So often I hear the term “Spring Cleaning”… but for me, the time to really clean and cleanse your lifestyle is fall. This is especially true of families with children in school and colder climates. Once school sets in, time is more crunched and as winter approaches, you spend more time indoors hibernating. The end of summer as it merges into fall is almost like your last chance to prepare for this natural shift.
Somehow we are all programmed to feel a sense of starting fresh in the fall. This often begins as school children and seems to carry through into adulthood. Let this pattern help you to use this time to motivate into a new direction.
Although I use the term cleaning, I really mean releasing. Fall is a great time to start a new process like a better budgeting system. It is also a time to let go of the old and unusable things in our life. Whether these things are tangible or intangible, they can help you with your financial process.
First start with your spending habits – take some time to evaluate your budget and see if it still fits your life. Maybe your child starts school for the first time or one just left home for college. A family is a constantly evolving place and your budget needs to flux along with it.
Another cleansing project that could make you a little money on the side is the act of simplifying. Clean out your closets and get rid of that old guitar you never play. With the world of Craigslist and Ebay, finding a home for unwanted items can often be a surprising way to boost your savings at the same time.
By letting go of outdated habits and unused treasures, you can give your fall a great start to a better financial future. The lull before the holidays is a perfect time to get your money situation in control and defined. Now, get out there and do it!
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