Budget blooms

With 100 days before Christmas, now is the perfect time to get your finances blooming again.

- BY WARREN RAAFF

Spring is a season of revival. Bird sounds burst through the windows, blooming flowers show off, and most of us throw open windows for a proper cleanup. Even with all the cupboards, cobwebs and random shoeboxes of knickknacks, don't forget to tackle the most important mess - your finances.

With just under 100 days before the silly season hits (and expenses explode), spring offers the perfect opportunity to refresh your budget, declutter your finances and regain control of your spending.

Here's what you need to get your financial life in full bloom:

RETHINK YOUR ROOTS: AUDIT YOUR BUDGET

Before planting anything new, examine the soil. That means reviewing where your money's going.