Get Organized
If you admit to being organizationally challenged when it comes to your finances, youre not alone. Most people would agree that organizing personal finances is about as much fun as preparing your taxes.
Theres a high price to pay for those stuffed file cabinets, messy countertops, and junk drawers. Multiple bills sandwiched among the months junk mail can easily lead to costly late or missed payments. If you're waiting to do last-minute shopping, then youre paying higher prices instead of finding the bargains. Poor record-keeping habits make it nearly impossible to spot the extras in your expenses.
Disorganization in your paperwork also makes it easy to overlook potential budget-busters, such as the warranty expiration dates on your major purchases. It can be very depressing, not to mention, expensive to realize that the car repair you've put off for several months because you were so busy, is no longer covered by warranty.
Obviously, the price or disorganization can be high, adding up to hundreds and thousands of dollars every year. If this sounds like YOU, then maybe it's time to bring a little more order into your life. Look at these tips to becoming more organized:
Invest in a small file cabinet with labels on folders so you can put important documents away. Keep warranties in one folder with a "master list" of expiration dates in the front. When you receive a bill in the mail, immediately note the due date and then slip the bill in the appropriate "date due" slot. Make it a habit to check your bill organizer each week. Click this window to close
Keep your bill sorter, checkbook, bank records, a calculator and writing materials in a particular space. Keep everything else - junk mail, school work, kids - out. Set aside a specific day and time each week to pay bills and head for your space to do that. Click this window to close
Collect coupons. You'll find yourself saving money every week. Take the time to find the best prices and avoid impulse purchases on everything from food to apparel. Click this window to close
Health, auto and homeowners insurance can be very costly. It takes organization to find your options and make changes that can save you money. Make a commitment to yourself to include a periodic reassessment of all your insurance payments. Click this window to close
File it.
Designate a special space.
Plan shopping trips.
Be a cost-savings guru.
