Dust Off Your Finances

It’s time for spring cleaning, and that can encompass your finances as well as your home. Here are some organizational ideas to get you started.

GO ELECTRONIC Some people hesitate to maintain personal information electronically because they are afraid of fraud. However, in many cases, storing information online may be more secure than hard copies of important documents, which are at risk of being lost or stolen. Sign up to receive online statements from your bank and other financial institutions. Remember to choose strong passwords that are hard to duplicate but easy for you to remember.

SIGN UP FOR FREE ASSISTANCE Consider using free financial software to help keep track of your income, expenses, and other data. For example, at Mint.com, users can aggregate multiple accounts in one secure and easy-to-use site. It also allows users to see trends in their spending, and even gives tips for improving finances. 

CONSIDER A ROLLOVER If you have old 401(k)s or individual retirement accounts at multiple institutions, consider consolidating your accounts to one or two places. This will simplify retirement planning and allow you to more easily monitor your investment holdings and progress.

SARA PEAK is a freelance writer with expertise in finance and wealth management. Have a money question? E-mail us.