If you’re expecting a generous refund this season, you’ll want to make that money work as hard as you do.

When you hear someone say that he or she is an accountant, do you think of taxes right away?

These four baby steps will help you begin to get a handle on your finances for the new year. You can get a free credit report every week through April here. Step 2: Audit your subscriptionsFrom streaming services to clothing, look for recurring monthly fees to your bank account or credit card. Step 3: Check the interest rates on your credit cards and accountsCan you get a lower interest rate or a no-interest balance transfer for your credit card debt? After it expires, credit card companies usually jack up your interest rate.