As flowers begin to bloom and the warmth of the sun touches our skin, it becomes clear that spring is in the air. It’s a time for fresh starts, new opportunities and, of course, the annual ritual of spring cleaning. While many focus on sprucing up their living spaces, it’s also the perfect moment to tidy up your finances.
Here are some helpful ways to declutter your budget and save more in 2025:
Spending triggers are a real thing. Some people get triggered when they’re tired or stressed. Others get triggered when they scroll social media or get bored. It’s important to realize what your triggers are so that you can plan to do something more productive when you’re feeling like you need some retail therapy.
If you do cave in and buy something that’s not within your budget, don’t open it immediately. Wait a few days and see if the desire for the item leaves when you’re not being triggered so you can return it.
Daily runs to the coffee shop, eating out for lunch every day, subscriptions, even a candy bar or bag of chips from the vending machine, these are spending leaks. They’re little, seemingly harmless purchases that don’t have a huge impact in the moment but add up big over time.
Now is the time to plug those leaks and make some changes. Make your coffee at home, pack your lunch and be sure to bring a variety of snacks to work with you so that when you feel a craving, you have what you need on hand to satisfy it instead.
Trimming subscriptions can also save big, so if you have apps that you’re not using, it’s time to cancel and stop letting your hard-earned money leak.
After a long day at work or watching the kids, making dinner is the last thing many of us want to do. And because of this, we may decide not to cook and go out to eat instead. With the average cost for a family of four being $60 to $80, eating out can have a major impact on your financial goals.
Meal planning is a great option to help curb this spending. By making meals ahead of time and refrigerating or freezing them in portions for ready-to-heat dinners and lunches you can save big and eat healthier.
While it’s tempting to keep up with trends and indulge in designer items, these purchases can strain your budget. Instead of splurging, ask if the item adds long-term value or if it’s just a fleeting desire. Set a “luxury budget” to indulge occasionally without overextending or opt for affordable alternatives and second-hand items.
Spring is the perfect time to refresh more than just your home. Your finances deserve a spring cleaning, too. By identifying your spending triggers, plugging small spending leaks, meal prepping to save on dining out and reducing luxury purchases, you can set yourself up for a more financially secure and stress-free year.
Remember, slight changes now can lead to valuable savings over time, and as we embrace the fresh energy of spring, it's a great opportunity to make healthier financial habits that will support your goals in 2025 and beyond.
Editor’s note: Rachel Caballero is community development and PR manager for TruWest Credit Union, which has financial service centers in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Surprise and Tempe. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
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