News and Community
News and Community

8 Ways to Spring Clean Your Finances

Spring cleaning traditionally refers to cleaning and organizing your home – but it’s also a great practice to freshen up your finances. In this post, we will review several ways to declutter your financial life.
 

1. Start Small

Empty out your purse or wallet and discard any old receipts or outdated coupons. Evaluate your collection of credit, debit, and membership cards and determine if they still serve a purpose for your financial goals. Try to fill your purse or wallet with only what you use.
 

2. Organize Your Financial Documents

Gather all your financial documents, including bank statements, tax returns, policies, and investment statements. Should you invest in a physical filing system? Or would you benefit from digitizing your paper documents? Label each document clearly and store it in a secure place. Shred and dispose of any documents that you no longer need to keep.
 

3. Go Paperless

Reduce the paper clutter accumulating in your home by signing up for e-Statements and online bill pay. Digital documents are simple to organize, sort, and search, making it easier to find what you need quickly. Create a folder in your inbox to store important financial email communications.
 

4. Consolidate Your Accounts

If you have multiple bank accounts and credit cards, consider consolidating them. Choose accounts with favorable interest rates and features that align with your needs. Having fewer accounts can help you keep track of your budget while reducing the risk of incurring fees or missing payments.
 

5. Reallocate Your Budget

Take a close look at your income and expenses to identify areas where you can cut back and save. Can you reduce dining out, cancel unused subscriptions, or find a more affordable phone plan? Use this opportunity to reallocate funds to more meaningful areas by setting up automatic transfers towards your savings goals or debt repayment.
 

6. Inventory Your Debt

Make a comprehensive list of all your debts, including the creditor names, due dates, outstanding balances, interest rates, and minimum monthly payments. Prioritize your list by highest interest rate and make a repayment plan to work towards financial freedom. As you pay down high balances, your credit score may also improve.
 

7. Review Your Credit Report

Your credit score plays a significant role in your financial health, so it's essential to review your credit report regularly. Request a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and check for any inaccuracies. Dispute any errors you find to ensure that your credit report is an accurate reflection of your creditworthiness.
 

8. Download the FBBmobile app

Manage your money more efficiently with the help of your smart device. Download the FBBmobile app on your mobile phone or tablet to access your Farm Bureau Bank® accounts, transfer funds, deposit checks, pay bills, and more.

Spring cleaning is not limited to decluttering and organizing your physical space. Take time to set yourself up for financial success by refreshing your finances and reevaluating your financial goals

Tags:   financial tips, personal finance,