Zentricks.com - The Art of Simplicity

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As a freelancer, you’ll notice that your inbox can become just as cluttered as the rest of your life.  Clients, spam, and family members make it harder and harder to keep an uncluttered inbox, and to keep from feeling overwhelmed when cleaning it.  It’s not as hard as you may think, we’ll get through it together! (more…)

For those of us that live in a cluttered world, you need to try the Folder system. I read about this in a book (can’t remember the title unforunately) about 10 years ago. I used these methods, and modified them slightly to simplify my life, and to remove the clutter that I had accumulated. This won’t work for all clutter, it’s mostly designed for paperwork. But it will start to clear your surfaces of unwanted bills, letters, cards, and more. Great tip, easy, and super quick.

The first step is to pile all the paperwork into one spot on the floor.  You want ALL  of the paperwork that comes out of the mail box, and then takes up residence on your surfaces to be included in this pile.

Next, go to Wal-Mart or Office Depot and get a simple plastic file storage bin.  I have 3 of these, and they have become a true godsend.  While you are there, pick up some colored file folders, and a rack to hang them inside the file storage bin (if it didn’t come with one).

Now, sort through your paperwork and start placing it in piles.  Use the colored folder system to give each type of paperwork it’s own color,  and to make it easier to find later.

Here’s what I did.  I put all the bills in one pile, and then started to create sub-folders for each of them.  The color I selected for bills was red.  Now, I gathered several red folders and started to label them.  I came up with water, power, gas, sewer, trash, cable, internet, phone, cell, car, insurance, and more…  All of these bills went in their own folders, and they were all red.  Now I have a stockpile of past bills that normally would have been paid and thrown away.  This is useful for billing disputes, tax records, and your own peace of mind.

Now go through and do the same with other paperwork.  You should have folders for receipts, cards, and anything else you might want to keep.

Here is the key.  Keep everything in these bins for approximately one year, and then move them into a box that can go in a storage areas such as the basement or garage.  Just pull the folders out, and toss them in a box with the paperwork still inside.  Store these boxes for 7 years, and then you can shred them.

So, to recap, what I’m doing is storing records inside for one year.  Moving them into file boxes in storage for 7 years, and then throwing them away.  Not rocket science, but great file management!

Over 60% of us couldn’t survive in the same lifestyle if we missed just ONE pay check.  That’s a startling number.  With most of us having more credit debt than savings, we are just one misstep away from a serious setback in our financial future.  What’s even more startling is that we are SUPPOSED to have 3-6 months worth of living expenses saved, yet most of us would have to make huge lifestyle changes if we missed just one paycheck..  We need to save more money!

But you knew that. (more…)