6 Ways to Spring Clean Your Finances

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When spring rolls around, we’re all about decluttering and freshening up our homes—but why not give your finances a little TLC too? Here are 6 ways to spring clean your finances and set yourself up for a smoother year ahead.

Keep this in your Guide to Simple Living so you can do a financial refresh each spring.

If you’re anything like me, your life is probably a whirlwind. Between work, family, and everything in between, most days feel like you’re on autopilot, just trying to keep up. That was exactly me. I’d pay bills without thinking twice, track nothing, and assume it’d all magically balance out. Spoiler alert: it didn’t.

When our family faced an unexpected layoff, I suddenly had to confront our finances head-on. It forced me to look for ways to trim costs and renegotiate our household budget. Honestly, it was eye-opening.

What started as a “stressful obligation” turned into a mission to take control of our money. By the time I was done, not only did I find ways to save, but I actually enjoyed the process. There is something deeply satisfying about lowering payments or removing them altogether.

6 Ways to Spring Clean Your Finances (and Save Big!)

Here’s the exact plan I followed to spring clean my finances, save thousands, and bring clarity to our budget. These tips are especially helpful for those of us in midlife, when planning for today AND tomorrow matters more than ever.

Step 1: Make a List of Negotiable Expenses

The first step to financial spring cleaning is knowing which bills you can actually lower. These are what I call “negotiable expenses.” They’re the ones that fluctuate or have wiggle room. Think cell phone plans, cable or streaming subscriptions, internet service, utility bills, credit card rates, and insurance policies.

If you’re not sure where to start, grab a copy of your monthly budget. (And if you don’t already have one, don’t worry—we’ll talk about that in a bit) You can also scroll through your debit or credit transaction history to get a clear view of where your money’s going.

Skip fixed expenses like rent, mortgage payments, or car loans. Your focus here is on anything that might allow flexibility.

Step 2: Gather Your Bills

Next, collect your most recent bills for each negotiable expense you identified. If you get digital bills, print them out for easy reference. Having them in front of you makes it simpler to jot down details like how long you’ve been a customer, your current payment amount, and any other fees or interest rates you’re paying.

SLCG Pro tip: Highlight the customer service numbers on each bill. This will save you time when you’re ready to make your calls.

Step 3: Start Making Those Calls

Here’s where things get really exciting (and where the cost savings begin). Call each provider on your list and tell them you’re looking to lower your bill. Be polite but direct. Mention how long you’ve been with them, and if applicable, tell them you’ve been happy with their service but need to tighten your budget.

This might feel awkward at first, but trust me, companies value loyal customers and are often willing to work with you. And if they don’t offer savings up front? Ask if they’re running any promotions or if there are ways to adjust your service plan to save. Sometimes all it takes is asking.

For example, when I called my cell phone provider, I was offered a $10/month discount on the spot for being a long-term customer. That simple call saved me $120 in a year. Another time, I switched to a 0% interest promotion on my credit card, cutting out $2,300 in interest fees, and since it was with my same card, there were no balance transfer fees.

SLCG Pro Tip: Make these calls by phone, not at the store. Phone reps are often better equipped and less likely to upsell you on unnecessary extras.

Step 4: Keep Track of Everything

During or after each call, jot down important details right on your bill. Note the date, the person you spoke with, any discounts or promos they applied, and when you’ll start seeing these savings.

Keep these records handy in case you need to follow up. Sometimes mistakes happen, and your discount might not show up right away. A quick calendar reminder can ensure you don’t forget to verify those savings.

SLCG Pro Tip: Put a sticky note on your calendar to remind you to check on promised dates.

Step 5: Know When to Make Tough Choices

What if, despite your best efforts, your provider refuses to budge? That’s when it’s time to ask yourself the hard questions. Can you live without this service entirely? Is it something your family truly benefits from? Could the money be used more wisely elsewhere?

A few years ago, I realized our satellite TV wasn’t exactly a necessity, especially with how much streaming services offer today. We were paying over $100/month for channels we hardly watched. Cutting the cord saved us over $1,000 a year while still giving us access to entertainment we love.

Read how we ditched our satellite TV and saved big money so you can do it too!

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Step 6: Celebrate the Savings

Here’s the fun part. Keep track of your savings and watch that number grow! Whether it’s $50 or $5,000, every penny helps. The first time I did this, I managed to save $3,417 in just one morning. It was motivation to keep the momentum going year after year.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what I saved that first time around:

• Cell Phone: $216/year (monthly discounts + canceling insurance)
• Credit Card Interest: $2,300/year (switched to 0% promotion)
• Home Phone: $216/year (downgraded plan + discounts)
• Satellite TV: $685/year (reduced plan + cutting the cord)

Not bad for a few hours of work.

How to Keep Your Finances in Check Year-Round

Once you clean up your finances, it’s easier to keep them under control going forward. The trick is to treat it like a household chore. Schedule regular check-ins every few months to review your budget, track spending, and ensure you’re still getting the best deals on your bills.

Here’s how you can make it a habit:

• Put It on the Calendar: Pick a date or quarter each year and set a reminder to review your finances.
• Track Changes in Real Time: Use a budgeting app or spreadsheet to see your spending trends at a glance.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Repeat This Process: Many companies offer new deals or promotions yearly, so it’s worth revisiting regularly.

Think of your finances as another part of simplifying. With a little organization, some thrifty phone calls, and recurring habits, you can Spring Clean Your Finances and enjoy more of what matters. Remember, it’s your money. Take control of it, save big, and make each dollar count.

More Tips to Simplify Your Finances:

• Ways to Save Money on Winter Utilities
• Simple Frugal Living Tips
• Monthly Receipt Organizer