Spring has sprung and that means it’s time to review your finances! There’s really no bad time to do a money check-up, but why not tack it on to your regular spring cleaning routine? Here are some steps to take to make sure your finances are in order.
Start by looking at your current budget. Does it still make sense for your life right now? Maybe your expenses have changed, or you’ve picked up a new goal you want to prioritize. Go line by line and look for areas to trim or adjust. For me, that means budgeting extra each month to put toward my college payments. Small changes can free up money for the things that matter most to you.
We all tend to hold onto receipts, statements and tax-related paperwork “just in case,” but it’s important to periodically clear out what you don’t need. Keep receipts for a month or two unless they’re for major purchases or warranties. Financial statements like credit card bills and utility bills can be tossed after a year, and tax documents should be kept for at least seven years. For long-term storage, keep documents related to property, insurance and major purchases if you own the asset. And for anything that contains personal information, always shred it to protect your privacy. Stay tuned for upcoming Shred Days at a BrightBridge branch!
It’s easy to forget about subscriptions, but they can quickly drain your budget. Take a moment to go through your monthly payments and cancel any services you’re no longer using. A little cleanup now can free up cash for your priorities. I recently found that I was paying for Amazon Music for well over a year, a service I don’t even use! Go through your statements and see what you can cut – it’s a simple way to keep more of your money where it matters.
Saving isn’t always easy, but building the habit – especially with small, consistent amounts – really adds up. Whether you’re putting money aside for a vacation, a new car or just future you, it feels good to know you’re working toward something meaningful. An easy first step? Automate your savings by splitting your direct deposit between checking and savings. Click here to explore options that can help you reach your goals, big or small.
Spring is the perfect time to tidy up your finances. By reviewing your budget, cleaning out old documents, decluttering subscriptions and prioritizing savings, you’ll clear the clutter and make room for what matters most!
Category: Budgeting & Debt Reduction
Need a smart strategy to save on essential school supplies? Planning your dream vacation or gearing up for the holiday season? With a club account, you can save for essential school supplies, exciting vacations, and joyful holiday celebrations, making your financial goals more attainable and stress-free.
Now is the moment to turn your attention to your tax obligations. With less than 60 days remaining until the tax deadline now is a good time to prepare your documents and file.
Spring has sprung and that means it’s time to review your finances! There’s really no bad time to do a money check-up, but why not tack it on to your regular spring cleaning routine? Here are some steps to take to make sure your finances are in order.
Planning a dream vacation? Whether you're headed to Disney, exploring Europe or hiking through national parks, trips can come with big price tags. Between flights, accommodations, meals and activities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before you even start packing.
The good news is that we’ve got your back when things get stressful. With a clear plan and a few smart habits, you can take that trip without putting unnecessary strain on your budget or dealing with post-vacation regret. It just takes a little preparation and consistency.
Here’s how to make it happen:
Saving for college is an important goal, but when you’re managing the costs of raising a family, it can feel overwhelming to find the right balance. Between everyday bills, childcare expenses, and unexpected costs, figuring out how to set money aside for education might seem impossible. I’ve seen friends and family face this challenge, and one thing is clear—it’s not about doing everything perfectly, but about having a flexible plan that fits your family’s unique situation.