As the days warm and spring colors return, you may feel the urge to refresh your surroundings. However, this season also offers the perfect opportunity to conduct a financial spring cleaning. Focusing on creating sustainable habits may help carry you through the warmer months and beyond. Here are some ways that you can realign your money moves with the changing season.

Eliminate unwanted expenses

Just as physical clutter accumulates in a closet, financial clutter could build in your bank statements. Take an hour this week to audit your recurring expenses. Look for streaming services, gym memberships, or app trials you signed up for in January but no longer use.

Beyond subscriptions, look at your service providers. Spring is an excellent time to shop around for better rates on car insurance, internet packages, or cell phone plans. Companies often update their promotional offers this time of year, and a few phone calls may save you hundreds of dollars in annual overhead.

Plan for summer spending

While the weather is mild, a summer spending surge is around the corner. Between summer vacations, seasonal weddings, and the increased costs of childcare while school is out, June through August can be some of the most expensive months of the year.

Avoid the temptation to put these costs on a credit card when they arise. Instead, use the next two months to build a dedicated summer sinking fund. By calculating your estimated travel costs and camp fees now, you can set aside a manageable amount from each paycheck. Taking a proactive approach can help you enjoy summer to the fullest without taking on too much debt come autumn.

Tackle seasonal maintenance

Winter can be harsh on your most valuable assets. High winds, ice, and road salt often leave behind damage that, if unaddressed, can lead to much larger repair bills in the future.

Inspect your home’s exterior for shingles that may have loosened or gutters that are clogged with debris. It is also wise to service your air conditioning unit now, before the first major heatwave hits and repair companies are booked weeks in advance. For your vehicle, check your tire pressure and consider a professional cleaning to remove corrosive salt from the undercarriage. Spending a small amount on preventive maintenance today may protect your long-term net worth.

Reassess your progress toward annual goals

You likely set several ambitious personal or business goals at the start of the year. Now that the first financial quarter is behind you, it is time for an honest check-in. If you find that you have drifted off course, do not be discouraged. Use the momentum of the new season to reset your plan.

If your savings rate has dipped, look for ways to automate your contributions so the money leaves your account before you have a chance to spend it. If you have already met your initial milestones, consider increasing your retirement contributions by 1 percent or more.

Spring is not just about cleaning up the past; it is about planting the seeds for a more secure future. To learn more about prudent fiscal moves you should make based on your lifestyle, budget, and goals, get in touch with a financial professional.