What Not to Do When Spring Cleaning Your Finances

It’s spring cleaning season, and many of us will soon be polishing up more than just our homes — we often use the fresh season as an opportunity to work on our finances.

But just like there are guidelines for regular spring cleaning, there are rules for financial spring cleaning. Here’s what not to do while sprucing up your finances.

Don’t get too extreme

The fresh spring season might motivate you to make changes, but be careful not to overhaul your budget in a way that’s unsustainable.

“People go to the far extreme of trying to cut out as much as they can, and that is never going to work because life is all about balance,” says Crystal Rau, certified financial planner and founder of Beyond Balanced Financial Planning in Midland, Texas.

“You have to be able to enjoy your money, but also be very smart with it as far as being intentional with your goals,” Rau says.

If you want to find balance, consider using the 50/30/20 budget method. According to this system, you’ll devote 50% of your monthly take-home income to needs, 30% to wants and 20% to savings and debt repayment.

Don’t close out credit cards

Next, don’t go around closing your credit cards willy-nilly.

“You don’t want to do that because one of the factors that is used to calculate your credit score is your average length of history, and if you close your credit card, that affects that ratio,” says Shawn Tydlaska, CFP and founder of Ballast Point Financial Planning based in Burlingame, California.

“Another big thing that impacts your credit score is your credit utilization ratio,” Tydlaska says. “That’s how much credit you’re using compared to how much is available. So if you close a line of credit, then it looks like you’re using more of your available credit, which also dings your credit score.”

If you’re thinking about closing a credit card, explore other options. For example, a balance transfer could allow you to move your current credit card balance to a card with a lower rate. But be careful not to carry a high balance on the new card because it could increase your credit utilization.

Or, if you don’t like your current credit card’s annual fee, ask your issuer if you can switch to a different card without one.

Don’t splurge with your tax refund

Tax refunds are common in the spring. But Rau has noticed some financial mistakes that result from Uncle Sam’s checks.

“I see that people typically will say, ‘Hey, I got this money back. I’m going to go splurge.’ But I would say, when you do get the tax refund, to not go splurge on something you wouldn’t otherwise buy or be able to afford.”

Rau recommends using your refund in smart ways, like funneling extra cushioning into your emergency fund or paying down some of your existing debts.

And evaluate why you received such a big refund in the first place. The IRS has a tax withholding estimator on its website that can help you determine the right amount of withholding.

Don’t misplace your money

No, we’re not talking about losing your physical dollar bills (although that would be a mistake, too). Rather, we’re talking about putting your money in a place that doesn’t match your goals.

Tydlaska warns against stockpiling emergency funds in your checking account. While it might sound like a good idea to start saving extra money there, there are better places, such as high-yield savings accounts.

Many banks offer high-yield savings accounts at 1.5% to 2% APY, according to Devon Klumb, CFP and financial planner at RhineVest in Cincinnati, Ohio. These accounts can help you earn more interest on your money. Keep in mind that rates could change in light of the current economic climate.

Don’t forget the little things

Finally, while you’re already thinking about your finances, don’t overlook the organizational aspects of your money that often go neglected.

Here are a few simple to-dos from Lars-Alexander Kuehn, associate professor of finance at Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business: