get your gloves on, we’re spring cleaning!
Dusting, sweeping, washing, Marie Kondo-ing… is spring here yet? Because we, at The Money Partnership, are ready for a good old spring-cleaning session!
We know, it’s such a cliché to do a big clean in the spring, but there is something about the arrival of the warmer season that feels like a new beginning. You can put your heavy, warm winter clothes away and (hopefully) enjoy some sunshine and fresh air.
So how do you press “reset” on your life this spring? Read the following tips!
Declutter – We know it’s easier said than done, but try to eliminate all the unnecessary items from your home and choose to keep only the things that you really need and/or love! We all have our weak spots, but the most common categories that create clutter are electronics, children’s belongings, clothes, stationery, and even furniture. The best way to go through these things is by creating 3 piles: “keep,” “sell/donate,” and “throw away.” You can sell on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Depop, or other second-hand sites to recover some of the initial cost. Also, don’t be afraid to list things that you think have no value e.g. left-over paint, old picture frames, you never know what someone else might be looking for!
Get creative - You might think that you need all sorts of products to thoroughly clean your home, but the truth is, you probably have all the ingredients that you need in your cupboard. Some of our cleaning heroes include bicarbonate soda, white vinegar, salt, lemon juice, and essential oils. You can use these to create effective all-purpose cleaners which means spending less and more cupboard space!
Freshen up your accounts – With lockdown restrictions gradually being eased, soon you’ll want to start making plans like going shopping, out for meals or perhaps even booking a holiday. For this reason, now is the perfect time to check in with your finances so that you know what position you’re in and you can make sensible money decisions. Here are a few things you can do to get to know your accounts a little better:
· Scan through your direct debits to eliminate old reoccurring payments
· Identify unused subscriptions/memberships and cancel them
· Start using your banks’ mobile app to help you budget
· Carry out an online price check to compare deals to your utility costs
· Take advantage of cashback deals through your bank
· Automate your savings
Review your 2021 goals - We’re a quarter of the year in, are you still on track to achieve your goals? Look at the areas where you’ve been doing well and the areas where you could improve. Remember, if you’re serious about reaching a savings goal or clearing debt (whatever your financial goal maybe), you need to make proactive decisions to improve your money habits.
Spring isn’t the only time you should be reviewing your finances, but it is a great place to start.
