It’s a new month, and we’re in the middle of spring cleaning season. Is it time to refresh your finances?
It seems difficult to quickly clean up your budget, expenses and debts. Probably no one likes the idea of scouring credit reports, shopping for car insurance or analyzing bank statements.
But what if we told you that some of the smartest “financial fixes” take an hour or less?
This is the spirit of a report from AARP titled, “9 Smart Financial Fixes You Can Tackle in an Hour.” It appeared in the recent October/November issue of AARP The Magazine.
We’ve adapted their report into our own, which includes some favorite AARP tips and a few more.
So then, here are 8 financial fixes for anyone with an hour to spare.
read your credit report
Credit reports are inherently scary. But Ted Rossman, senior industry analyst at Bankrate, said, “It’s a good idea to do your regular checks.”
A 2024 analysis found that nearly half of credit reports may contain errors. Those mistakes can hurt your credit score.
It is quite easy to read credit reports these days. The major credit agencies give you free access to the AnnualCreditReport.com site.
As you read your report, Rossman said, look for accounts that don’t belong to you, incorrect names and addresses and anything you don’t recognize. Report errors to the credit bureau or company that holds the account.
Freeze your credit
Freezing your credit ensures that no one can open an account in your name. This is a strong defense against identity theft.
“It keeps the bad guys out,” Rossman said, speaking to USA TODAY in 2025. “It’s one of the few proactive things we can do to protect our identity.”
The credit freeze happens relatively quickly, and it’s free. US PIRG provides a step-by-step guide.
Apply for a zero-APR credit card
Troubled by credit card debt? Ironically, the best way to pay it off is with another credit card.
Zero-APR credit cards are a powerful tool for paying off debt. Here’s how it works: You transfer debt from another loan to the card with a steep interest rate. Then, you have about 12 to 21 months of promotional period to pay it off. You will not have to pay any interest during that period.
“A zero-interest card, used correctly, is a huge help to your debt-paying efforts,” Rossman said.
You can apply for a zero-APR card in minutes. Be aware, however, that consumers with low credit scores may be declined.
Open a High-Yield Savings Account
One of the easiest improvements in personal finance is to keep your savings in a high-yield account.
Vanguard reported in a recent survey that more than half of savers earn less than 3% in annual interest.
Inertia prevents many consumers from demanding higher rates. But according to roundups from NerdWallet and Bankrate, many online banks offer 3.5% to 4% on high-yield savings.
“I think it’s an important step to shop around different options and make sure you’re getting the highest APY,” or annual percentage yield, Sam Taube, chief investing writer at NerdWallet, said in an interview.
Shop for discounts on auto insurance
According to MarketWatch Guides, auto insurance rates are projected to increase 7.5% in 2025.
All the more reason to shop before renewing your policy, said Daniel Bortz, AARP’s personal finance editor.
To speed things up, collect quotes from multiple insurers. You can do this at comparison sites like Insurify, PolicyGenius and TheZebra, Bortz said.
When you’re shopping, “make sure you’re comparing apples to apples,” Bortz said, speaking to USA TODAY in 2025. Policies vary on coverage limits and deductibles.
You can also save money by changing your policy. You can increase your deductible amount. You can drop collision coverage on an old car.
Search for unclaimed properties
Millions of Americans have unclaimed cash in lost or forgotten accounts: old bank accounts, uncashed pay checks and even leftover 401(k) accounts.
Come to Missing Money, a one-stop clearinghouse of unclaimed property to find old bank accounts and other lost funds.
For forgotten 401(k) money, see the National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits.
Audit your subscription
Many consumers spend money every month on subscriptions they don’t use. It’s easy to sign up for a streaming service or online news site. It’s just as easy to forget about it.
“The average American has about 12 media subscriptions,” Bortz said. “Often, you can pay for a subscription you’re no longer using.”
A recent CNET survey found that the average American wastes nearly $200 per year on unused subscriptions.
Take a few minutes and review the last 30 days of activity on your accounts, Rossman said. Find forgotten subscriptions. Follow the steps to cancel them.
Increase Your 401(k) Contribution
Financial planners say that saving more for retirement is one way to reward your future.
Many Americans are already doing a pretty good job of saving for retirement. 401(k) savings rates recently reached an all-time high.
But most of us are not saving as much as we could. The maximum 401(k) contribution is $23,500 in 2025, and there are even higher limits for older savers. It’s fairly simple to increase your contribution by a percentage point or two.
“If you’re saving 10%, can you make it 11?” Rossman said. “The point is, especially if you do it slowly, you probably won’t even lose money.”