Archives for 2012

Overview: File Box 3

August 12, 2012 by Tracy

Creating spaces for all your important documents clears the piles and clutter keeping you from making progress. I know it is easier said than done. I get it. But the freedom from rising above the paper clutter feels like a heavy weight lifted from your shoulders. Want that freedom? Then, let’s organize.

Maintaining a workable filing system requires trial and error. The key is workable, and what works for me will not necessarily work for you. Just keep in mind that making adjustments to better serve your needs is always better than following my system exactly.

In our document organization journey thus far, we have designated a home for personal and current items in Box 1, our insurance paperwork in Box 2, and now focus on retirement and investment records in Box 3. The filing system I have chosen houses our records in 3 blue accordion files.

Having written overviews for Box 1 and Box 2, I wanted to continue this series with an overview of Box 3. This third accordion file consists of 12 file openings. The following list indicates the categories and the number of file openings dedicated to each category in my file:

File Box 3

Social Security Documents (1)

Retirement Plan Documents (2)

Investment Documents (2)

Estate Planning Documents (5)

Tax Records Documents (1)

Using the labels provided with my accordion file, I simply write the category on the label and attach to first file opening of each category. To give you a visual image of this file box organization, I will post a show and tell of file box 3 next week.

As you continue organizing your important documents focus on a system that works for you. If the system looks great but remains disorganized or difficult to manage, then that system is not helping you in using time wisely. A workable system will save you time and energy as you organize. In using time wisely, get your system in place, and then go organize.

Keep going. If you are still working through Box 1 or Box 2, then take a break as you need it. Then come back and keep filing your important documents into your workable system. I just want to help you find a system that works for you, keeps your documents safe, and offers you freedom from your paper clutter while using time wisely. Happy organizing!

Question: How does your important document organization differ from my accordion filing system?

JCP: Kids’ Eyeglasses for $25 through August 31, 2012

August 11, 2012 by Tracy

$25 eyeglass for kids through August 31, 2012

Photograph Credit: JCP

With the announcement this week by J. C. Penney’s CEO Ron Johnson, J. C. Penney stores will offer “many innovations in the coming months.”

I’m not sure what JCP leadership has in mind, but they have already begun great deals. In addition to the free kids’ haircuts, participating JCP locations also provide kids’ eyeglasses for $25 through August 31, 2012.

This offer is valid for children ages 16 and younger and cannot be combined with other offers, package pricing, prior orders, or vision insurance.

Though JCP offers eye exams, this offer does not require an exam at J. C. Penney’s optical. However, you will need a current prescription (written within one year) to purchase your child’s $25 eyeglasses.

As you prepare your children for a new school year, these new changes at JCP come with deep savings. Continue stretching your dollars while using time wisely. Spend wisely!

Question: How are you stretching your dollars during back-to-school season?

National Bowling Day – August 11, 2012

August 10, 2012 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: GoBowling

This Saturday, August 11, 2012, bowling alleys across the country will celebrate National Bowling Day. Participating bowling alleys will accept coupons for free games of bowling.

To find a participating location and to get your free coupon, visit GoBowling’s Facebook Page.

Print your coupon and enjoy a time of laughs, strikes, and turkeys while using time wisely and celebrating National Bowling Day!

Question: How often does your family go bowling?

Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day – September 29, 2012

August 10, 2012 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: Smithsonian Magazine

The annual event is coming! Smithsonian Magazine presents Museum Day on Saturday, September 29, 2012. Participating museums across the country admit guests with a Museum Day ticket for free.

To get your free ticket, fill out this form. When your ticket arrives in your e-mail inbox, print it and redeem at your chosen location.

Each ticket will admit one person plus a guest. The tickets are limit one per e-mail address. If you need 4 tickets, then register with 2 e-mail addresses (e.g., personal and junk e-mail accounts).

Check with your chosen location for free admission for children. Some museums offer free admission for children ages 12 and under.

In preparing for a fun, inexpensive family outing, choose your museum, register, and wait for your ticket to arrive in your clutter-free inbox. 🙂

In using time wisely, plan ahead by ordering your ticket now and schedule time with your family on September 29, 2012 without breaking the bank. Remember your ticket is free. If your plans change, preventing you from attending, then no harm done because you did not prepay. 🙂 Happy planning!

Question: Which local museum is your family’s favorite?

« Previous Page