Back to school

Tip: When doing back to school shopping, always shop with a list. Go to the store with a clear idea of what you need and work from the supply list provided by the school. Stay focused, limit your time browsing and stick to your list. This will prevent over buying and impulse buying. It’s also helpful to take inventory of the school/office supplies you already have at home before heading to the store. You may already have some of the supplies that you thought you needed to purchase.

Vacation Preparation

Tip: When packing for a summer vacation have a staging area for your suitcase.  Put it out two weeks before your vacation and every time you think of something you want to bring, put it in the suitcase.  Also, create a master list of essential items to bring on vacation and keep the list for future years.  Need help making that list?

Declutter Dates

Tip:   Schedule project power hours and declutter dates to tackle disorganization.  Pick a specific date and time and don’t allow yourself to reschedule.  Designate one hour to focus on a single organizing project and you will make progress.  A good starting point is sorting into categories, by putting like items together.  If you’d like more ideas on how to get started and how to make progress, please contact me.

Organizing Vital Documents

Tip:  Store your vital documents in a lockable, fireproof, portable, container that is easy to grab and go in an emergency situation.  Examples of vital documents are birth certificate, social security card, marriage license, deed to home and property, title to vehicle, military documents, and passport.

Shredding Guidelines

Tip:  Everyone should own and use a shredder.  Daily shred unwanted mail and solicitations.  Monthly shred unnecessary receipts and reconsiled ATM slips.  Yearly, after taxes have been filed, shred old utility bills, credit card statements, and pay stubs.  For a list of paper retention guidelines email me.

Please note that any guidelines listed are overruled by the advise of your personal CPA and should comply with your personal comfort level for paper retention.