Spring has sprung, the blossom is on the trees, and marginally brighter mornings remind you that you might fancy a new wardrobe, that new gadget or new shoes.

Charcol, the fees-free and whole of market mortgage broker offers five ways to spend a spring Saturday morning cleaning your finances, to easily add thousands to your budget, and dust away that debt!

Magic-away your mortgage payments

Interest rates have really shot up in the last two years so if you are approaching the end of your lenders deal and the (normally much higher) standard variable rate is looming, you should start the remortgage process; preferably eight weeks in advance.

A broker will help you prioritise your needs in terms of what mortgage term you can afford, freebies you want (such as free valuation and free remortgage legals) and whether you think a tracker, a discount or a fixed rate would suit you for the next few years.

Make sure you take advantage of a broker that can access the whole of the market, preferably one that does not charge a fee, such as Charcol, on 0800 066 5570 or Charcol Mortgages on AOL

Time spent 1 hour. Interest saved annually changing mortgage, after fees paid, £1,624*

Buff up those bills

N Power announced an increase in prices of around 17% last year, and many others have followed suit. However you should review your electricity provider and gas provider annually.

You may be eligible for a discount if you buy multiple products from one provider, but by no means should you assume with any financial matter, that loyalty pays off.

If you have a good energy rating, providers including British gas can reward your low emissions with a better deal.

To compare the best deals that you are eligible for, have a look at Save on Your Bills.

Time spent searching and switching provider: 20 mins. Money saved on annual bill £181.00

Polish up your protection

It's tempting just to renew your travel insurance, buildings and contents insurance and car insurance with the same provider, but you could be making a loss by not shopping around.

Most providers will offer to honour your no-claims bonus if you switch to them, so you gain nothing from loyalty.

Again, use an independent comparison service to see the best priced options for your general insurances such as Insurancewide on AOL

British people are usually woefully under-insured for their lives and their incomes, yet we are one of the keenest nations for owning properties and being liable for the mortgages to match. Minimum cover should be a policy that would clear the mortgage for your family on your death, or critical illness cover if you live alone. Your mortgage broker can normally give you quotes.

Total time spent 1hour 30. (a) £120,000 life assurance arranged for £11.20 per month** (b) Annual travel insurance from £29, saving £14.04 (a third off) per person. (c) Buildings insurance: own provider still best.

Scrub up those savings accounts

Interest rates are currently relatively high as many banks and building societies try to attract savers, to recover the cash liquidity they lost at the end of last year.

You can save £3,600 cash into an ISA from April 2008, which pays interest on which you are not charged tax.

Find the best savings account

Time spent to arrange ISA: 30 minutes. £38.88 tax saved on interest***.

Clean up your credit cards

If you have a constant outstanding balance on credit or store cards, transfer these to a 0 percent interest card, cut it up, and arrange standing orders to pay it off in chunks monthly.

If you use your card regularly and pay it off, take one with freebies, or with cash back.

Some cards charge higher interest on cash withdrawals and most scandalously, the capital repayments you make are arranged so that they pay off the highest interest purchases or withdrawals last! This is called negative payment hierarchy, and you look to avoid it.

Don't apply for more than one card every three months as this dents your credit rating.

Compare credit card rates and benefits

Time spent 30 minutes. Interest saved per £1,000 of card debt: £210 this year.

Katie Tucker, Technical Manager for Charcol comments: "People look for bargains on bread in the supermarket, but overlook some huge regular monthly losses. Just one morning spring-cleaning your financial affairs could save you thousands for the year; who would turn down a £2,000 - £3,000 pay rise for just four hours' work?"

*from lenders' SVR at 7.25% to Abbey 5.48% two year tracker and £999 fee split over the two years.

**Full application for life assurance of a level £120,000 to pay out any time in the next twenty five years, for a non-smoking male of 35 years old, for £11.20 monthly.

*** Based on savings account of 5.4% and tax charged at 20%. Total : £2,067 in 3 hours 50 minutes.