Emily's list: Spring cleaning edition

1. If you want to begin spring like a brand new hatchling, get those taxes out of the way so you can start off fresh and not be haunted by lingering W-2s and 1099s. That way, you'll be able to make headway on paying off debts and building emergency funds. Another reason to get it over with now? Bargaineering says at the end of March, the price of tax software will increase.

2. Flexo at Consumerism Commentary ponders whether the current credit crisis was started by too little or too much regulation. Now that things have gotten pretty nasty, let's hope the government continues with some spring cleaning and weeds out the bad practices that got us into this mess.

3. Ah, spring time -- when animals are born and plants spring to life. Lazy Man and Money is enjoying spring in the form of a new puppy, and he is already experiencing the joys of pet-related bills. Now that he owns a pooch, he's no longer speculating about the expenses, which are more than enough to wreak havoc on a credit card. I can attest to that!

4. If you want to have a new financial beginning, but can't seem to find a good balance transfer deal in the midst of recession, check out this creative balance transfer idea from Five Cent Nickel.

5. Spring is the time to sort through your cluttered drawers and overfilled closets to get rid of everything you don't need. Many of us, however, are eternally compelled to accumulate new things. Whether you're trying to reduce the amount of stuff in your house, or cut back on credit card debt, follow these tips from Get Rich Slowly on ways to avoid the temptation of spending.

6. If you really can't resist the urge to buy, take advantage of garage sales to save money and ward off debt. They are plentiful this time of year because others are trying to shed their unwanted goods. Not Made of Money offers tips on finding the best deals at garage sales.

7. It's always a great idea to spend less. Even if you don't have debt to pay off, start a new way of life this spring and start saving your cash. Gather Little by Little provides 95 money-saving tips from his frugal readers.

8. During this recession, some consumers are on the receiving end of some unwanted spring cleaning: The credit card companies are closing some user's accounts without asking. Cash Money Life explains how to boost your credit score after the closing of a credit card account.

9. If you never bothered to make or uphold a New Year's resolution, why not try it again with the first day of spring? No Credit Needed discusses short-term and immediate-term financial goals, and explains the importance between the two.

10. Spring is a time of growth, so why not spend some time growing your personal finance knowledge? Generation X Finance lists 20 free financial courses you can take online, which cover everything from debt and borrowing to financing your retirement.