As the days grow longer and the weather begins to warm, spring is a great time to refresh more than just your home—it’s also a great time to tidy up your finances. Whether you’re looking to trim everyday expenses or build a bit more breathing room into your budget, a few simple changes can make a big difference. Here are four straightforward ways to spring into savings this season.

Don’t buy anything new for an entire month

With online shopping and nonstop ads tempting us every day, it can feel like there’s always something new to buy. Try giving yourself a 30‑day break from purchasing anything brand new. Essentials are still fair game—but for everything else, consider borrowing from a friend, fixing what you already own, or shopping second‑hand. If a full month feels like too big of a challenge, start small by skipping dining out or saying no to impulse or “treat yourself” purchases for a couple of weeks.

Make every weekend a “cash only” weekend

Handing over cash instead of swiping a card can make your spending feel much more real. Since weekends are when many of us tend to spend a little more, switching to cash during that time can help you increase the awareness of what you’re buying. Some people even like to think about their purchases in terms of the hours they worked to earn that money and ask themselves, “Is this really worth the time it took to earn it?” It’s a simple shift that can make a big difference in how—and how much—you spend.

Try reverse budgeting

Set an automatic transfer to yourself on payday. It’s like putting your savings on autopilot – you decide how much you want to transfer to savings, the money automatically transfers, then budget how you want to spend the rest. Try setting a percentage for how much is transferred each month or set a specific dollar amount if you’re saving for a big trip or other purchase.

Create a “buy it later” list

See something you really want to buy? It’s easy to put it in that online shopping cart! Instead, put it on a 72-hour “buy it later” list to make sure it’s an item that is necessary. Oftentimes, refraining from impulse purchases helps you stay in line with financial goals and helps to avoid buyer’s regret and waste.
Saving money doesn’t have to be strict or stressful. With just a few small changes—like pausing new purchases, using cash on weekends, trying reverse budgeting, or adding items to a “buy it later” list—you can make meaningful progress toward your financial goals. Pick one or two ideas that seem achievable and start building habits that help your savings grow, one simple step at a time.
This information is provided by Iowa State Bank for educational purposes only in partnership with the Iowa Bankers Association.