The birds are singing and the flowers are in full bloom. Trees are getting their leaves back, and the kids are playing outside again.

It’s official: Spring is here.

Personally, I think spring is the perfect time to take a fresh look at your finances, from your savings account to your insurance policies. After all, the holidays are long gone (which means your spending is probably back to normal), and you’ve just filed your income taxes. It’s a great opportunity to sit down and take stock of your financial situation. From cutting down on expenses to taking the stress out of managing your money, spending an afternoon de-cluttering and simplifying your finances will make life a little easier.

Not sure where to start? Read on for my list of seven things you can do today to give your finances a sleek new look for spring:

1. Size up your spending. Sit down with your checkbook and find out where your money’s going and where you can cut corners. Whittle down your monthly expenses by cancelling subscriptions to magazines you don’t read, or ditching the costly gym membership. And don’t forget to look at things like your cable TV bill and your cell phone plan – if you’re paying for extras you don’t actually use, get rid of them. In today’s economy, we can all use a little extra cash – and trimming your monthly spending is a good place to start.

2. Go paperless. Nowadays, almost everyone – from your utility company to your cell phone provider – offers paperless billing. Of course, going paperless is good for the environment, but there are lots of other benefits to saying goodbye to traditional, paper bills. Not only will you save money on postage, but many companies offer automatic payment options or allow you to pay your bills online – you’ll never have to worry about late fees again. And, to make life even easier, check out my next tip . . .

3. Enroll in online bill pay. Another great way to simplify your monthly bills is to take advantage of your bank’s online bill pay feature. Instead of writing a check to, say, your electric company, then mailing it and waiting for the check to clear, online bill pay works in an instant. Your bill is paid sooner (usually within 24 hours), and your account balance is updated – all in one quick, easy step. Most banks offer this service free of charge, but it’s a good idea to check with your bank to get the details.

4. Sign up for overdraft protection. If you haven’t already, now’s the time to give yourself a little extra security in your bank account. After all, mistakes can happen – a transaction you forgot to deduct or a check you didn’t remember to write down – and even one tiny error can add up to a hefty bank fee for insufficient funds. If you’ve got a savings account, make sure it’s linked to your checking account with overdraft protection. Better safe than sorry.

5. Tackle your debt. Credit card debt can seem overwhelming, but there’s no time like the present to start whittling it down. Whether you owe a lot or a little, there are a few things you can do that will make a big difference. First, check up on your credit report – your credit score can have a huge impact on your interest rates, so make sure that everything on your credit report is accurate. If you find errors – dispute them. Next, shop around and compare interest rates – it might make sense to use a balance transfer to take advantage of another company’s lower interest rate (be sure to read the fine print and proceed with caution to avoid astronomical transfer fees or sky-high interest rates after the introductory period is over). And finally, make sure you’re paying more than your minimum balance every month – even a few dollars over can help knock your debt down faster.

6. Use your tax return wisely. If you’ve got a little extra coming back to you this year, it may be tempting to blow it on something frivolous like a vacation or a shopping spree. This year, do something smart with that extra cash: Start an emergency fund (if you don’t have one already). A good emergency fund should be enough to keep you afloat for three months, including mortgage payments, monthly bills, and food. If you already have a hefty emergency fund, consider using your tax return to pay down your credit card debt or take another bite out of your student loan or your car note.

7. Review your insurance policies. Sit down with all of your insurance policies – life, home, and auto – and check out exactly what you’re paying and how much coverage you have. After that, hop online and do some comparison shopping – most insurance companies will give you a free quote, and a little research may help you save hundreds of dollars a year.

Giving your finances a spring makeover pays for itself – it only takes about one afternoon, and just a few adjustments can add up to less financial stress and more cash in your pocket. Here’s to a happy, financially savvy spring!

Copyright © 2009 Reality Media Inc.

Lose weight. Stop biting your fingernails. Read more books. Learn to knit.

If you’re like most people, you’re planning to ring in 2009 by making a slew of lifestyle changes. The great thing about a new year is that it gives you a fresh start. Maybe you didn’t use that home gym as much as you wanted to in 2008, or maybe you didn’t stick to that low-carb diet. A new year is a great opportunity to get back on track.

This year, as you gear up to say hello to 2009, don’t forget about your finances. Spend a little time getting up-close-and-personal with your checkbook and make a plan to curb your spending and fatten up your savings account.

Don’t know where to start? Read on for seven tips for a financially healthy 2009:

1. Avoid the mall. Seriously. As 2008 draws to a close, your favorite retailers will be running end-of-year clearance sales on everything from major appliances to winter coats. Unless you absolutely must have a new refrigerator, pass on the sales and put your extra money into your savings account instead.

2. Cut the cards. Got credit card debt? There’s no time like the start of a new year to change your spending habits and start putting a dent in your debt. Make a resolution to start paying off your credit cards. And, more importantly, make a resolution to stop using your cards, period. If you don’t have the cash to cover it, don’t buy it, or take the money out of your emergency fund instead. Don’t have an emergency fund? Read on for tip #3.

3. Start an emergency fund. A good way to make sure that you don’t have to rack up loads of credit card debt is to start socking money away for those unplanned emergencies. A good rule of thumb for most people is to have about three months’ salary in a separate account. But, don’t let that figure intimidate you: Decide what you can realistically put away, and go from there. If you start in January, you’ll be surprised how quickly your money will add up.

4. Curb your impulses. From fancy coffee to fashion magazines, DVD rentals to fast food – everybody has a few inexpensive vices. But, these little luxuries can add up to a big drain on your wallet. 2009 is a great time to cut down on impulse purchases. Got a twice-a-day latte habit? Kick it down to twice a week. Addicted to convenience foods? Make a lunch at home and brown bag it. You’ll be surprised at how much you’ll save.

