Marie Kondo’s famous mantra is to only keep things that spark joy. While she’s known for transforming physical spaces, the same idea can – and should – be applied to your finances.

As I navigate my late 20s, I’ve started to find that financial clutter can be just as stressful as physical clutter. Let’s be honest, many of us are guilty of spending on things that don’t really bring joy: impulsive buys, padding our carts just to hit free shipping, or subscribing to services we barely use. If you've ever looked at your bank account and thought, “Where did all my money go?”, then it might be time to refresh your financial life.

There is plenty of online advice that teaches you how to plan your finances or reduce your expenses, but I found using the KonMari method as inspiration was the best way to tidy up my finances by focusing on joy, intentionality, and organising by category – not chaos.

If you’ve been looking for a way to gain clarity on your finances, eliminate wasteful spending and make intentional choices that align with your financial goals, try a Marie Kondo-inspired approach. Here’s how…

Lay out your monthly expenses to get a clear overview of how much you’re spending on each item.

1. Lay it all out

Just as Marie Kondo asks you to pile every piece of clothing on the bed, start by gathering all your financial information in one place. Whether it’s a budgeting app or a trusty Excel sheet, seeing everything – from income and expenses to debt and savings – gives you a complete picture of your financial health.

It might feel overwhelming at first, but clarity is power. When your finances are scattered across apps, accounts and mental notes, it’s easy to lose track. Laying it all out helps you spot leaks (like forgotten subscriptions) and understand spending trends. Awareness is the first step towards control.

2. Tidy by category, not by account

Instead of looking at one credit card or bank account at a time, organise your finances by spending categories – think food, transport, subscriptions and shopping. This gives you a clearer picture of your habits and makes it easier to spot areas of overspending. Are you constantly ordering bubble tea, taking cabs when the train would do, or dining out more than you realise? Zooming in on categories helps you see the patterns – and break the costly ones.

3. Does it spark joy or serve a purpose?

Tidying your finances isn’t about depriving yourself – it’s about spending with intention. Marie Kondo says, “Tidying is about looking forward.” So ask yourself: Do the things you spend on bring lasting joy or serve a real purpose?

Material wants often bring quick hits of happiness, but do they hold up over time? That $6 iced latte you buy every day – habit or happiness? Could a homemade version or a weekly treat offer the same joy? Evaluate what you keep spending on. If it no longer serves you (hello, unused gym memberships), it’s time to let it go.

4. Thank you and bye

Letting go isn’t just for exes and old clothes. Unused subscriptions, impulse buys and money pits weigh you down mentally and financially. Even small costs add up over a year, creating clutter you don’t need.

Parting ways with whatever no longer serves you frees up mental space and allows you to redirect your money towards what truly matters – it could be travel, savings, investing or meaningful experiences. I’ve been trying to build the habit of asking myself, before making a purchase, whether I will truly get value from the item or if it will end up sitting in my closet after just one use. This mindful habit helps me to free up mental space and reduces the stress of regret, giving me confidence that my money is being spent wisely and intentionally. When you only spend on what you truly value, your money starts working for you – not the other way around.

5. Organise what you keep

Decluttering is only half the battle. Now it’s time to give every dollar a purpose. Set up a system that works for you:
 

• Saving: Emergency fund, short-term, long-term
• Spending: Food, transport, social
• Investing: Insurance, monthly contributions, financial goals
• Debt: Credit card bills, loans, repayments

Having this structure reduces stress and helps you stay on track. Like a tidy closet, a tidy budget means you always know where things are. Once your basics are covered, you can start planning for the future – investing, wealth-building and even guilt-free splurging.

6. Set a regular check-in

Treat your money check-ins like seasonal decluttering. Whether it’s weekly, monthly or quarterly, find a rhythm that suits you. Sit down, review your budget and adjust as needed.

Think of it like clearing out your closet. If it’s no longer in season, no longer fits your lifestyle, or no longer brings you joy – it’s time to let it go. Regular check-ins help you stay aligned with your values and goals as they evolve.

7. Spend intentionally

The ultimate goal isn’t to spend less – it’s to spend better. That doesn’t mean you can’t buy the latest shoes or that designer bag. It just means asking yourself: Is it worth it? Does it truly add value to my life?

Sometimes, buying a high-quality item you’ll use daily beats buying five cheaper alternatives that gather dust. Intentional spending doesn’t mean restriction – it means making choices that align with your lifestyle and bring lasting satisfaction, not fleeting thrills.

True empowerment begins with joyful finances

Marie Kondo’s method isn’t just about decluttering your home – it’s about creating a more joyful, intentional life. And the same principle can be powerfully applied to your finances. When you tidy up your spending habits and financial commitments, you’re not just making space – you’re gaining clarity. Financial spring cleaning allows you to better understand your true needs, align your money with your values, and plan for the future with greater confidence.

By taking the time to reflect, organise, and let go of what no longer serves you – be it unnecessary subscriptions, impulse buys or outdated money habits – your finances shift from being a source of stress to a tool for freedom and possibility.

So, if your wallet (or bank account) feels like it’s bursting at the seams with things that no longer spark joy, consider this your gentle nudge: it might be time for a little financial reset.

Start small – review your spending, cancel what you no longer use and take stock of what truly matters. And if it feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional who can help guide you through it. Your future self will thank you!