DFCU Online
Enroll Now
Make an Appointment
Search
Site Search
Search
Routing: 072486791
About DFCU
About DFCU
Latest News
Community Engagement
Website Feedback
FAQ
Locations & Hours
Branches
Ann Arbor Area
Detroit Area
Grand Rapids Area
Lansing Area
Tampa Bay Area
ATMs
CO-OP ATMs
Rates
Personal Rates
Business Rates
Forms
Careers
Contact Us
DFCU Online
888.336.2700
Make An Appointment
Open an Account
How to Join
Account Switch
Business Account Switch
Member Perks
ReferLive
Personal
Checking
DFCUPerks
DFCUPerks Plus
Basic Checking
Direct Deposit
Overdraft Protection
Kids & Teens
Savings
Savings
Money Market Accounts
Share Certificates
IRAs
Debit RoundUp
Loans
Mortgages
Gratitude Mortgage
Doctor Mortgage
Diamond Mortgage
Home Equity Loans
Home Equity Lines of Credit
Auto Loans
Boat & RV Loans
Personal Loans
Cards
Debit Cards
Mastercard Credit Card
Digital Wallets
CardCMD
Learn about your new Platinum Mastercard.
Start Here
Commercial
Overview
Who We Are
Commercial
Lending
Treasury Management
Business
Checking
Savings
Services
Cash Back
DFCU Online
Forms
Get started with a Commercial Banker today.
Start Here
Investments
Services
DFCU College Roadmap
Secure Email
Online Help & Support
Wire Transfer
eSign
DFCU Title Agency
Member Perks
Anywhere Banking
Insurance
Security & Fraud Protection
Order Checks Online
Zelle
Money Management
Send money in the moment with Zelle.®
Learn More
Webinars
Cash Back
About DFCU
About DFCU
DFCU Financial Overview
Latest News
Community Engagement
FAQ
Locations & Hours
Branches & ATMs
Ann Arbor Area
Detroit Area
Grand Rapids Area
Lansing Area
Tampa Bay Area
CO-OP ATMs
Rates
Personal
Business
Careers
Contact Us
Search
7 Tips for Financial Spring Cleaning
Home
/
About Us
/
DFCU News
/
News Articles
/
7 Tips for Financial Spring Cleaning
Spring’s arrival is the perfect time to tackle ambitious spring cleaning projects like purging closets and pantries. But spring cleaning should go beyond living spaces—your finances can likely use some attention, too. Here are several ways you can review and refresh your financial life:
Refresh your budget
A realistic and balanced budget is the #1 tool in your financial arsenal. Take a close look at what you spend now, how much you make and your financial goals. How can you adapt spending patterns to free up more money? Is your budget filled with wants or needs? Document your budget on a simple worksheet or online, and review monthly to ensure you’re on track.
Try out a mobile app
Mobile apps like Mint, PocketGuard or Level Money make it easy and convenient to improve your personal finance habits. Each has different features based on your needs—some help with budgeting and bill pay, while others assist with paying off debts or monitoring your credit score.
Establish a bill-paying process
Enlist in auto-bill pay programs or create a calendar to track bills and due dates. An established process is especially important for families, couples or roommates who may need to split bills. Define each person’s role and set reminders to help ensure bills get paid on time.
Create a plan to pay off your debt
Don’t let fear or procrastination get in the way of a debt-free life. Adjust your budget and make a commitment to paying off credit cards and student loans. If you feel overwhelmed or don’t know where to start, we can help. Our Credit Counseling is free, confidential and can help you create an action plan for paying off debt.
Review your insurance policies
As your life changes, your insurance needs change, too. When was the last time you took a look at all your insurance policies? Chat with your insurance providers about the possibility of securing lower rates on auto, life or home insurance. A lower monthly payment frees up more money in the rest of your budget.
Shred old financial documents
The IRS recommends keeping tax returns and other important documents for at least seven years after you file the return. Go through your tax files, shred older files and create a system that keeps your paperwork organized so it is easily accessible. Check out Bankrate’s reference sheet to determine how long you should keep various types of financial documents
Stop clutter before it starts.
If you thought it was impossible to avoid credit card and loan solicitations, think again. You can opt out of most by visiting optoutprescreen.com or calling the national credit bureau’s hotline at 1-888-5-OPTOUT (67-8688).
Reprinted courtesy of TakeChargeAmerica.com
Article Archive
DFCU Offers Free Shred Day
11 Money Rules You Need to Memorize Before You’re 40
Pay Off Student Loans Faster
13 Everyday Habits of Debt-Free People
DFCU Financial Helps Swipe Out Hunger
MLK Jr.'s Dream Almost Left Out of Speech
History of Finance in Black America
Grant from DFCU Helps Detroit Public Schools
A Look Back at 2020 Community Engagement
See All Articles
Back to top
Speedbump Modal Called Incorrectly!