Stop Paying For Things You Don’t Use

Spring has already sprung, according to my friend with allergies. The birds are back, the sun has been rising earlier, and if you’re like me, this is when you start thinking about the good weather that is owed to us, just around the corner.

If you're about to get a divorce and are stuck living with your soon-to-be ex-spouse, count the ways you don’t love them by counting their assets.

Get your help on the books. So many nannies and housekeepers have been unable to collect unemployment because they wanted to be paid cash. Now they're in a bad place because there is no help for them — and if they attempt to file for unemployment anyway, the state is going to want to talk to you. Do everything above board!

Consult with your financial planner. As someone who works with certified financial planners, I have clients who see them often, others not so much. CFPs are flexible in the way they can work with you, but I think this is an especially useful time to meet with one to review your strategy.

Look at your financial goals. Reducing your credit card debt should be one of your top priorities, and the most problematic credit card debt is for things you don’t even use.

The phrase “death by a thousand papercuts” is appropriate to describe the way small, monthly debts add up. The most obvious example is gym memberships — many of them make you come in person to cancel, which people put off doing, resulting in charges for many more months than there should be.

Get your will and advanced directives up to date. If you don't have a will or if you haven't redone your will in a long time, do it now. A few months ago, I needed to update my will and I didn't realize I hadn't done it in so long. My kids weren't even married. I didn't have any grandkids. I thought I had updated it since those life events, but I thought wrong.

Spring cleaning your finances is just like spring cleaning your house — it sets the mood for summer. You’ll have a better idea of what you can safely afford to spend on vacations or whatever else you’re into. Even better, you’ll stop paying for things you don’t use.

Judy Heft is the CEO/founder of Judith Heft & Associates, a financial and lifestyle concierge celebrating 25 years in business helping people stay financially organized. She is a certified money coach and the author of “How to Be Smart, Successful and Organized with Your Money.” For more information, visit www.judithheft.com.