Blog: D.E.C.I.D.E.™ to be Organized!
Being Organized Puts More Money in Your Pocket
Millions of Americans vow to be better organized every year. But did you know that being more organized can save you money? Yes indeed! Here's how.
- Organized finances – If your financial papers and systems are organized, you can easily assess your budget, track your spending and see where to cut corners if need be. It will be easier to access all the details of your accounts and finances. Knowledge is power and when your financial life is accessible and trackable, it usually results in more savings. An added bonus -- you won't have as many missed tax deductions due to your improved financial record keeping systems.
- Effective bill paying system - Just imagine -- no late fees or overdraft fees, your credit score goes up, and your interest rates go down. Sound like a dream? It is a reality for those that have an effective, and on-time bill paying system. By keeping track of your bills, and paying them on time, you can save a significant amount of money as finance charges and late fees can range from $1 to more than $35 per month. Setting up online bill paying and automatic bank account deductions can make financial organization painless, save you, money and protect your credit rating.
- Donations = tax deductions - When clearing out your space, you may sometimes uncover items that you no longer need and cannot return to the store but are valuable to someone else. Charities need your excess stuff and you get a tax deduction.
- Unwanted clutter for sale - You can sell your unwanted items (online, locally or through consignment) and cash in! Online services such as eBay and Craigslist are two ways to sell your items for fast cash. Consignment stores are another way to sell perfectly good clothing if you choose not to donate your items. Selling your items this way is usually quicker (and far easier) and results in more money than taking the time to have a garage sale.
- No more duplicates - Many disorganized people buy duplicates or items in bulk that become obsolete due to expiration, failure to store properly, etc. Replacing items that have been "lost" or buried under the clutter is a big money waster because when the item has to be purchased again you are spending money you didn't need to. By clearing clutter it allows you to see what you have and you don't need to over buy.
- Organized meal planning and shopping - By knowing what is in the refrigerator and cupboards of your kitchen, you won't be over-buying and having food going to waste. Also, making a shopping list and planning out your menus in advance helps. An added bonus is that eating at home more frequently is less expensive than eating out.
- Home and car maintenance - Keep on top of home repairs and car maintenance. If you take better care of the things you own, they will break down less frequently. Some examples include servicing your heating and air conditioning systems at home, changing the oil in your car, etc.
- Don't wait until the last minute - Another reason to be organized is to avoid paying a premium for things at the last minute because you are up against a deadline. Some ways to avoid late fees is to record due dates in a daily planner, sign up for email at the library to receive notices of overdue books before they incur a fine, buy gifts in advance, and book travel plans early. Also, you can save money by using your coupons, store credits, and gift cards before they expire, and sending in rebates on time.
The above tips are just a few ways that being organized can save you money. And who wouldn't want to put some more money in his or her pocket in this "new economy"? So get organized, and reap the benefits financially.
posted on: 10/26/2011 1:30:00 PM by Lisa Montanaro
category: General Organizing Tips
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D.E.C.I.D.E.™ to be Organized!
by Lisa Montanaro
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About Lisa:
Lisa Montanaro is a productivity consultant, success coach and business strategist who helps people live successful and passionate lives, and operate productive and profitable businesses. Lisa publishes the monthly "DECIDE™ to be Organized" e-zine for the general public, and "Next Level Business Success" e-zine for professional organizers and entrepreneurs and the DECIDE to be Organized Blog. Lisa is the author of the book "The Ultimate Life Organizer: An Interactive Guide to a Simpler, Less Stressful & More Organized Life" published by Peter Pauper Press, which can be found at www.TheUltimateLifeOrganizer.com. Through LMOS, Lisa helps people deal with the issues that block personal and professional change and growth. To explore how LMOS can improve your home or work environment, or help take your business to the next level, contact Lisa at 530-564-4181 - CA or (845) 988-0183 NY or by e-mail at [email protected].
Lisa's Website:
www.LMOrganizingSolutions.com
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