Spring cleaning is a time-honored tradition that involves clearing out clutter, reorganizing, and refreshing living spaces. This annual ritual can also be applied to financial planning, where a similar approach helps ensure effective management of personal finances. Both tasks share key principles, from decluttering to systematic approaches—and the occasional disagreement about what stays and what goes. So, while spring cleaning sounds like a simple concept, there’s actually a lot to it, including the many things is has in common with financial planning.
Decluttering
Just as you might clear out old clothes or unused gadgets from your home, financial decluttering involves reviewing and eliminating unnecessary expenses or outdated investments. This could mean cutting off subscriptions you no longer use, or reassessing investment portfolios that no longer align with your financial goals. Of course, this doesn’t mean that cleaning equals selling. The process makes room for expenditures and investments that might lead to greater returns in the long run. After all, long-term investing more often than not leans toward holding onto positions in stocks instead of “flipping” them. Decluttering here just means reviewing what matters and ignoring the noise of short-term market trends.
Organization
Organizing your home during spring cleaning creates a more pleasant and functional living space. Similarly, organizing your finances—such as organizing accounts or setting up automated payments—can streamline money management. This makes it easier to handle monthly bills, follow savings strategies, and focus no the big picture items that will have the greatest impact on your retirement or even estate planning. Basically, a well-organized financial plan reduces stress and increases the ability to track progress toward your financial goals.
Periodic Review
It’s no coincidence that spring cleaning happens once a year. Actually, it would be even better if we got into a four-season cleaning routine. But spring brings a natural sense of renewal, and once a year is better than nothing! Financial planning can benefit greatly from a regular springtime review. You can take inventory of any life changes that have occurred over the past year, especially those that suggest making updates to financial plans. It’s much better to make any necessary financial moves once every spring than to let them gather dust. That’s how to keep your financial plans aligned to your long-term goals.
Goal Setting
During spring cleaning, you might set goals to maintain a cleaner home throughout the year. In the same way, setting clear, actionable financial goals is crucial. Whether saving for a vacation, a child’s education, or retirement, defined objectives guide decision-making. They also help prioritize financial actions, ensuring resources are used efficiently to reach these goals.
Safety and Maintenance
In spring cleaning, checking smoke detectors or replacing worn-out fixtures can prevent future hazards and unnecessary expenses. In financial planning, regularly reviewing and adjusting insurance coverage or estate plans can protect against potential financial risks or future uncertainties. This can improve the long-term security for you and your family. And since we’re talking about safety, now is also a good time to review and perhaps strengthen your approach to protecting your finances from scams, both in-person and online.
The Takeaway
Ultimately, the aim of both spring cleaning and financial planning is to enhance your quality of life. A clean, well-organized home and robust, effective financial planning both contribute to peace of mind. Spring-cleaning your home and finances can revitalize and prepare you for the rest of the year ahead.
Taking the time to clear financial clutter, set and review goals, and organize your financial life could lead to noticeable improvements in your financial health and overall well-being. And, just as you can hire experts to help you through your decluttering projects, you can turn to your financial advisor and tax professional for guidance in financial planning.
Disclosure: This information is for educational and informative purposes and shall not be considered a specific recommendation. Readers are advised to speak with their advisor at JL Bainbridge to determine their specific recommendations that meet their investment objectives and to review their portfolios. The material being provided is thought to be accurate. However, the information is compiled from multiple resources and may become outdated or otherwise rendered incorrect by new research or corrections without notice. J.L. Bainbridge & Co., Inc., is not a broker dealer and does not offer tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax or legal advisor for assistance regarding your individual situation. It should neither be assumed that future results will be as profitable or that a loss could not be incurred. For more information related to our firm, please see our disclosure brochures at jlbainbridge.com and https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/108058.
