Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home—it’s also an opportune time to organize your finances. As you clear out clutter and dust in your living spaces, consider doing the same for your personal finances.

Financial organization isn’t just about keeping your finances in order; it’s a proactive measure that can significantly improve your financial health. Here are seven steps you can take to streamline how you manage your money, increase your financial awareness, and set the stage for a secure and prosperous future.

#1: CREATE A SPENDING PLAN

A spending plan gives you control over your finances by clearly cataloging your income sources and expenses. By knowing exactly where your money comes from and goes each month, you can make informed decisions to avoid overspending and increase savings.

To create a personalized spending plan, start by listing your sources of income, including salaries, dividends, and any other earnings. Next, categorize your expenses into fixed (mortgage, car payments, insurance premiums) and variable (entertainment, groceries) categories.

Budgeting apps or spreadsheets can help you organize your finances by tracking these elements. Choosing a system that works for you can make it easier to stick to your spending plan long-term.

#2: TRACK YOUR SPENDING

While creating a spending plan can help you organize your finances, tracking your spending ensures you stay within the parameters of your budget. These two steps together can help you spend within your means and avoid going into unnecessary debt.

Tracking your spending helps you see where your money goes in real-time by recording every transaction over a given period. It’s an honest reflection of how your financial decisions and habits align with your intentions, holding you accountable to your financial goals and spending plan.

One of the easiest ways to track your spending is by utilizing budgeting apps that sync with your bank accounts to automatically record and categorize your spending. Examples include You Need a Budget (YNAB), PocketGuard, and Rocket Money.

#3: AUTOMATE SAVINGS & BILL PAYMENTS

Setting up automatic transfers to your savings accounts and automatic bill payments from your checking account is another effective way to organize your finances. Automating these processes ensures timely payments and consistent savings contributions, which are both crucial for maintaining good financial health and growing your wealth over time.

Most banks offer automated services through their online platforms. For instance, you can set up recurring transfers to your savings on the days you receive a paycheck or schedule automatic disbursements for regular bills like utilities and mortgage payments on their respective due dates.

This approach can significantly reduce the mental load of actively managing your savings contributions and bill payments. It not only simplifies your financial management but can also help in reducing stress and anxiety related to potential financial oversights.

#4: CONSOLIDATE ACCOUNTS TO ORGANIZE YOUR FINANCES

Over time, it’s natural to accumulate multiple checking and savings accounts, credit cards, and even 401(k)s. Consolidating these accounts can help you organize your finances by making it easier to monitor your money and manage your spending. It also helps reduce the risk of fraud and the effort it takes to track multiple streams of information.

Start by taking inventory of your current accounts, including bank accounts, credit cards, and retirement accounts. Consider merging similar accounts and closing accounts that are redundant or underutilized.

To avoid overlooking forgotten accounts, you can search MissingMoney.com for unclaimed property in your state and review your credit report for a current list of open credit cards. You may also be able to find old 401(k)s through the Department of Labor’s website or the FreeERISA database.

#5: ORGANIZE FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS

Organizing financial documents involves sorting, filing, and securely storing important documents such as tax returns, insurance policies, and investment statements. Keeping these documents organized helps ensure timely access and ensures you maintain good financial records.

First, make sure you know which documents to keep and which you can shred. Typically, it’s best to hold on to tax-related documents for a minimum of seven years in case the IRS decides to audit you. Otherwise, you can generally shred non-tax-related documents like bank statements, credit card statements, and investment account statements after a year.

Consider creating a filing system, either digitally or with physical folders, to organize your finances. If using a digital filing system, be sure to use encrypted digital storage for sensitive information to protect against data breaches.

#6: CHECK YOUR CREDIT REPORT

Your credit report is a record of your credit history, impacting your ability to borrow money and the interest rates you’ll pay. Regular checks keep you aware of your credit standing, help detect identity theft early, and ensure your credit information is correct—all of which can help you get and stay financially organized.

You can request a free credit report annually from the major credit reporting agencies. It’s wise to periodically review your report for accuracy and dispute any errors you find.

Moreover, many credit card companies and other financial institutions provide free credit monitoring. By taking advantage of these benefits, you can track your credit in real time and catch potential discrepancies before they turn into major financial headaches.

#7: SET CLEAR FINANCIAL GOALS TO ORGANIZE YOUR FINANCES

Setting financial goals involves defining what you want to achieve with your money within a certain timeframe. Clear goals are essential as they help guide your financial planning and can encourage healthy financial habits.

Start by identifying short-term and long-term financial objectives, such as saving for a vacation, buying a home, or retiring comfortably. Writing these goals down and reviewing them regularly can help you organize your finances by providing a framework for making productive financial decisions.

ORGANIZE YOUR FINANCES FOR A SECURE FINANCIAL FUTURE

Organizing your finances can be an empowering step toward achieving financial stability and peace of mind. By following these steps, you’ll be better equipped to take control of your financial future and navigate financial decisions with confidence.

Remember, if the process seems daunting, you don’t have to go it alone. Working with Sloan Advisory Group can provide personalized insights and strategies, paving the way for a more organized and prosperous future. Contact us today to begin your financial journey.