Using Time Wisely

Organized to save money, energy, and time

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Archives for 2011

Scheduling: Laundry Routine – Part 3 of 4

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Photograph Credit: Flickr (remember everyday)

Though I prepare for laundry day throughout the week by checking to be sure that all clothing items are placed in a hamper or laundry basket, there are still items to prepare on laundry day before adding that first load to the washing machine.

Thus far in our series, we have looked at STEP ONE: Preparing throughout the week and STEP TWO: Pre-treating soiled clothing. Today, we will proceed to STEP THREE.

STEP THREE: Preparing on laundry day

While the soiled clothes continue to soak in the OxiClean solution, I prepare to begin the laundry by:

    • Gathering the laundry baskets and hampers and bringing them to my bedroom,
    • Sorting all the items into the dark or white baskets from my bedroom closet,
    • Choosing a load of laundry to wash, and
    • Carrying the basket with those clothes down to the washing machine.

Before starting the load of laundry, I will check the items soaking in the Oxiclean solution to see if any of those items can be added to this load of laundry. If I find some, then I will wring out those items and add them to the laundry basket before adding this load of laundry to the washing machine.

With all the items gathered, sorted, and assigned a load of laundry, I can quickly begin using time wisely to get my family’s clothing items washed, dried, and put away. Next week, I will complete this series with my system for performing the laundry task.

Question: Where do you sort your family’s clothing? Please add your answer to the comments.

Show and Tell: File Box 2

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Just as a writer sketches the outline before writing the first chapter, the organizer creates a filing framework before adding the first document. This second file box is organized similarly to the first box with separate categories. To put pictures with the words, I give you the following pictorial show-and-tell session of Box 2 of my accordion filing system.

The closed accordion file box. Just like Box 1, this file box is also missing its string. Without the string, I can quickly move these files around and gain access. When the strings were used, they got caught on other files until they finally snapped. Though these boxes are different now than when first purchased, I have adapted them to fit my needs.

The opened accordion file box. In using time wisely, I choose not to label each of the 13 file slots. Instead, I use the plastic inserts that came with the accordion file to label each category. Some categories extend into 2 or 3 file openings while others only house one slot. If you prefer to label each slot, then adjust these guidelines to fit your needs.

Close-up look at the file tabs. In this file, I have used nine tabs to identify the nine categories in this insurance file. To make the tabs easy to read, I have placed them in a row from left to right. The nine categories identified in this box are:

  1. Personal Insurance Documents
  2. Life Insurance
  3. Major Medical Insurance
  4. Tax-Favored Programs
  5. Prescription Coverage
  6. Dental and Vision Insurance
  7. Critical Illness/Cancer/Cryo-Cell Stem Cell policies
  8. Short-Term Disability Coverage
  9. Long-Term Disability Coverage

My file may contain more or less insurance documents than you possess. I share my filing system to give you an organizational system sample to assist you in tackling your important documents. Please adjust this file to meet your needs.

As I cover each category, I will explain the insurance coverage Paul and I have chosen for our family. These are our choices. I am not a financial advisor, nor am I suggesting that you carry all these insurance documents. My goal is to assist you in organizing your important documents.

This pictorial overview is the framework for all my important insurance documents and policies. Next week, I will begin working through the file one category at a time. Come join me as we get these documents organized. Feel free to use this visual image to setup your own accordion filing system. Happy organizing!

Question: How do you currently keep your insurance policies filed? Please add your answer to the comments.

Reimbursement for Pot Hole Damage – Part 1 of 2

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Photograph Credit: Flickr (Cody Young)

When I hit that pot hole back in May, I had no idea I could get reimbursement from the State for the repairs. When the incident occurred, I focused on the task at hand – repairing my vehicle. While working through the process, which took about 3 weeks to complete, I mentioned the incident to my mom. This conversation saved me $187.58!

Having worked for her local county for almost 20 years, my mom asked if I had contacted the Risk Management department for a claim form. Having never heard of the risk management group, I inquired. Mom explained that each county has a risk management department to handle claims from pot holes, branches, etc. that damage property. After gathering the information and chatting with my mom, I looked up our county’s risk management office.

County Risk Management Contact

Not only was there a phone number listed, but also the employee’s name and e-mail address. I sent an e-mail requesting a claim form and was rewarded with instructions and the form by that afternoon. After filling out the information, I scanned in the document and e-mailed it back. The next week, I received communication that the road on which the incident occur is operated by South Carolina DOT (Department of Transportation). A contact person and phone number were provided.

At this point, I could have cut my losses and decided that this reimbursement process is taking too long to resolve. Knowing there was still a possibility that I could get reimbursed for these damages, I chose to continue searching and filing for reimbursement. Next week, I will share the end of the story. You will want to come back. It has a happy ending.  🙂

Question: Have you ever submitted a claim for reimbursement from your county? If so, please share the results in the comments. 

Black Friday: Family Shopping Trip

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Photograph Credit: Flickr (Mills Apartments)

Before Paul and I had children, we could be found waiting in line at Best Buy at about 3 a.m. on Black Friday morning. We enjoyed mapping out our plan of attack and working together to gather our savings. Though I still enjoy the deep discounts found on Black Friday, I find spending time with my family more valuable than shopping.

As you know, shopping is not one of my hobbies. I shop to feed and clothe my family. With that said, I really love the deals and steals found on Black Friday and now Cyber Monday. What I do not love is the move to choke out Thanksgiving to make room for another shopping day. Though the stores are opening earlier and offering scattered discounts, our family will not be standing in the lines, protecting each other from the rush, or staying up all night for that big deal.

Though the initial shopping is NOT for children, Black Friday shopping can be a great family activity at about 10:00 a.m. By that time, the rush is over, the big ticket items will be gone, and the checkout process calm. Two years ago, our family ventured out to Wal-mart with our list in hand. Though the store had been open for 5 hours, we found every item on our list. Of course, we were looking for toys, games, clothing, and household items. The trip was successful without the mayhem.

Though I do not recommend taking children to the rush, Black Friday can be a fun family shopping activity. If you venture out, I hope you find those deep savings while using time wisely with your family! Enjoy your weekend!

Question: How early did you venture out on Black Friday? Please add your answer to the comments.

Happy Thanksgiving

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Photograph Credit: Flickr (bonus living)

I give thanks for you! 

Thank you for reading and following along on this journey of life as we work through projects on a quest to using time wisely.

In this season of gratitude, enjoy these moments with those close to you. In spending time with family and friends this holiday, take time to give thanks.

Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!  Psalm 105:1

Time is precious, so continue using time wisely.

Happy Thanksgiving!