
  • If you spot mistakes, take steps to dispute or correct them. 

Tip: A cleaner credit report can unlock better finance options — just like a freshly cleaned room makes you feel lighter. 

 

  1. Freshen Up Your Savings Goals
  • Set aside time to revisit your short- and long-term goals (holiday, emergency fund, house deposit). 
  • Automate transfers into a savings account so you don’t have to think about it. 
  • Consider seasonal costs coming up — like summer holidays — and start planning ahead now. 

Tip: Even $20/week automatically saved grows to over $1,000 in a year. 

 

  1. Plant Seeds for Future Growth
  • Review your superannuation or retirement contributions. 
  • Look at opportunities to invest or grow wealth over the long term. 
  • Don’t just clean — set yourself up for a brighter financial future. 

Tip: Think of it like planting a garden: the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll enjoy the harvest. 

 

Final Thoughts 

Spring is about renewal and new beginnings. By giving your finances the same attention you give your home, you’ll clear away old clutter, uncover opportunities, and create space for financial growth. 

 This season, commit to one financial “spring clean” step each week. By the time summer arrives, you’ll feel lighter, clearer, and more in control.