The 2026 Spring Financial Checklist Every Wisconsin Family Needs

Spring in Wisconsin brings more than just melting snow — it’s that perfect window between tax time and summer vacation mode to get your financials in order. From planning a weekend escape to Door County or finally tackling that home maintenance project you’ve been putting off since last fall, these actionable steps will help you make the most of the season ahead. This spring checklist covers everything from smart spending on seasonal activities to proactive planning that'll set you up for success through summer and beyond.

Young Families

For those of us balancing daycare costs with the urge to finally get out of the house, this season is about finding affordable fun and regaining control of the family budget.

1. Budget for a spring break trip that won’t derail your budget 
   Explore state park day passes, backyard camping with the kids or budget-friendly Wisconsin Dells packages. If you’re planning on splurging to a sunny destination like Florida, book early and set a spending limit within MyFinance Manager to keep you on track. 
   
   
2. Get outside without breaking the bank
   Hit free bike trails, pack picnic lunches for parks, start seeds for a summer garden and make Saturday morning farmer's market visits your new family tradition.
   
   
3. Set one attainable financial goal for the year
   Whether it's paying off that credit card by summer, saving for a home down payment by year-end or opening a 529 plan for college savings, pick one clear target and make it happen.
   
   Pro Tip: Open a Certificate of Deposit or Money Market account to help you save. Lock in a 3.89% APY for a 9-month CD or 3.29% Money Market rate for 6 months now until April 18th.
   
   
4. Organize your financial records
   Dedicate a Saturday to financial housekeeping: Gather tax documents, shred outdated paperwork, create digital backups of important files and set up a simple filing system.
   
   
5. Plan for summer activities before they sneak up on you
   Brewers games, Summerfest tickets and Door County weekend aren't free. Create a "summer fun fund" now with automatic transfers within MyJFG so you're not scrambling or charging it in July.

Growing Families

With busy school schedules and perhaps a cabin to open up for the season, spring offers a crucial moment to secure your assets and organize your financials before the warmer weather begins.

1. Finish spring maintenance and home improvement projects on your properties before summer hits
   Schedule HVAC service, gutter cleaning and lake home or cabin prep now before everyone's booked solid. Preventive maintenance saves thousands versus emergency repairs during the peak season. If you want to cross off a home improvement project off your to-do list, like building a deck or replacing your garage door, use a home equity loan or home equity line of credit to fund your project.
   
   
2. Review your beneficiaries and estate planning documents
   You’ve likely just gathered your asset information for tax season, making this the best time to ensure your beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance and bank accounts still match your wishes. Checking this to-do off in April lets you enjoy the summer season worry-free. 
   
   
3. Schedule a mid-year financial planning check-in 
   Book a check-in with your advisor to assess progress, adjust your investment strategy and plan for second-half goals. Don't wait until the fall when you're distracted by holidays and year-end chaos.
   
   
4. Attend local spring festivals and community events together 
   Pick a few from your community and make them annual family traditions like the Milwaukee Film Festival to catch a movie, Spring Fair on the Square in Baraboo for arts and crafts or the Maple Syrup Festival in Phelps for a sweet Northwoods experience. Plus, you're investing in your community, supporting local artisans and businesses and teaching your kids the best experiences don't require a plane ticket or a theme park. 
   
   
5. Make family volunteering a spring tradition
   Join river clean-ups, food pantry shifts, community garden projects or trail maintenance at state parks. Volunteering teaches your kids the importance of giving back to causes that matter to your community.

Empty Nesters

With a quieter house and a schedule of your own, use this season to maximize your retirement savings and curate the lifestyle you’ve worked so hard to earn.

1. Spring clean your assets
   Use the spring-cleaning momentum to downsize more than just your closet. If you’re holding onto a boat you haven’t used in two years or a second vehicle that just sits in the garage, spring is the prime selling season. Liquidating these unused assets now clears space, reduces insurance and maintenance costs and frees up cash to fund your summer adventures or pad your retirement accounts.
   
   
2. Give the gift of education for your grandkids
   Celebrate graduations or upcoming birthdays in an impactful and meaningful way by funding their 529 plans. A contribution made now can grow tax-free, and in Wisconsin, it offers a state tax deduction for you.
   
   
3. Test-drive your dream retirement lifestyle
   Take two to three weeks somewhere you've talked about retiring to: Arizona, Florida or just extend some time up north. Live like you're retired, track every expense, see if your budget holds up, and most importantly, enjoy an extended vacation.
   
   Pro Tip: Take advantage of the shoulder season. While families are tied to school schedules, you have the freedom to travel between spring break and summer vacation when there are fewer crowds and the prices are better.
    
4. Consider investing in that second home, boat or RV you’ve been dreaming about
   Spring is prime time to shop for lakefront property, a pontoon boat for entertaining grandkids or the RV for cross-country adventures. Work with your advisor to structure your purchase smartly.
   
   
5. Plan seasonal experiences with your family
   Spring is the perfect time to plan multi-generational adventures before summer is in full swing. Whether you’re catching a baseball game or enjoying a Friday night fish fry, these experiences create lasting memories with your grandkids and your adult kids will appreciate you taking the lead on creating traditions their children will remember forever. 

The warmer weather isn't just an invitation to get outside — it's our cue to refresh our financial strategies and set ourselves up for a stronger, more secure year. Make this spring count and plan the year ahead. Need personalized guidance? Connect with your advisor or get matched with one today.