Do you  know "How Long Is Too Long?" when it comes to keeping something?

This past week, I was working with a client who had bought a new home and was transporting all of his worldly possessions from one home to another.

First, the job was a lot larger of a task because no sorting was done ahead of time.  Everything went with him to the new home.  He put off the task and decided to just do it when he got to his new home.  (There is lots of extra time and effort and expense involved in taking this route.)

Second, a lot of the boxes that were being transported had been stored in the garage for the past 15 years! 

When it came time to sort through all the boxes, it was not surprising to me to find that he didn't actually want 90 percent of it.  He had moved it to the new home for nothing.  A lot of the items were in very poor condition, dated and not useable.

The lesson learned here is two-fold:

One, don't move to the new home without first going through everything that you intend to move to make sure you still want to take it with you and...

Two, procrastination can cost you time, effort and expense.  It takes a lot more time to haul the items, it takes longer to unpack the items and sort through them then just not packing them to begin with, and it costs more to move them when you have to pay a moving company to move excess items that you will end up getting rid of anyway.

Do yourself a favor.  When it comes to moving, do the work ahead of time by sorting through your items, putting like-items together and labeling the boxes clearly so you know what room they should be placed in your new home.

Finally, holding items in boxes that you don't open for 15 years clearly states that you just don't need them.  You didn't miss them all that time, you won't miss them now!

If you are moving to a new location, do it in an organized manner to save yourself that time, energy and money.  If you are overwhelmed with that prospect, feel free to contact A Better Space to get some help.

In the meantime, have a great Memorial Day weekend.

Unless you are living under a rock or in a cave, you know and are well aware that we are still in the midst of an economic "crisis". This scares many people. The fear of losing your job, your home and/or your investments can be overwhelming. 

However, the one thing I have observed recently is that this "crisis" is forcing people to stop and think about their particular financial situation and have a desire to become more aware of where their money comes from and where it is going.

The number of people per month who are still applying for unemployment compensation in the United States is staggering.  Of the nearly 52 million U.S. homeowners with a mortgage, about 13.8 million, or nearly 27 percent owe more on their mortgage than their house is now worth, according to Moody’s Economy.com. Most people have seen their investments and retirement funds decrease by approximately forty percent. The average American has approximately $10,000 of credit card debt. No wonder everyone is scared.

Many have attempted to cut back on spending in order to make ends meet and attempt to get out of debt. However, without a plan in place, you cannot be successful. If you do some research, you will find that many financial advisors and other "experts" have put together systems for creating a solution to your budgeting woes. I have found them to be very complex and time consuming, discouraging most people from utilizing them.

In order to successfully create a plan for financial success, you need to create a budget. A budget will provide you with a way to not only analyze your income (by way of a pay check, investment rental properties, alimony, child support, governmental benefits, etc.) but will provide a visual aide to see where the income is going. You cannot budget your money if you don’t know where it is going.

So, how do you begin to even create a budget, you ask? You will need to determine your income, determine your expenses and then create your budget based upon that information. This can sometimes be a complicated and time consuming process.

You will need to determine whether your monthly expenses exceed your monthly income. Does your current problems involve the inability to save month each month? Do you wonder where all your money is going each month? Do you feel that your life is getting out of control because of your finances?

If so, you need to develop a personalized budget so you can better manage your finances. Ask yourself - "How can I possibly manage my money if I don’t have any idea where it all goes each month?" The answer - you need to become more disciplined with your money.

Many people make the mistake of cutting back so drastically that there is nothing left to enjoy. Many get caught up in the "this minor expense won’t matter" syndrome. Before you know it, "these minor expenses" are added over and over throughout a month and before you know it, they really add up. This is sometimes where overspending occurs. And, don’t forget that budgeting needs to include saving money. Planning for those things you enjoy makes it much easier to stick to your budget in the long run.

You may ask why it’s so important to record all of your expenses. It’s important because, if you don’t track your expenses, eventually they get out of control. You need to have a system and it needs to be documented.

