There’s something quietly magical about early spring mornings. It’s my favourite season, hands down. The air is crisp but hopeful, the light lasts a little longer each day, and a pair of varied thrush birds have started building their nest in my back garden.
I watched them this morning as I drank my tea, fluttering back and forth, beakfuls of twigs and tufts of dried goodness knows what in tow. There’s no rush, no frenzy—just a steady, determined process: one twig at a time. And as I sat there watching them, I couldn’t help but think — this is exactly what it’s like to get your finances in order.
Building wealth, creating a budget, getting out of debt — it’s not a one-day job. It’s a season-by-season effort. And just like those birds, you start with the smallest of twigs.
Spring as a Fresh Start
Spring always feels like a fresh chapter. There’s a reason so many of us suddenly want to declutter our homes, clean out the garage, or tackle that long-neglected junk drawer. It’s a natural urge — a kind of energetic reset.
So why not bring that same spirit to your finances?
If winter is about hibernation and holding on, spring is about renewal and taking action. It’s a time to plant the seeds for the kind of life you want to live — one of less stress, more freedom, and a healthier relationship with money.
Okay, so which twigs do you need to wrangle? I think you need five substantial twigs that will help you build a strong financial nest. Oh, I’m liking this theme, thank you, varied thrushes!
Step One: Survey Your Financial Nest
Well, before you can build, you need to assess. The varied thrushes in my back garden don’t just plop down in any old spot — they scout out the best location. They test the branches, consider the surroundings (like the line of sight to my neighbour’s cat), and make sure it’s a good fit.
For you, this means taking a look at where you stand financially.
- What do your bank accounts look like?
- Are you carrying any high-interest debt?
- Do you know how much money is coming in and going out each month?
- Is your spending aligned with your values?
Don’t be afraid to get honest here. This isn’t about judgement — it’s about awareness. You can’t change what you don’t acknowledge.
Step Two: Gather Your Twigs
Every nest is made of dozens, maybe hundreds, of small, seemingly insignificant pieces. And so is your financial foundation.
In the same way, you can begin gathering your financial “twigs”:
- Start a simple budget — track your income and expenses for 30 days.
- Set up an emergency fund, even if it’s just $100 to start.
- Pay down the smallest debt or consolidate where you can.
- Cancel a subscription you’re not using.
- Automate a tiny savings transfer every payday — even $10 counts.
Each of these actions might not seem like much on its own, but over time, they add up to something sturdy, something powerful. It’s not about perfection. It’s about consistency.
Step Three: Build With Intention
The birds aren’t just randomly tossing twigs in a pile — they’re weaving a structure that will keep their wee family safe and secure.
As you make financial changes, don’t just do things because you “should.” Do them because they align with your bigger picture. What are you really working toward?
- Do you want to travel more?
- Own a home?
- Start a side business?
- Retire early?
- Help your kids with university?
- Just breathe easier knowing you’re not one unexpected bill away from panic?
When you know your why, the work feels less like a chore and more like a mission. Your nest isn’t just a structure — it’s a sanctuary for your dreams. Okay, maybe I’m getting a little sentimental now. Let’s move on.
Step Four: Protect What You’re Building
Once those birds finish their nest, they don’t just abandon it. They protect it. They sit on the eggs. They take turns watching over it. The work doesn’t end once it’s “built.”
The same goes for your financial life.
- Check in with your budget regularly — once a week is great. I love my weekly money date with myself.
- Revisit your goals each season to make sure they still fit.
- Adjust when life changes — because it will.
- Keep learning. Read books, listen to podcasts, follow money blogs like this one (wink).
You don’t need to be obsessive, but you do need to stay engaged. Otherwise, you risk letting all that careful building start to unravel.
Step Five: Celebrate the Progress
I can already see the shape of the nest coming together. It’s not finished, but it’s there. You can tell it’s becoming something. And even though the birds haven’t laid any eggs yet, there’s still something satisfying, joyful, even in the process.
Your money journey deserves the same celebration.
- Did you stick to your budget for a full month? Celebrate.
- Paid off a credit card? High five!
- Opened your first investing account? Pop the (budget-friendly) bubbly!
Acknowledging progress is what keeps you going. Don’t wait until you’re completely “done” — because let’s be real, there’s no such thing. There’s just the next branch, the next goal, the next season.
Final Thoughts: Let Spring Be the Spark
Spring is a season of small beginnings with big potential. A bud becomes a bloom. A twig becomes a nest. A choice becomes a habit.
Watching those birds reminded me that building anything meaningful takes time, patience, and a lot of heart. Your financial journey is no different. You don’t need to have it all figured out today. You just need to begin.
So, take a deep breath, open a window, and start gathering your twigs.
One at a time.
You’ve got this.
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