Using Time Wisely

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Archives for May 2012

2012 Quick Tip Week: Power Off Your Phone

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Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

Hope you are enjoying this week of quick tips to using time wisely. Time constraints arise that limit our choices.

By choosing time-saving strategies, we can coast through the busy times until we make through to the other side. Then we can take the time to catch up and plan.

If you have missed any tips, here are the links to each tip: #1 – Designated space for “to be filed” paperwork, #2 – Use disinfecting wipes for quick cleanings, and #3 – Keep your brainstorming notes. The next tip comes from the miscellaneous category, specifically time management.

Quick Tip #4: Power Off Your Phone

Really?! How can I go without my phone? I understand. When you are in the midst of a big project, you need to stay accessible. However, when you need to get that project done and have a block of time to work, power off your phone and start. Without your phone, you can concentrate and produce without distractions by the texts, rings, and beeps.

Besides my phone, I also close out my e-mail and Google Reader on my computer. Seeing the tabs update at the top of the screen tend to distract me. With time to work, I prefer to cut the distractions by closing the extra tabs on my computer and turning off my phone.

In using time wisely, power off your phone and increase your productivity. Set the timer, power off your phone, and work. When the timer ends, check your messages, and examine your work. As I cut distractions, my level of productivity rises. Try it. This tip works for me, and it may work for you. Happy productivity!

Question: How often do you power off your phone?

2012 Quick Tip Week: Keep your Brainstorming Notes

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Photograph Credit: Flickr (Jeremy Mikkola)

Following quick tip #1 from the document category and quick tip #2 from the household category, we move to the category of event planning in our week of quick tips.

Whether you find yourself planning a birthday party, dinner with friends, or a fall festival, this next tip comes in handy throughout the planning process.

When choosing or accepting the role of party planner, I always begin with event notes. These brainstorming notes contain the possible as well as the near-impossible for carrying out the details for the event. Though most of these ideas never get acted upon, use this next tip for future reference while using time wisely.

Quick Tip #3: Keep your Brainstorming Notes

Through my brainstorming sessions, I jot down all sorts of ideas from schedules to themes to contacts for ideas. As the event takes on a form of its own, I have learned to file away my brainstorming notes.

During the execution phase, I have hit snags in the plan. Referring back to my brainstorming notes has offered suggestions and solutions during these need-a-fix-now situations. Keeping my brainstorming notes has saved me time and energy throughout the event planning process.

As you plan your events, remember to keep your brainstorming notes. In using time wisely, you can save energy and time coming up with a solution (again) by referring to your former ideas. Sometimes those notes will prompt another idea for an up-coming event, so save your notes. Happy planning!

Question: What tool do you use to spark your creativity when planning an event?

2012 Quick Tip Week: Use Disinfecting Wipes for Quick Cleanings

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Photograph Credit: Flickr (Nora Warens)

Our week of quick tips continues in the household category. (If you missed yesterday’s post, you can check out Tip #1 from the document category.)

During seasons of busyness, my household may or may not look clean or picked up. Cleaning usually does not occur, but sometimes I must get that bathroom cleaned quickly, especially if company is coming.

This second tip allows me to clean each bathroom in 5 minutes or less. 🙂

Now, I would prefer to clean from top to bottom. However, my schedule does not always grant a designated day of cleaning.

During these quick times, I use this next tip to get the job done while using time wisely.

Quick Tip #2: Use Disinfecting Wipes for Quick Cleanings

With little ones who love to experiment with toothpaste, soap, and shampoo, my bathrooms can get messy rather quickly. When I need to remove the unwanted debris, my go-to cleaning supply is the tub of disinfecting wipes.

These pre-moistened wipes require little energy and get the job done. Depending on the mess, one or two wipes complete the task. I wipe the sink and then toilet. Once the toilet gets wiped, I toss the wipe to prevent spreading germs.

If you prefer to make your own disinfecting solution, check out Bonnie’s homemade disinfecting spray recipe. Besides using less chemicals, Bonnie’s recipe can save you money.

In using time wisely and wanting a clean home, use disinfecting wipes for quick cleanings. When your schedule slows back down, you can return to your regular cleaning schedule. Using the disinfecting wipes keeps my house presentable during busy times, like the month of May. Happy cleaning!

Question: What cleaning product assists you during busy times?

2012 Quick Tip Week: Designated Space for “To Be Filed” Paperwork

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Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

Having completed another large event, I placed blogging on the back burner during the busyness.

In an effort to catch up, I give you a week of quick tips for each category in the blogging schedule.

In using time wisely, these tips can save you money, energy, and time. 🙂

The first tip comes from the document category to help during seasons of busyness when the paperwork keeps coming and you cannot stop to file the documents.

Quick Tip #1: Designated Space for “To be Filed” Paperwork

In dealing with the daily mail, printed statements, and receipts, choose a designated space for the paperwork that needs to be filed. By sorting the mail and discarding unnecessary items, you will have only the pertinent items remaining.

In using time wisely, place these items in a designated space for future filing. I like to use a wire basket. If I need an item before I get a chance to file it away, I know where to look.

With all your paperwork together, you will save time and energy from searching for an item that you know you have. Designated space for “to be filed” paperwork” is worth your efforts while using time wisely. Happy organizing!

Question: What type of space holds your important documents until you can file them?

Medical Benefits: Are You Using All Your Resources?

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Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

Medical insurance is not cheap. With the different plans and policy riders, you may have extra benefits available to you.

Though it will take some time, reviewing your medical coverage might save you money in the long run.

Paul and I hold a Cancer and Critical Illness policy. One of the riders for this policy will reimburse us $100 for our annual physical exams. Since this policy covers each member of our family, we are eligible for $500 in reimbursement.

Even though our major medical coverage pays 100% for our children’s well-child visits, Paul and I end up paying $200-$300 each for our annual visits since preventive care is not a covered cost through our policy.

Without getting on my soap box about the lack of preventive care through our major medical policy, I am thankful for the added benefits through this cancer policy to off-set the price of our preventive care.

To get our reimbursement, I have found the following system beneficial:

1. Make and keep the doctor’s appointment,

2. Within 48-hours of the visit, I contact the doctor for an itemized statement of the charges including the codes for the annual visit,

3. Write a short letter to the insurance company requesting the $100 reimbursement,

4. Fax the letter with the itemized statement, and

5. Wait for the check to arrive in the mail

By reviewing our medical benefits and policy riders, I have saved my family $500 in benefits. Taking the time to read and understand our insurance policies and riders was using time wisely and helps in stretching our dollars every year.

As you continue organizing your important documents, read your policies. You may have other resources through policy riders that will save your family money. In stretching your dollars, remember to use all your resources through your insurance policies. You already pay for the benefits, so don’t miss out. Happy savings!

Questions: How do your insurance policies help you in stretching your dollars?