5. Be a savvy shopper. Even the most financially savvy people in the world still have to go grocery shopping. But, there are dozens of ways to shop smarter in 2009 and stretch your dollar when stocking up on the necessities. Clip coupons and watch store circulars for double (or even triple) coupon events. Consider switching to store-brand items whenever possible. In most cases, they’re just as good as the national brand and can save you some serious money. Also, get in the habit of making a list before you go out – it’ll help you stay focused and buy only what you need.

6. Check your credit. From helping you secure a home mortgage to, in some cases, landing a new job, your credit report is used in countless ways. All consumers are eligible for a free annual credit report from the three major credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. Start the new year off right – request a copy from each and read them carefully. Not only does this give you the chance to dispute errors, taking the time to check up on your credit can also alert you to fraudulent activities, like accounts you didn’t open or charges you didn’t make.

And finally, my most important tip for 2009:

7. Write a budget. And stick to it. Writing a budget isn’t nearly as scary as it sounds. And, a budget is a great way to make sure that your finances stay on track in 2009. It’s pretty easy: Start with your total monthly household income, then deduct your bills (like your rent or mortgage, utilities, car payments, etc.) and expenses (like gas and food). After that, decide how much you want to put in your savings account and how much will go to your emergency fund. And, don’t forget to leave yourself a little fun money for the occasional restaurant meal or night at the movies. And remember to be flexible: If you find yourself a little strapped for cash after you’ve worked out your budget, don’t ditch it altogether – make adjustments until you hit on a budget you can live with.

Making a few simple adjustments to your spending and saving habits can go a long way. Follow these tips and you’ll be on the way to a financially secure new year.

Good luck and have a happy, healthy 2009!

Copyright © 2008 Reality Media Inc.

If you’re like many folks, the approach of this year’s holiday season has you feeling less than jolly. As the economy continues to flounder and the media predicts dismal retail sales, you may find it harder than ever to channel your inner Santa.

Sure, things aren’t perfect. But, before you pack up your holiday cheer and say “bah humbug” to the month of December, read on for a list of savings tips to make your holiday season merry and bright – without breaking the bank.

1. Set a budget. And check it twice. During the holidays, it’s easier than ever to blow big bucks on early-bird sales, rollback specials, and limited-time offers. There’s nothing wrong with a good deal. But, if you’re not careful, holiday bargain-hunting can be a major drain on your wallet. This year, keep your spending in check by setting a budget before you ever set foot in a shopping mall. To get started, decide how much you can spend on gifts for your friends and family (and, don’t forget coworkers or hostess gifts). After that, decide how much you’ll spend on each person, and track your expenses. Remember: Once your holiday gift budget is gone, it’s gone.

2. Craft with caution. Sure, handmade gifts and cards sound like a frugal alternative to store-bought gadgets. But, before you get carried away, stop and do a reality check: Will a DIY Christmas actually save you money? Crafting supplies aren’t cheap; for some items on your list, it may be more cost-effective to look for a ready-made bargain. Do some comparison shopping before you commit to a crafty Christmas.

3. Pay cash. Don’t use holiday shopping as an excuse to run up your credit card bills. There’s nothing festive about high-interest debt. Before you hit the stores, make sure you’ve got cash. If you really don’t think you can control your spending urges, leave the plastic at home.

4. Trim your shopping list. The holidays are all about giving, but that shouldn’t equate to overextending your finances to make sure you find the perfect gift for your cousin’s husband’s college roommate. Take a serious look at your gift list and see where you can cut spending. If you’ve got a large family, consider starting a new tradition: Instead of buying for everyone, draw names and do a gift exchange instead. Or, agree to make this holiday a “kids-only” event and bypass gifts for the adults entirely.

5. Fly smarter. If you plan on heading home for the holidays this year, it’s a good idea to make your travel arrangements as early as possible to avoid getting hit with last-minute price hikes. Additionally, a little flexibility can go a long way – if you can avoid hopping a plane on heavy holiday travel days (like the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, the day before Christmas Eve, or the day after Christmas), you can score some big holiday travel savings. The cheapest days to travel? Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

6. Shop online. Save some cash (and your sanity) by avoiding the malls this holiday season. Many online retailers offer extra deals this time of year, like free shipping or complimentary gift wrapping. It’s a great way to take some of the stress out of finding that perfect gift.

7. Lay it away. Been a while since you’ve heard that? To offset this year’s predicted holiday shopping slump, many big retailers have resurrected their layaway programs. Because layaway allows you to set aside your holiday purchases and pay for them over time, it takes some of the sting out of larger items. Plus, the flexible payments are a great alternative to credit cards. Just remember to read the store’s policy carefully to make sure your treasures don’t end up back on the shelf.

8. Get a part-time job. With the holiday season just around the corner, many retailers are looking for part-time employees to help ease the shopping rush. If you’ve got extra time in your schedule, consider picking up a few hours a week at your favorite store; use the money you earn to help pay for gifts. The best part? Most stores offer employee discounts – another great way to cut costs.

9. Go generic. Thanksgiving dinner. Christmas dinner. The office party. The New Year’s Eve bash. During the holiday season, gifts aren’t the only things that can drain your bank account. Big family dinners can get pretty pricy, especially if you’re the one hosting the event. Cut your grocery bill by opting for generic ingredients instead of more expensive brand-name items. Or, make this year’s dinner a potluck and encourage guests to bring their favorite holiday fare.

Cutting a few costs and keeping an eye on your budget can help you get back into the holiday spirit. And remember: No matter what your financial situation this year, the holiday season is a time for enjoying time with your friends and family, not about dollars and cents.

Copyright © 2008 Reality Media Inc.