Now, more than ever, everyone is looking for that simple way to manage and budget their money. No one wants to take time to work with a complicated system.

No one has the time!

Take the first step now. Acknowledge that you need to get on a budget and commit to finding the support and tools necessary to get it done!

If you need some assistance, I have developed the "U Can Do It Budgeting System" based upon the budgeting system I have used for myself for over 25 years as well as my years of experience setting up personalized budgeting systems for my clients. Visit the ABS Store right on this site learn more.

In the meantime, have a great week!

Life is complicated enough.

I have found that people tend to make their schedules and tasks much more difficult than they have to be. While there are hundreds of things you can do to organize your life, I believe these seven tips alone can help.    

1. Simplify your morning routine. Take a shower and select what you are going to wear the night before.  Go for a more natural look and use less cosmetics to save time.  Get an simple  hairstyle that requires very little work and is easy to maintain.  Set the breakfast table the night before. Wake up a little bit earlier so you can feed the kids, walk the dog and/or have a cup of coffee without the need to race to work.

2. Simplify your schedule. Stop doing the activities that you are no longer interested in doing. Delegate. Consolidate your errands to save time. Pad each errand, appointment or task by about 15 minutes and you will stop rushing from one thing to the next. Don't fill your calendar to the max. Leave some time open for fun and relaxation in between your work-related or chore-related tasks. Stop saying "yes" to everyone and everything.  Learn to say "no" sometimes!

3. Simplify your processes. Is it taking too long to accomplish certain things?  If so, take a look at those tasks.  For example, if it's taking you an hour to balance your checkbook, you might want to consider using a computer software program to manage your money instead. Are you  tired of waiting in line at the post office for postage?  Consider ordering it online.  If it's taking you forever to file your paperwork, perhaps it's time to revamp your filing system.  It just might not be the best system for you.

4. Simplify your possessions.  Remember, when it comes to possessions, quality is more important that quantity. It's better to have a few very nice things than tons of not-so-nice things. Do you have more shirts than will fit in your drawer or closet?  Do you really need that many? Donate clothes you never wear and you'll be helping someone less fortunate while simplifying your wardrobe. Weed out your kitchen cupboards. Reduce the amount of plastic containers.  Get rid of the small appliances or cooking utensils you no longer use.  Have a yard sale. Before you go shopping, get rid of something you no longer need. Use the "one in, one out" rule.  If your kids are off on their own, you may even want to simplify and downsize to a smaller house.  Remember, less is more!

5. Simplify your finances. Consolidate your credit cards. Most people can get by just fine with just one or two major ones. And, don't spend beyond your means! In fact, if your credit card bills run very high each month, consider paying for purchases in cash instead. Pay your bills online whenever you can. Balance your checkbook each month, so you don't fall way behind. Set up a monthly spending budget and stick to it so you don't go overboard with purchases each month. 

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Do you want an EASY way to budget your money?  Are you tired of those complex systems that you can't maintain from month to month?  If so, the U Can Do It Budgeting System is for you.  You will be able to download this e-book onto your computer within minutes and be ready to create your own personal budget in less than one hour!  Simply go to the Budgeting System tab right on this website and download it today!

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6. Simplify your cleaning. Clean as you go, and you'll never have to deep clean. Rinse dirty dishes and put them in the dishwasher immediately after each meal so you don't have big pile-ups in the sink. (Remind your family of this rule, as well.)  Use only one or two cleaning products to clean your entire house--you don't need ten!  Create a cleaning schedule. You may choose to do a chore each day, such as vacuuming on Mondays, dusting on Tuesdays, etc. Or, you may prefer choosing a room a day, such as kitchen on Mondays, bathrooms on Tuesdays, etc. Divide up the cleaning duties among each member of your household. If your budget will allow, get a cleaning person to come in and clean once a week, or once every few weeks. 

7. Simplify your meal planning. Choose one day each week (include your family, if you'd like)to decide what you will have for dinner the next seven nights. Write those meals down and make a grocery list of the items you need to purchase to make match those meals.

