Spring clean your finances

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Spring clean your finances
By Bankrate.com

Get rid of the financial dust bunnies clouding up your budget. Check out these five money-saving tips for renewing the cash lying around your financial life.

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Simplify and save
1. Clean out your closet for a tax break
	Don't chunk those old clothes -- donate them.

2. Cut credit card fees and rates
	Ask for a lower rate -- you'll probably get it. Plus: Tips to avoid late fees

3. Refinance and slash your mortgage costs
	Low rates won't last forever, so take advantage of refinancing while it's hot. Plus: Capitalize on your home equity the right way

4. Beef up your retirement accounts
	Our experts answer common questions about 401(k) accounts. Plus: Where to start investing for retirement And: Double-check your portfolio

5. 5 ways to make saving a habit
	Build your savings with these strategies.

	-- Updated: March 21, 2003

See Also

•	6 ways to find a credit union
•	Are you financially literate?
•	6 tips for shrinking the interest rate on credit cards

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•	How to find the best card
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•	Finance charges explained
•	How to ask for a lower rate

•	Improve credit with a card
•	How to repair your credit


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