Breathe Fresh Air! Consolidated Credit Helps Consumers to Spring Clean Their Finances

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - March 18, 2013 - PRLog -- FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla--Spring is the perfect time to open the windows and clean the dust that accumulated during the winter. It's also a great opportunity for individuals to give their finances some fresh air. Consolidated Credit offers tips to help consumers clean out the financial clutter and reduce debt (http://www.consolidatedcredit.org/credit-card-debt/reduce-debt/#back).

"As organizing a messy closet makes people feel more comfortable and happier, getting rid of financial problems gives consumers piece of mind," said Howard Dvorkin, CPA and founder of ConsolidatedCredit.org. "Tackling financial problems shouldn't be seen as a negative experience, but as a way for consumers to help their kids through college, enjoy a nice retirement and eliminate debt (http://www.consolidatedcredit.org/#back)."

Financial spring cleaning tips:

•Clear out the clutter: Addressing financial problems becomes much easier when records are organized. Consumers should take advantage of tax season to establish new filing habits. For example, they can organize receipts, credit card statements and credit reports into different folders. This habit not only will help consumers to keep their finances organized, but it will allow them to track spending.

•Perform a credit checkup: A clean credit report (http://www.consolidatedcredit.org/personal-finances/credi...) can be a valuable asset. Consumers can request a free credit report once every 12 months from each of the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies. Individuals should check their reports carefully for accuracy and report any mistakes. Reviewing a credit report is also a great way for consumers to get a snapshot of their financial obligations.

•Wipe out debt: This time of the year is ideal to pay off debt. As consumers start receiving their tax refund, they can put that amount toward their credit card payment. If more money is needed to eliminate debt, consumers can design a savings plan to finish paying their credit card debt (http://www.consolidatedcredit.org/credit-card-debt/#back) by the end of the year.

•Review monthly withholding: Consumers can check if they overpaid or underpaid on their taxes in the previous year. Individuals who paid too much can reduce the amount held from their paychecks and put that money aside to pay off debt or start an emergency fund.

•Check investments: An unstable stock market and a weak economy have affected the investments of many individuals. It''s wise to sit for a couple of minutes to review the interest accrued on investments and make any necessary adjustments to increase capital gains. It''s also important to maintain a healthy balance between the level of risk and earnings—being too aggressive may put consumers' finances in danger.

About:
Consolidated Credit is one of the nation's largest credit counseling and has helped over 5 million people with financial issues. Their mission is to assist families throughout the United States in ending financial crisis and solving money management problems through education and professional counseling.