Spring has finally sprung - and with its longer evenings and pink blossoms in the trees usually comes the chore of deep cleaning your home. Perhaps it’s not the first thing you want to do when the weather turns nice but knowing you can pocket a little extra cash makes it a worthwhile weekend activity. Spring is an opportunity for renewal and revival, and that includes your hall closet and basement.

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Vacations - whether weeklong sails on a luxury cruise or a quick weekend trip to soak in hot springs - are meant to be enjoyed. Being unprepared for the expenses of traveling, though, can sour a holiday fast. Lodging and transportation costs are to be expected but buying magazines in the airport terminal and picking out souvenirs for the whole office adds up fast.

To avoid returning home from your trip feeling frazzled, it’s important to set financial boundaries for your travels - including knowing ways to save while you explore or unwind.

Clipping coupons to save a few bucks on toilet paper and milk isn’t just for moms scouring for bargains. There are books and blogs teaching consumers how to use coupons, and there’s even a television show where shoppers try to find the best deals for the largest quantity of groceries. Now, all kinds of people use coupons - from college students to senior citizens - and many are even used for online purchases from dish soap to wireless headphones. Using coupons is one way to save money during weekly grocery visits, which can then be used to pay off consumer debt or to sock away in a retirement or vacation fund.

With a busy academic calendar - there are still at least fifteen weeks of school left in the spring semester - most kids are eagerly awaiting the respite of spring break, a whole week without homework, dress codes, and sports practice. Sure, the kiddos just had winter break, but research continuously demonstrates there is joy in anticipation, so it’s time to start planning.

After the holiday decorations are put away and the eaten-for-luck black eyed peas have been passed around the supper table, you slip back into your daily routine at the office. As the new year begins, one of the first things to do is file your income taxes for the previous year.