Bankrate.com says that after you're done throwing open the windows and airing out the wintry must, you should turn your attention to spring cleaning your money. No, they are not talking about laundering ill-gotten cash.

They suggest five financial areas that could probably use a good dusting, tell you exactly how to get started, and about how much time and money you'll have to devote to each:

Banking: Consolidate accounts, streamline with online statements and bill pay, toss old statements and checks.

Credit cards/debt: Check your credit report, shop around for lower interest rates, and come up with a payment strategy.

Estate planning: Create or update a will or trust; consider a living will and financial power of attorney; toss old documents.

Retirement accounts and investments: Consolidate accounts, rebalance and update beneficiaries.

Insurance: Get new quotes for car, home and life insurance policies; update beneficiaries.

Here's one Bankrate.com left off the list: review your mutual fund portfolio, and if your allocations are significantly out of whack, rebalance!

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