Apr 23, 2025 / Money Tips

5 Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Finances!

You’ve scrubbed the baseboards, cleared out your closet, and finally tossed that mystery container in the back of the fridge (brave of you). But what about your finances? They deserve a little seasonal TLC, too, and spring is the perfect time for a financial cleanup! While we can’t help with dust bunnies, we can help you tidy up your budget and savings and finally figure out where that $147 went last month. 

A little financial spring cleaning can go a long way in helping you get organized and destress. Luckily, you don’t need a mop or rubber gloves for this job. After just a few minutes with your Utah First Digital Banking tools, you’ll feel more in control and totally ready to take on your summer plans!

1. Dust Off Your Credit Score

Think of your credit score like your financial reputation. It shows how well you manage credit when you apply for a loan, get a new credit card, or even rent an apartment. It’s also a warning sign for financial red flags like fraud, identity theft, and missed payments. The earlier you catch the warning signs, the easier they are to fix! So, while you’re in cleanup mode, take a second to verify the details.

And if your score has been gathering dust like the elliptical in your basement that broke in 2008, no judgment here! Utah First makes it quick and easy to check your credit score in the Digital Banking app if you haven’t looked in a while. You’ll get a clear view of where you stand, what’s helping or hurting your score, and tips for dusting it off to improve it over time. Just log in and scroll down! Your credit score is on your dashboard page.

Pro tip: Make it a habit to check your score once a month (we promise it’s less painful than checking your fridge expiration dates).

2. Tidy Up Your Spending

Nothing humbles a person faster than end-of-month account balances. With outdoor concerts and patio brunch season coming up, it’s time to get a clearer picture of money coming in, money going out, and where things might be leaking so you can enjoy summer without the financial stress. 

You don’t need to cut out the fun or bust out a spreadsheet, but it’s definitely not wise to wing it, either. Whether you’re planning a vacation, saving for a big purchase, or just trying to avoid that end-of-month panic, knowing where your spending adds up helps you stay in control.

Tracking your expenses this spring is as easy as spending 10 minutes in the Digital Banking app. 

  • With Insights, we can help you understand your habits and patterns so there’s no question about where to cut back. See ya later, overspending. 
  • Our built-in Budget Tool lets you review your spending across categories and set limits on each to see what’s left in real time! 

Pro tip: Start with a quick glance at your last 30 days of transactions. You may be surprised what you find (goodbye, forgotten subscriptions).

3. Polish Up Your Credit Card Strategy

You know your rising sign and your Wi-Fi password, but do you know your credit card rate? If not, don’t worry — your statement does. Find your most recent monthly statement and look for the APR. 

If you’re carrying a balance on a card with 15% to 20%+ interest, you’re paying more than you need to. Like, a lot more. Lowering your credit card rate means keeping more of your money for beach days and paying less in interest over time. (Spoiler alert: If you’re not using your Utah First Orange Platinum Visa Card with its 9.0% APR and points on spending, you’re missing out.)

But rate isn’t the only factor. Here’s how to polish up your credit card strategy and make sure your card is working for you, not the other way around:

  1. Consolidate the chaos. Juggling multiple high-interest cards? Consolidate by transferring your balances to one smart, low-rate option (like the Orange Platinum Visa with its beautiful, fixed 9% APR).

  2. Ditch the fees. We’re just gonna come out and say it — there’s no annual fee on the Orange Platinum Visa. The right card doesn’t make you pay a cover charge just to earn rewards or access a decent rate!

  3. Earn while you swipe. If you aren’t earning points on every purchase to redeem for the stuff you want, you’re leaving free stuff on the table. Find a credit card that rewards you for spending!

  4. Use your card like a pro. Instead of just using it to put out fires, use your credit card as a tool to build your credit. This means:

    • Not spending more than you can pay off at once
    • Paying balances off monthly (or at least having a game plan to get there)
    • Making payments on time to avoid interest charges

Pro tip: Compare your current rate to what Utah First offers. If you’re paying more elsewhere, it might be time for a switch — or at least a little rate reality check.

4. Set Up Automatic Bill Pay

Nothing kills springtime vibes like a missed payment. Avoid late fees (and that dreaded “oh no” feeling) by setting up automatic payments through Digital Banking. It takes just a few clicks, and your bills will practically pay themselves. 

Whether it’s your phone, utilities, or loan payments, Bill Pay keeps everything automated and running smoothly so you can spend more time in the sunshine and less time keeping track of due dates.

Pro tip: Automate the bills that would ruin your week if you forgot them. (Looking at you, rent.)

5. Declutter Your Accounts and Alerts

At some institutions, you’re stuck opening a different account for every one-off feature you want. That might work for some people, but let’s be real: It gets messy, fast.

With Utah First Personal Checking, you don’t have to clutter your financial life with accounts. You get every feature standard (dividends, early direct deposit, loan discounts, debit rewards, and VIP concert access) in one place and can kiss the days of account juggling goodbye.

Besides your accounts, your finances might be full of other stuff you don’t need, almost like the junk drawer everyone has in their kitchen. If you’ve got unnecessary subscriptions or paper statements piling up, take a few minutes to:

  • Unsubscribe from services you don’t want or need anymore
  • Switch to eStatements to cut the paper clutter
  • Customize alerts in the Utah First app so you get all the notifications you need — and none of the ones you don’t

Pro tip: Go full Marie Kondo. If the card or account doesn’t serve a purpose, consider letting it go.

Need Help? We’re Here to Serve!

Spring cleaning your finances doesn’t have to be overwhelming or time-consuming. It just takes a little digital know-how and a few smart moves! So, grab your phone (not a broom), log into Digital Banking, and give your finances the refresh they deserve. After all, your money should work as hard as you do. 

And if you need help, we’re only ever a few taps away. Give us a call or reach out to our 24/7 live support!