Save Money This Spring by…

Spring cleaning is an age-old tradition that inspires some people, and drives other people crazy with the cleaning and the trying to find time to get it all done. To encourage you in your spring cleaning this spring, we have found a few cleaning ideas that can save you money (and who doesn’t want to save money?!):

• Plant your own garden. If you want your family to eat healthier but dread the always-rising grocery bill, a great solution is a garden. Try some fruits and veggies you know you like and that are fairly easy to grow (i.e. strawberries and raspberries or zucchini), and work up from there. You can consider growing a salsa garden to make your own salsa all summer long. The upside is that you know where these fruits and veggies come from and that they are organic with no harmful chemicals.

• Change your air conditioner filter. Before you need the air conditioner in the heat of summer, go ahead and change the filter now to cut down on your cooling costs later. Towards the end of spring it is also a good idea to make sure the area around your air conditioner is clear of debris so it can run at its best.

• Clean your refrigerator coils to keep the fridge running smoothly and efficiently. Pull the fridge away from the wall and be sure to unplug it. Then find the coils and dust them… or use a vacuum if they are pretty dusty, and use a damp soapy cloth if they really need it, but be sure that they are dry before you plug it back in and push the refrigerator back into place.

• While you’re in the cleaning mode, clear out the storage unit. If you are storing your stuff somewhere and paying for it, you could be saving money. You store things that you do not use consistently, and there is a good chance you could part with it (or sell it on eBay or craigslist and make some extra cash).

• Do some green cleaning. Check out my article on the benefits of green cleaning (read: SAVE MONEY and stay healthy!), and discover some great uses for the basics like vinegar, baking soda, and rubbing alcohol that get your house cleaner in a safer way and cost considerably less.

• Before heading out shopping for a new spring wardrobe, be sure you get out the clothes you packed away when winter hit so you can inventory what you already have and buy things that can go with them (i.e. maybe you can buy those cute red capris to go with your navy blue and white polka dot blouse, but don’t buy the capris if you have nothing to go with them!). And shop the clearance racks. Some stores have old stock from last summer they want to get rid of, and you can find them in the clearance. You may have to look between the sweaters that are clearanced out this year too, but it can be worth it to do a little extra looking.

These are easy things that you can do to save some money during springtime. Not only are they good for your wallet, but they can make you feel happier and healthier so you can enjoy spring!

Now, while you are in the mode of spring and new beginnings, you should also check out the iMoneyCoach Financial Life Training System - our online courses that in approximately 10 hours (you can go at your own pace and view them when it is convenient for you) will completely change your finances AND your life!

Tags: save money, spring cleaning