There is something about spring that makes us want to open the windows, clear out the cupboards and get rid of the things we no longer need. After months of winter, spring gives us a natural opportunity to freshen up our homes and get things back in order.
But spring cleaning doesn't have to stop at the house.
It can also be a good time to take stock of the things that keep life running smoothly - your finances, important documents, insurance and the plans you have in place for your family.
A spring reset for your home
The obvious place to start is around the house. Winter can leave behind more than just a few dusty corners. It is worth taking a look at areas that may have been affected by the wetter and colder months, including your roof, gutters, drainage, windows, exterior areas and any signs of dampness or leaks.
It is also a good opportunity to think about the things you use more during summer. Are outdoor areas ready for entertaining? Are BBQs, pools, trampolines, bikes or other equipment in good condition? Are smoke alarms working properly?
A little time spent checking things now can help you identify problems before they become bigger ones.
Then look beyond the house
Once you've started sorting and organising, why not extend the spring clean to your financial life?
Life doesn't always stay the same. Your income, mortgage, family circumstances, employment, business or financial commitments may have changed since you last looked at everything together.
You don't necessarily need to make major changes. Sometimes a financial spring clean is simply about understanding where things stand today.
Take some time to look at your regular commitments, savings, debts and other financial arrangements. Are there things you no longer use? Have your circumstances changed? Are there areas you've been meaning to get around to but haven't?
It can be surprisingly useful simply to have everything in one place.
Do you know where your important documents are?
Spring is also a good time to check that you know where your important documents are - and that the people who may need to access them know where to find them.
This might include your Will, Enduring Powers of Attorney, insurance policies, mortgage and loan information, property documents and other important financial records.
It is not enough for these documents to exist. You also want to be confident that you can find them when they are needed.
This is particularly important if someone else may need to step in and help you or your family. A little organisation now can make a difficult situation easier to navigate later.
When did you last check your insurance?
Insurance is another area that can easily get pushed down the list of things to review.
You don't need to assume that a spring clean means buying more cover. Instead, think about whether your existing arrangements still reflect your circumstances.
Have there been changes to your income, family, debts, home or business? Have you taken on new responsibilities or made significant changes since your policies were arranged?
The purpose of a review is not automatically to increase your insurance. It is to make sure you understand what you have and whether it still fits your life.
Don't forget your emergency contacts
Finally, think about the practical information someone would need if you weren't able to deal with things yourself.
Do you have up-to-date contact details for the people who matter? Does someone know who your adviser, solicitor or accountant is? Would your family know where to find your important documents and insurance information?
These are not necessarily things we like to think about, but having them organised can make a significant difference when life doesn't go according to plan.
A spring clean can be a fresh start
Spring cleaning doesn't have to mean filling the car with boxes for the tip or spending an entire weekend scrubbing the house.
Sometimes it is simply about taking a step back and asking: Is everything still in order?
Your home, finances, insurance, important documents and family arrangements all form part of the bigger picture of your life. Spring gives us a natural reminder to pause, look at that picture and deal with the things we've been putting off.
You don't have to do everything in one day. Pick one area, get it organised, and then move on to the next.
A little preparation now can give you one less thing to worry about later.
A spring reset checklist
☐ Check your home for winter damage, leaks, dampness or maintenance issues
☐ Test your smoke alarms and check their condition
☐ Review your regular financial commitments
☐ Check where your important documents are stored
☐ Make sure your Will and EPOA arrangements are up to date
☐ Check that your emergency and professional contacts are current
☐ Review your insurance arrangements following any significant life changes
☐ Make sure someone you trust knows where important information can be found
Spring is a good time to refresh more than just your home. It is an opportunity to get organised, take stock and prepare for the season ahead.
Glen Hatcher
Financial Adviser
New Vision Financial Services
Plan your future and let us help you have peace of mind along the way.