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STAY TUNED - THE U CAN DO IT GROCERY SHOPPING LIST is being launched in September 2009!

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This is much easier than worrying about what you're going to make for dinner each day. Choose meals that take less than 30 minutes to prepare and cook. Make double, so you only have to cook every other night! Learn how to use a slow cooker so dinner is ready to eat when you get home from work.

Please keep in mind that with any plan, maintenance is the key.  By utilizing these tips regularly, I guarantee you will have A BETTER SPACE.

If you need further assistance with this or any other organizational issue, please contact me at A BETTER SPACE.  I will be more than happy to help.

Enjoy the last days of August!

My son recently graduated from high school.  He is continuing his education in the Fall at a local tech school for web design.

Around the time that he was going through the major transition from high school student to graduate, I was writing my "U Can Do It Budgeting System" e-book.  In speaking with various people, I began to recognize that there is a large group of individuals who need to be educated about finances and budgeting...high school and college students.

Did you know that only a quarter of teens have any idea how credit card interest works?  The average college student carries nearly $3,000 in credit card debt.  A bad credit rating can affect your child's ability to buy a car, a house or even get a job.

As a parent, it is important to discuss these and other money related issues with your teen before they leave the nest. But how?  Some parents are not confident that they have enough knowledge about finances, feeling they don't know how to give advice or even where to begin.

To get this important conversation started, start involving your teen in the family's financial situation.  You don't have to give away the ship but you can let your kids see you paying bills and getting their input some budgeting decisions.  Give them an example where a choice needs to be made.  Have them realize that in order to go away for vacation, you need to save up a bit to do so.  Ask them how they suggest you do that.   Showing them that the balance between spending and saving is so important and will take them a long way. 

If there is a big ticket item that your kids wants, don't just give it to them.  Explain to them that they can earn the money, either by getting a job or getting paid to do chores around the house that perhaps you would pay someone else to do so they can fund the cost themselves.  It will make it a lot more valuable to them.

Before your teens leave home, your teen needs to know how to balance spending with savings and the details of day-to-day living, such as how to balance a check book and how to stick to a budget.  The "U Can Do It Budgeting System" is a great tool to teach those who need help creating and sticking to a budget.  It is simple and easy enough that it works for teens as well as adults. (See the "budgeting system" tab for more information.)

Some great times to initiate this conversation with your teen is perhaps at snack time.  Get them to sit at the table with you with some fresh baked cookies and a glass of milk to get the conversation started.  I have found that it's a lot easier to have a deeper discussion with my teen when we are driving in the car.  I have his undivided attention.  Share some chores together.  By sharing some time together to get things done gives you a good opportunity to open up the discussion of finances.

Bottom line, get this conversation going.  It's important to your teen's future. 

We are well into Spring and now is the time you will begin to see garage sales popping up in your neighborhood.

With the economy in its current condition, more and more people are finding ways to make a few extra dollars and one way is to have a garage sale.

However, do you know about Garage Sale Etiquette.  It does exist.  As a seller, you should follow these rules for good "garage sale etiquette".

1.  If your advertisement for your sale states it will begin at 8:00 a.m., be ready for people to arrive around 7:30 a.m. unless you include "no early birds" in your ad.  They tend to follow the adage "the early bird gets the worm".   If you do include the statement in your ad, don't sell to them until the time the sale is to begin. Tell them in a polite way that you will sell the item to them when the sales begins, no earlier.

2.  Make sure your pricing of your items is clear and consistent.  If you leave items unmarked or use a confusing pricing system, people will get frustrated and you will find that many leave without purchasing anything.

3.  Be honest about what you are selling.  If something is missing from a set or has been changed, tell your customers or post a sign with the item to explain it.  Don't knowingly sell useless junk.

4.  A garage sale is not the right venue for selling collectibles, antiques or other large ticket items.  People who shop garage or yard sales are looking for low prices on gently used items.  If you want to sell certain items for more money, sell them on E-bay, Craigs List or at a consignment shop or antique store.  Know the value of what you are selling and determine what venue it best fits.

