While you're cleaning windows and sweeping away the cobwebs this spring, spend some time sprucing up your financial closets too.  A few tips:

-Records support your tax returns
(such as canceled checks and receipts) generally can be thrown away after five years.  Sort through your files and determine which ones can go.  Consider keeping returns for years in which you had unique taxable events such as transfers of assets or a divorce.

-Store documents that would be difficult to replace in a safe, fireproof place.  Examples include wills, birth certificates, marriage licenses, adoption papers
papers, Social Security cards, military records, and inventories (or videotapes) of your personal possessions.

-Review your home- owners or renters insurance.  Does it cover at least 80% of the replacement value (not the purchase price) of yur home and possessions?  If not, increase your coverage and shop around for the best price.

-If you have valuables, such as jewelry, antiques, or art, a standard homeowners policy likely won't cover their full value.  Consider purchasing a floater policy to provide extra coverage.  Also make sure you get "all-risk" coverage, meaning the insurance company will reimburse you no matter what the cause of the loss.

-With better weather here, take some time to weatherproof doors and windows now to save money on next winter's heat bills.  Also, have appliances such as air conditioners or furnaces checked and repaired before seasonal demand inflates prices.