There’s something about spring that takes me back to my younger days. It is partly the feeling of renewed possibility, the return of warm days, outdoor meals, and green on the trees. Everybody who lives in Indiana can probably relate to that sense of excitement and anticipation for the warmer season ahead. But mostly I think it’s the smells of spring, especially early mornings. I remember walking to school on an April morning, and you could smell the promise of spring in the air, a mix of budding flowers, rainfall, and laundry hanging out to dry. Spring is not my favorite season, I’m a big fan of hot summer days myself, but if I could bottle that smell, I’d be a rich woman.

This year, spring is almost bittersweet. It’s my last spring as a working woman. I’m looking forward to retirement, don’t get me wrong, but as with any big life change, there’s a little bit of nostalgia mixed in with the excitement. This is the time of year that I’d usually be planning for a big holiday season ahead, signing contracts and springing into action. Instead, I’m taking care of loose ends, slowly cleaning out my office, and training my replacement. It’s exciting, it’s strange, it’s fun, it’s sad, but it’s NOT easy.

As you can tell, I was struggling at the beginning of this week. Monday morning dawned cold and breezy, especially after the gorgeous Easter Sunday we enjoyed for most of the day. Still, at least it wasn’t raining. I was standing on the back deck, waiting for my dog to finish smelling every last corner of the yard, and fighting this feeling of melancholy. And then I noticed it—the smell of spring. Lilacs, fabric softener, and early morning dew somehow came drifting towards me and I realized that while I’m not looking forward another fast paced summer season at work or the holiday parties and promotions, I’m looking forward to a brand new chapter in life, filled with possibility. Our brains seem hardwired to focus on what we’re losing, even in the midst of what should be a celebration. Monday morning I determined that I’m going to start focusing on what I’m gaining. This year, I’m springing into retirement.

If you’re looking forward to retirement yourself, whether this year or many years in the future, here are just a few tips to help you spring clean your finances and be ready for the perpetual vacation.

Start with a budget. If you’re really close to retirement, now is the time to start living on the pay that your financial planning projects you will have. If you’re still a decade or more away, there are some bills you have now that might not be present later, such as a mortgage. Take that into consideration, but still take a test drive of your retirement budget.

Clean up your accounts. Many of us have opened multiple checking, savings, credit card and other financial accounts. If you’re not using them, now is a good time to consider closing and consolidating. Make sure to talk it over with your financial planner first to make sure there won’t be any negative impact on your credit, but for the most part, dormant accounts need to be closed.

Talk to your insurance provider. Insurance is one of those set it and forget it things in our lives. We hope to never need it, so we really don’t think about it too much. Still, check in with your insurance agents and policies at least once a year, even shop around. You might be able to save a substantial amount of money to save back for retirement.

Here’s wishing you a warm and wonderful spring. I hope you enjoy the possibilities, the smells, and the sunny days ahead as much as I plan to. I’m Retiring Tina, and I still have some work to do.