Spring is here and with it, a bit of spring cleaning. 

Check in and make sure you’re still on track to meet any financial goals you set at the start of the year.

If you have let your budget slide, don't worry! There’s still time left this year to re-focus on your financial future. Here are our tips for refreshing your approach to money for the rest of the year. 

1. Check in with your budget

It’s all too easy to set a budget at the start of the year and let it slide as you get busy with work, family obligations and everything else that fills our busy lives.

So now’s the time to make sure your spending hasn’t spiralled and rein in any overspending that might have happened over the course of the year.

Remember that a budget is a living document and if you have acquired any additional expenses so far this year, don’t forget to account for them in the budget for the rest of the year. It's also okay to not get your budget right the first time. If you think it needs adjusting, sit down and see what you need to change. 

2. Review your savings goal

In the same way you should set a budget at the start of the year, it’s also a great idea to have a savings goal you work towards during the year.

Check in with your goal. If you’re on track, give yourself a pat on the back. If you’re not, don’t beat yourself up. Look at why you haven’t been able to meet it and adjust it if it’s unrealistic. It's also good to set smaller goals instead of one large goal. Saving $10,000 for a big holiday or to put toward a house deposit is pretty scary. Instead, set yourself the goal of saving $500 every month or for whatever works with your budget. 

3. Start planning for Christmas

Christmas creeps up on us every year! But don’t panic, there’s lots of time to get prepped. 

Start making a list and checking it twice - of all your Christmas expenses. If you start planning now you’ll save yourself a lot of stress when the holiday season arrives. You can also set up a Christmas account with us and it's one you can't touch until later in the year - handy, right?

4. Look for new money-making initiatives

Why not think about how you could make some extra money in the lead up to the festive season? As it’s spring, clean out your house and make three piles: items for charity, items for a garage sale and items for the next hard rubbish collection. 

That way, you’ll be giving something back, have an opportunity to make some extra money and clear out broken and damaged furniture and toys that are only cluttering up your house.

5. Start planning your financial new year's resolutions

Was there one thing you'd do differently from last year? Now is a great time to take a look back and start thinking about how you'll tackle things in the new year with a fresh attitude and new goals.

Spring has sprung, so don’t miss this opportunity to make sure you’re still on track to build a firm financial foundation.

Please note that this article is not financial product advice and does not take into account any person’s individual objectives, financial circumstances or needs.