5.  Make sure to tell your neighbors you will be having a garage sale in advance.  They may want to either join your sale and know to expect increased traffic on the street that day.  Be respectful of your neighbors' properties.  If someone arrives and parks in front of your neighbor's driveway, kindly ask them to move their vehicle to another location.

6.  Stage your yard.  Clean it up and don't leave out items that are not for sale, such as patio furniture, lawn equipment, etc.  I suggest moving them out of view, covering them wtih a tarp or blanket or posting a sign on them stating "Not For Sale". 

7.  If you are posting signs in the neighborhood, make sure the lettering is large enough and bold enough for drivers to read.  (I cannot tell you how many times I am riding past a sign advertising a garage sale and I can't read the date, the time or the location.   As a result, I don't give it another thought.  That's a lost potential customer!)  Once you post your signs, drive around and see how they appear to others.  Make sure they are legible to someone who is driving by at a decent rate of speed in their vehicle.  Make a note to yourself where the signs were posted.  (I will explain below.)

8.  After the garage sale ends, go back to the places you posted the signs and remove them.  (This is why you needed to note where you posted them!) 

9.  Make sure you have a cash box or apron with pockets so you can collect money and make change.  Stock up on $1 bills, $5 bills, quarters, dimes and nickels.  If buyers don't have exact change, you need to be prepared to make change for them.

10.  Lastly, be kind.  Smile, ask people if they need any help, engage in light conversation.  Not only will it help you financially to be warm and courteous but it will increase the likelihood of shoppers returning for any sales you may have in the future. 

Wishing you a successful garage sale!!

Until next time, if you have any organizing questions or problems you would like me to address, please send me an email at info@4abetterspace.com and I will be glad to help.

In the past week or so there has been a lot of talk about the stability of the banks in our country and the security of our assets.  I received a newsletter from the President and CEO of ING Direct, Arkadi Kuhlmann, that contained the following information which I would like to share with you.

"So, you've put some money away and you're just letting it sit there and grow.  Or maybe you've stashed away some valuables in a safe deposit box.  If you haven't touched either in three to five years, you may never touch them again.  It's all because of state laws - called escheatment or unclaimed property laws - that require banks and brokerages to turn over unclaimed property, including un-cashed payroll checks, stock, bank deposit and more, to the State.  Property is classified as "unclaimed" when a Customer doesn't contact the bank where his/her money is held over an extended period of time and there has been no activity.

The State goverment is then supposed to identify and contact the rightful owners, and reunite them with their property; however, each State has a "who's who" list of people who "couldn't be found" and whose property has been seized."

Here's what you can do to avoid this:

- Login to any on line account at least once a year.

- For each bank account, make a balance inquiry, small deposit or withdraweal at least
once a year.

- Cash or deposit checks when you get them.

- Use gift cards, traveler's checks and gift certificates promptly.

- Visit your safe deposit box at least once a year.

- Notify any holder of funds of an address change or a new name.

- Make a list of all your account information including retirement plans, insurance policies, trust payments, and brokerage or other accounts, and give a copy to a trusted family member or friend.

Remember, if you ignore your assets, they could disappear.  You certainly don't want that to happen.

If you would like more information on this or any other organizing topic, please feel free to contact A BETTER SPACE.   I will be glad to help.

So you've decided that you want to have a garage sale (or yard sale) and you don't know where to begin.  Here are some Quick Tips to create A Better Space in your home by getting rid of those items you no longer want, but wish to get a little money for them.

First, don't save things to sell at a garage or yard sale unless you have set a definite date for that sale.  Donate those items instead.

However, if you have determined a date (sooner as opposed to later), be aware that your time is valuable.  It takes a lot of time and energy to plan and hold a successful garage sale so be prepared to spend the time. 

Advertise in the local paper - post signs in your neighborhood with arrows pointing to your home. (Just remember to go back and remove them when the sale is over!) Post signs in local stores that you frequent. My bank has a community bulletin board that I use to promote my business. You can do the same for your garage sale. Get the word out!!!

