With spring often tempting us to refresh wardrobes and book holidays, experts at MoneySuperMarket warn that now is a good time to get finances in order before everyday spending turns into costly habits.
Kara Gammell, Personal Finance Expert at MoneySuperMarket shares three practical, often overlooked financial “spring-clean” tasks that could help Brits stop wasting money and give their finances a boost in just 15 minutes.
Kara explains: “It’s easy to procrastinate when money feels overwhelming or scary. One way to break through that barrier is to set a timer for just 15 minutes and tackle the tasks you’ve been putting off – whether that’s checking your bank balance, reviewing recent spending, or looking at your credit score. Setting a short time limit makes the whole process feel less intimidating and helps you get over the hardest part – getting started.”
Minute 1-5: Subscriptions audit
Kara adds: “A quick audit can make a big difference. Try searching your inbox for phrases like ‘trial ending’ or ‘renewal’ to uncover forgotten subscriptions, and if you’re not using it regularly enough to justify the cost, it’s probably not worth keeping.
“Cancelling subscriptions you no longer need can also help reduce your risk of fraud and identity theft.. The fewer active accounts storing your personal details, the less exposed you are to potential security issues.”
Minute 6-10: Credit score check
“Your credit report is a snapshot of your financial life, showing active accounts, forgotten credit cards, and financial links to former flatmates or partners. Spotting accounts that could be closed or errors that need correcting is a smart way to protect your credit profile and avoid unexpected surprises down the line.
“You can check your credit report for free online in less than five minutes using tools like MoneySuperMarket Credit Score. It’s quick, easy, and gives you a clearer picture of where you stand financially.”
Minute 11-15: Take control by switching
“Switching to a balance transfer card can be a helpful way to take control of existing debt. By moving what you owe to a card with a 0% interest period, you’ll stop paying interest for a set time – meaning every penny you pay goes toward clearing the balance rather than interest.
“It takes just a few minutes to check if you’re eligible, using tools like the free MoneySuperMarket eligibility checker. This uses a “soft search” that won’t impact your credit score. You’ll just need some basic details, including your address history and income, to see which cards you’re likely to be approved for.”
Turn your spring clean into an admin night
Kara continues: “If you struggle to tackle money admin, try turning it into a social activity. ‘Body doubling’ – a technique often used by people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – can help keep you accountable by working alongside someone else – even virtually. Set aside an ‘admin night’ with a friend where you both focus on your own to-do lists. Research shows people complete tasks faster, with greater accuracy and improved focus when working with a human – or even an AI – body double.”2
The 24-hour rule: How to curb impulse spending this spring
With advertising everywhere and warmer days on the horizon, the temptation to refresh your wardrobe and keep up with new spring trends can be hard to resist.
Kara encourages shoppers to try a few simple, mindful habits to reduce impulse buys:
“If you’re tempted to buy something new, try the 24-hour rule: pause for a full day before making the purchase so you have time to think.
“Another trick is the ‘stranger test’: imagine a stranger holding the item in one hand and the cash equivalent in the other. For example, if it’s a £100 pair of trainers, which would you actually take? Research suggests most people would choose the money.”
