By: Preston Young
As winter fades and spring approaches, many of us start thinking about deep cleaning our homes—dusting forgotten corners, decluttering closets, and finally tackling that garage we’ve been meaning to organize. This year, spring cleaning feels especially relevant for me. Last February, I moved into my house, and now that I’ve had a full year to settle in, it’s the perfect time to tackle those home projects. But just like our homes need a refresh, our finances do too. Taking time to ‘spring clean’ our finances can help set us up for a more organized year.
The first thing I’ve learned about home projects is how easily we accumulate things we don’t need. Items that were once useful end up sitting in boxes, taking up space in the garage or basement. Similarly, our budgets can fill up with expenses we don’t always notice. It’s often the discretionary costs, like dining out, travel, entertainment, or home and auto expenses that slip through the cracks. These are easy to overlook, but they can add up faster than we realize. Taking a close look at where your money is going and cutting out the spending that no longer serves you can free up resources for what truly matters.
Then there are those financial tasks that are a bit like dusting off ceiling fans or power washing the deck — not the most exciting jobs, but necessary. Taking a look at your savings and checking accounts, making sure your emergency fund is solid, and reviewing your investment allocations can all make a meaningful difference. With markets constantly in flux and financial goals evolving, making adjustments now can help keep your long-term plans on track.
Spring also serves as a great reminder to check in on your financial goals. Over the past year, my priorities at home have shifted. Initially, I was focused on unpacking and making the space livable, but now I’m thinking about landscaping projects and upgrades that will add long-term value. Financial goals often evolve the same way. Maybe you’re thinking about buying a vacation home, planning a big vacation, gifting to your children or grandchildren, or adjusting your retirement savings. Taking time to revisit and refine those goals ensures you’re putting your resources where they’ll have the biggest impact.
And just like the garage inevitably needs some serious reorganizing, so do our financial documents. Over the past year, I’ve collected more paperwork than I care to admit. Financial documents can pile up just as quickly, making it hard to find what you need when tax time or major financial decisions come around. Organizing your documents, going paperless where possible, and securely disposing of anything outdated can save you a lot of frustration down the road. (Come visit us at our Shred Event in September!)
Lastly, part of preparing your house for the season means ensuring it’s protected — servicing the HVAC, checking the roof, and confirming insurance coverage. Your finances deserve the same level of care. Reviewing your insurance policies, confirming that your beneficiaries are up to date, and ensuring your estate plan is in order can provide peace of mind. Just like knowing your home is well maintained, knowing your finances are well maintained is just as important.
Spring cleaning, whether it’s for your home or your finances, is about progress, not perfection. It’s a chance to get things in order and feel more in control of your situation. As I work on various projects around the house, from organizing the garage to updating the yard, I’m also focusing on getting my finances in order. It’s reassuring to have both my home and finances aligned as I prepare for the warm days ahead. What about you? What are your spring cleaning goals this year?
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