Make it a family affair.  Get the kids involved.  Have them select some toys or games they no longer play with and books they don't read anymore.  Let them keep whatever money they make for themselves!

To get started, evaluate what you have and categorize it.  Use boxes for smaller items and a large blanket or drop cloth for larger items.  Visibility is key so make sure everyone can see what you have.

Once items have been categorized, you can use the box to indicate the price of the items or mark it "Priced As Marked" and then individually tag each item within that category.

Be reasonable.  Remember, it's a garage sale and customers are looking for bargains. Don't attach your sentiments to the item to determine it's worth.  Think about what someone would be willing to pay for the item.  You will make out better if you sell a lot of items cheaper as opposed to charging more for one large item.  You want the customers to buy a lot of things.  The goal here is to get rid of the stuff!

Make sure you have a cash box on hand for dollar bills and coins to make change.  Sometimes people bring large bills to a garage sale and you don't want to lose a sale because you can't make change.

Have some paper grocery bags or plastic bags for your customers to carry their purchases.  If you have fragile items, make sure you have some tissue paper or bubble wrap on hand.  Your customers will appreciate the extra effort you are taking to wrap up their precious belongings.

Negotiate.  If someone really wants something, let it go for a bit less than you originally priced it.  It's not worth holding onto for just a bit more money.  There is a chance you might not sell it at all!

Have fun!  Talk to people.  Be a salesman (or woman).  See if you can help them find what they are looking for. 

At the end of the day, let the stuff go.  Don't put it back in the garage or in the house.  Donate it to a local charity or post the items on freecycle.org.  Someone will make use of what you no longer want and you will keep it out of the landfill.

Take the proceeds from the day and do something fun with them - go to dinner with the family - buy something that you actually need.  And look around, you now have A BETTER SPACE!

For more information and assistance on any organizing issue you may have, feel free to contact me.  I will be more than happy to help you reach your organizing goals.

Wishing you a good week!

Here's another Quick Tip for A Better Space -

I bet a lot of you are cleaning out your garages and other areas of the home in preparation for summer.  Below is some information you can use when considering making use of your local consignment shop.

If you have high-end furniture, for example, that’s too big for your space after you've downsized, it may be worth investigating the possibility of consignment sales. Be aware however, that although something may be of good quality, it may be out of style and a consignment agent will be less likely to take it on.

Before going the consignment route, research the various stores and agents in your area to be sure it is a worthwhile arrangement. You’ll usually receive a percentage of the selling price and some shops only take items they know they’ll sell.  Once you’ve given it to them you won’t have to ever take it back. This can apply to making use of E-bay stores as well. 

Remember, sometimes, it's just better to give it up and move on.  In some cases, if it has served it's time and you have gotten it's money's worth, it's time to just let it go. 

Separate emotional value from monetary value and you will have a better time deciding what to do with those "expensive" items.  I promise you will then have A Better Space.

For more information and assistance on any organizing issue you may have, feel free to contact me.  I will be more than happy to help you reach your organizing goals and create A Better Space for you.

Have a great week!

Since April 15th will be here before you know it, it brought to mind that you might need some Quick Tips for A Better Space when it comes to your finances:

If you are going to organize any one aspect of your life, I believe the most important is your finances.  If your finances are not in order, it can literally cost you money and may jeopardize your credit score.  That's very important and should not be ignored.  Using the following tips will reduce your chances of this happening:

1) All in one place.  

By keeping all of your financial records and files together in one place, you are on your way to getting organized.  If you can't find your bills, you can't pay them on time!

Create one central location for all of your pending bills. It can be a folder in a cabinet, a bin in your home office, a bill paying secretary (this is an accessory which sits on your desk top and has dividers in it for all 31 days of the month - not a person sitting on your desk paying your bills for you!)  Check this file once a week to ensure that you don't miss any deadlines.  

