4-Step Process to Organizational Nirvana

 

By Paula Schechter

of

Ducks In a Row

Organizational services for home, business and life!

(210) 737-9040

 

 

FOUR-STEP PROCESS:

  1. DEVELOP HABITS

Boost Effectiveness

Save Time

Relieve Stress (mental, physical and relationships)

 

  1. USE TOOLS

Save Time

Support Weaknesses

Boost Productivity

Keep You On Track

 

  1. GET TRASHED

Fight the saving urge—PURGE!

Analyze, Plan & Do It—Get Organized

 

  1. LOOK TO THE FUTURE

Life

Projects

Goals

 

COACHING TIPS:

 

LIFE IS A WORK-IN-PROGRESS

Give yourself permission to change your goals. Life is not stagnant and you shouldn’t be either. Just make sure you are not copping-out or settling rather than doing the work.

 

 

 

 

Financial Organization

Tips and ideas to organize financial documents

By Paula Schechter

of

Ducks In a Row

Organizational services for home, business and life!

(210) 737-9040

 

  1. Organize Receipts

On the outside of a large envelop (9”x14”) date with the current year. As tax relevant documents and receipts come in, place them in the envelope. Keep the envelope in an easily accessible location where you open mail. When tax time arrives simply take the envelop to your accountant!

 

If you have a lot of receipts, such as a self-employed person, consider an accordion file. Label each pocket by taxable categories such as: auto, client entertainment, supplies, etc.

 

  1. Storage of old tax returns

Consult with your accountant first, but the rule of thumb is to keep only 7 years of back taxes. So each year when your taxes are prepared you may throw out (preferably shred) the return and all supplemental information from 8 years ago.

 

Identify one location for all 7 years of tax returns. If you don’t have adequate space in a file cabinet you may want to consider purchasing a large plastic storage tub. Put each return and all relevant documents in a large envelope and date on the outside. Organize envelopes in date order. Safely store container in the garage, in a closet or in an attic.

 

  1. Keep Informed

Many people rely on a spouse or a loved one to manage finances. Problems arise when that person passes away and you are left not knowing the financial details of your own life. Insist on an annual update that includes names, contacts, income, expenses, balances and account numbers for all financial matters both personal and professional.  Keep all information in a secure place—hopefully you will never need it but if you do, you will be very glad your organized!

 

  1. Track Expenses & Income
Create a household budget using the Excel software program. Create a column for each month and horizontal line for each expense. Faithfully input all expenses, no matter how small: postage, haircuts, gifts, vacations, dining out groceries, gas, medical premiums, out of pocket medical expenses, utilities, etc. You will be amazed to learn your actual household budget. This is invaluable for retirement planning and it never to early to start.

 

 

 

 

Organizing Jewelry

 

  1. Select an open-backed frame (no glass) that suits your home décor. Cut a piece of plywood to fit slightly loose. Cut a piece of batting (poofy, soft-stuff available in fabric stores) slightly smaller than the size of the plywood. Select a piece of fabric that suits your décor and cut 2 inches larger than the plywood. Staple the fabric over the batting onto one side of the plywood. Secure into frame. Hang on wall. Hang brooches, pins directly onto the fabric.  With pretty pins you may also hang earrings, rings, watches, etc.

 

  1. Measure the interior dimensions of a drawer. Shallow drawers works best but deep is okay too. Go online: http://search.lillianvernon.com/EasyAsk/lillianvernon/results.jsp

 

Order the jewelry stackers listed on the site and place in the drawer.  Fill each cubby with pairs of earrings, necklaces, rings, pins and charms, each in it’s own space of the jewelry stacker.

 

  1. If safety is a concern you can order a home safe in various sizes that can offer both burglary and or fire protection. Go online:

      http://www.sentrysafe.com/SafesForHome/

 

Models offered include in-the-floor style, and large units with shelves ideal for sliding in jewelry stackers (listed above)

 

  1. Not all homes have one, but if you are lucky and can identify an empty wall space that can be cut open and used for hiding lesser-worn jewelry. Replace the wallboard and cover with a piece of framed art or even a piece of furniture in front to obscure from view. This is less expensive than a safety deposit box and offers more convenient access.

 

  1. When traveling, a jewelry roll is an ideal way to carry rings, necklaces, and pins. The roll is small enough to fit inside a purse or carry-on luggage and jewelry doesn’t get tangled or scratched. Go online to:

 

      http://search.lillianvernon.com/EasyAsk/lillianvernon/results.jsp

 

6.  Purchase a vintage dressmakers form covered in fabric and hang necklaces around her neck. Pin brooches to the form and use pins to hang earrings and rings. It is a nice way to see your jewelry and decorate a room. If a metal form is more to your taste, available at Hobby Lobby stores, you can dress the form in any style and than adorn as previously indicated. Changing the clothes is fun way to observe the holidays and change of seasons.

 

Listen to Paula Thursday mornings at 7:30 on

The Sonny Melendrez Show

 KAHL 1310 Radio - San Antonio, Texas!

 

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