Q: Here it is Spring already, and I don't feel any farther along in my financial well-being than I was last Fall. With the economy still struggling, it feels hard to make headway. Any ideas?

A: Spring is a time of renewal; in Nature, we see new growth everywhere, animals are giving birth. For us, it's a time for spring cleaning - throwing out what doesn't serve us anymore; clearing out clutter; polishing things up. Clutter exists in many forms – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. When we have clutter in one area, it directly impacts other realms of our lives. Think about a time when you just couldn't seem to get out of your own way in your work; what did your office look like? How about your car? Chances are, even your sock drawer was a mess. Now remember a time when you focused on cleaning up the clutter in a closet or your desk; how did you feel afterwards? Did you somehow, "miraculously", all of a sudden get more efficient? Hmmm....Let's see what we can do about cleaning up some of your money clutter.

1. Look at your wallet and purse. Is the bill section of your wallet stuffed with receipts? Think about what receipts are about – spending money! Replacing evidence of wealth with evidence of expenditures is a sure sign that you are not valuing financial well-being. When you need change, do you start digging around in the bottom of your purse? If this is you, money is not of value to you, it is not even worth taking care of and putting it where it belongs.

2. A key element of Spring cleaning for my house is washing windows; in an earlier generation, it meant polishing the silver. How can you polish up your money? One way is to ask for clean bills at the bank. Trust me and try this one! There's something special about only having nice, clean bills in your wallet – it encourages a sense of pride. Another way to polish up your money is to clean up money central at home. We've all read about making a bill-paying center neat and organized and if you haven't done that yet, promise yourself to take a significant step this week on that. Remember that this can be as simple as a well-organized accordion file, a calendar and a pen.

3. Spring cleaning usually includes getting rid of stuff we've accumulated that we no longer need or want (WHY did we think that sweater/gadget/toy was such a good idea?!). What money habits no longer serve you? Deep down we all know what they are. These poor habits can relate to either spending or saving. Throw out habits that don't work for you anymore. For example: you may go out to dinner, or out with work friends, once a week. Now it just may be habit that drives you to go, rather than enjoyment. Look for those expenditures that are driven by habit – if you find yourself spending money without a conscious decision to do so, chances are it is a habit. Brainstorm and find some alternatives – movie night at home; a Friday lunchtime spirited walk with work mates rather than Friday night cocktails. Your body will thank you as well as your wallet! Commit to changing one habit in April, one in May, and one in June.

So clean out your closet, organize your desk, and get rid of the clutter. The change may show up in your wallet. Helen Dutton, is a Business Coach and owner of A Vision Of Your Own. She has over 16 years of financial, operational and managerial experience in the Corporate arena. She is a graduate of Coach U and a member of the International Coach Federation. For more information call (603) 529-2345 or visit her website at: www.avisionofyourown.com.

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