When new bills arrive, discard the outer envelope and all of the useless inserts. Put the bill and the return envelope into your Pending Bill file.  I suggest paying your bills 10 days ahead of their due date.  (These days, that doesn't give you much time, so plan ahead!)

2) Set yourself a schedule to pay bills and stick to it.

Select a time every week that is convenient for you and when you can have some peace and quiet without being interrupted.

3) Balance your checking account.

Although we all hate to do it, it's necessary.  However, if you balance your account on a regular basis--such as every time you pay bills--it will drastically cuts down on how far back you'll have to go to find a mistake.

If you use an online service to check your balance, you won't have to wait for your paper statement to arrive in the mail.  Also, if you use a system such as Quicken to keep track of your checking account, you can save yourself time and errors as well.

And, check your checking account balance often.  How many checks do you write?  How many deposits do you make?  You may want to check your account as often as once a day to once a week.  This is especially important if more than one person is using the account. This will help avoid those surprise ATM withdrawals that didn't get posted in your account register in time.  And list them chronologically!  It's so much easier to keep track of them that way.


4) Try direct deposit.

There are products out there that can make your life easier, such as direct deposit.  Just think, it will avoid your having to go to the bank to deposit your check, which will save you time and gas money.  Also, did you realize that direct deposits will often end up in your account before paper checks are given out!

5) Consider online bill paying.

Online bill paying is another great way to save yourself time and money! Rather than having to sit there and write a check, put a stamp on the envelope (more money) and hope that it gets there on time, you can simply visit the company's website and make an online payment. These days with all of the mail theft out there, it's actually much safer to pay your bills online.

Once you make a payment, make sure you print a copy of the confirmation for your records. If you prefer to pay bills only a couple of times a month, most companies will allow you to schedule your payment in advance and it's processed on your due date.  It doesn't get much easier than that!

6) Change your due date.

Contact your credit card company and request a due date in a specific part of the month.  This way you can count on when the payment will be made based upon your particular financial circumstances. 

7) Consolidate your accounts.

One way to simplify your finances is to eliminate any unnecessary accounts you may have. If you have an extra savings, checking, money market or investment accounts, consolidate them.  Even if there are minor fees associated with closing out accounts, it will be worth it.  You will not have to spend so much time keeping track of all those accounts, statements, etc.

8) Don't keep what you don't need.

You know all of those thick booklets you receive in the mail from brokerage houses? Those annual reports, etc. for stocks, bonds, investment accounts.  Unless you love reading them (Is there anyone who loves reading through or deciphering these reports aside from my dad?), toss them. You don't need them.  It just becomes clutter!

9) Make sure someone you trust knows about your financial picture.

Select someone who you trust and make them knowledgeable about what accounts you have and how to access these accounts. Tragedies do happen. Don't leave your loved ones in the dark as to how to sort out family finances in the event you're unable to.

Create a list of the company names, phone numbers, website addresses, account numbers, usernames and passwords and put it in a safe place for them to access if need be. It's also a good idea to check this information every quarter to make sure it's up-to-date. You can also file a copy of this information with your Will.

10) Make sure you have a Will.

The most important step you can possibly take to organize your finances is to have a current Will. Don't leave your loved ones with a huge financial mess.  If your estate is very simple, purchase a software package that will allow you to create a simple Will in the privacy of your own home in less than an hour. For a more complicated estate, please consult an attorney.  You don't want to create chaos for your family. It's best to insure that your wishes will be followed.  Don't put it off!  You just never know...

The moral of the story in reference to organizing your finances is to develop a plan that works best for you. Everyone's situations are different and what works for one person or family may not work for someone else.  And, when you find a system that works for you, be consistent.  Develop a consistent schedule and follow it.

Remember, this is the one area of your life in which you can't afford to be disorganized. By taking the simple steps listed above, you will be on your way to organizing your finances in no time and creating A Better Space!

For more information and assistance on this topic or any organizing issue you might have, feel free to contact me. I will be more than happy to help you reach your goals for organization and make your place A Better Space.

Have a great week!