But that doesn't mean there aren't small, concrete steps you can take toward a better financial future that only require a few minutes. We asked financial planners the top piece of advice they'd give to clients who had only five minutes to meaningfully improve their finances . A doctor wouldn't attempt to help you improve your diet or exercise habits without knowing what you're currently doing. Getting to know your spending habits is like checking your financial vitals. To that end, you'll have to spend some time — more than just the initial five minutes — regularly reviewing your monthly spending.

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Persons: Kevin Coombs, — you'll, there's, Tracy Sherwood, James Guarino, Coombs Organizations: CNBC Locations: Atlanta , Georgia, Clarence , New York, Woburn , Massachusetts