Spring Cleaning Your Finances

Posted On April 25, 2017

We clean out our closets, clean up the garage, why not add your finances to your spring cleaning list?  With tax season in the rearview, spring is an excellent opportunity to clean up your finances. 

Whether you are looking to buy a home this year or just trying to do a little monetary maintenance, it’s important to be aware of your credit score and financial profile to avoid any unwanted surprises.  Here are some strategies to “spring clean” your finances.

1. Shred any financial documents older than seven years.
2. Set up automatic payments or calendar notifications for monthly bills to avoid missed payments and late fees.
3. Reduce the number of cards you carry regularly. Try to keep only your primary credit card in your wallet and store the others at home.
4. Make it a point to review your credit card statement monthly and report any discrepancies.
5. Review your beneficiaries and make sure all pertinent documents are up to date.

When buying a home, financial planners suggest starting credit repair six months to a year in advance.   Keeping an eye on your finances now will help you be prepared when you are ready to make a big purchase, like a new home. 

Sources: ABC News