1. Select a monthly or twice-monthly date for
handling all
paperwork, and to meet your financial obligations. You may find
this works better if you select one day a week and stay on top
of things that much better.
2 Gather all supplies and equipment before you sit down to deal
with the paperwork. Typical things include pens, file folders,
checkbooks, stamps, labels, and calculator.
3. Sort all papers into five piles. These will eventually go
into five financial folders: a. Banking b. Bills to pay c.
Payment booklets for fixed obligations d. Sales slips and cash
register slips e. All other statements, such as insurance and
investment notices
4. Balance your bank statements with your checkbooks. Follow the directions on the back of
the statement if you are not sure how to balance the account. Put the reconciled
statements in a file folder or binder labeled by name of the account.
5. Write checks for the bills and update your expense projection on expenses that vary
from month to month. Keeping this information current allows you to have a better idea of
what to expect.
6. Create a file folder for each month of the year. Be sure to
label each folder with the month and the year, or by name of the particular account.
Collect the bill stubs and sales slips and
put in appropriate folder. File in the same drawer as the bank
statements.
7. Review insurance and investment notices, noting any changes or transactions. Premiums
have a way of increasing over time.
8. Create a separate file folder for the bill stubs, canceled
checks and any other documentation needed to support your tax return if you itemize your
tax returns. File it anyway if you
are not sure. You will gain confidence and knowledge in what to keep and what to throw
away. Remember, organization is being able to find what you want when you want it, get
things done, and be in control of your life. If you are going to keep
something, give it a home, label it with a common sense heading, and keep all
records/folders in one location. Otherwise, feed your trash can.
© 2002, Susan W. Miller, All Rights Reserved
About the author:
Susan W. Miller, President of Home Oasis International, a
Denver-based company selling organizing products and services
through home parties and online. She is the author of the "PRO
NOTEBOOK" a Personal Resource Organizer, a life-planning tool to gain control over
your personal and financial records. Home
Oasis International professionals are available to speak to your
group. 1-800-681-8681
