ORGANIZE YOUR FINANCES

Saving the right way takes a little more than just setting money aside. Use these tips to organize your savings and direct the money toward your financial goals

How to Categorize Savings

The money you save can’t just be put into a savings account to be forgotten. You have to decide how the money you set aside is to be allocated so you can put it into the places where it will be the most effective for you. So you need to break your savings up the right way to make that happen.

The easiest way to divide savings up is by breaking it up for the time you plan on using it:

Short-term savings. This is money you have set aside for the near-term. It’s the base amount you have in your primary savings account in case of emergencies, along with money you have set aside for one-off expenses that don’t fit into your regular budget, such as money you’ll use to purchase big-ticket items like electronics or furniture or money you set aside for the winter holidays.
Mid-term savings. This is money you have set aside for things you want to make happen in the next few years. It’s the savings you have for things like making down payments on loans for your next car or home. It also includes the money you set aside for a financial safety net in case you face a period of unemployment or extended illness. This is the money that keeps you stable and helps reach your goals.
Long-term savings. This is the money you have saved for big financial events in life, namely sending your children to college and supporting yourself during retirement. These types of savings are usually kept in separate accounts and may be supplemented by money you have tied up in investments. It’s the money you use to promote lasting financial security and success for you and your family.

ORGANIZE BACK TO SCHOOL

Want to make back-to-school easier? From supplies and clothing to transportation and before- and -after-school arrangements, it's important to get organized.

School Supplies

Picking out school supplies with your child can fuel excitement and help your child feel organized and comfortable. If possible, obtain a complete list of supplies from your child's teacher so you can purchase them in advance. Otherwise, limit the supplies you buy ahead of time, since most teachers will provide a list of necessary supplies once your child begins school.

Clothing

In addition to school supplies, your child will also need appropriate clothing. If your child will be attending a private school, contact the school beforehand to find out if there is a dress code or uniform requirement -- and if so, where uniforms can be picked up or purchased. In addition, ask about color restrictions and physical education uniforms. If your child will be attending a public school, call the school to find out if they have a dress code and if additional clothes are needed for physical education classes and/or extracurricular activities (sports uniforms, Boy/Girl Scouts uni forms, etc.).

Daily Routine

Start a week early to allow your kids to get accustomed to a daily routine of waking up on time. I always found it helpful to pack their lunch or snacks the night before to allow a grab and go situation. If you haven’t viewed my FOX 5 clip, I recommend that you do to view ways of organizing your pantry to allow your kids to know exactly where things are with a labeling system. It may seem like lots of work but trust me it saves you all so much time to really exercise a daily routine.

Before- and After-School Care

For many parents, before- and after-school care options are an important factor to consider when choosing a school. If you need to find care for your child before and/or after school, thoroughly investigate the options the schools you are considering offer, and make arrangements well in advance. Today, many before- and after-school care options are avail able, but programs can fill up quickly.

TOP 5 Ways to Get ORGANIZED

Many people say they would get more done if they had more time. To help make it easier, here are my top 5 things that’ll help you in getting organized.

1. Keep Things Minimal

The less stuff you have, the easier it will be to maintain it. Think about what you need and let go of the things that you haven’t used or looked at for at least a year.

2. Make Clean Up a Competition

Set the timer in your kitchen and tidy up the place for a chance to be the first to finish and win. This is a great way to get kids involved and excited about cleaning up around the house.

3. Break Up Your Pantry

Chances are that your pantry is filled with half-filled bags of chips that are stale by now and Goldfish scattered on every shelf. Next time you buy snacks, section them off into small zip bags. It’s an easy way to grab and go as well as keep everything fresher for longer.

4. The Basket Method

Take a basket with you and walk around the house. Put anything that doesn’t belong where it is in the basket. As you continue to move through the house, put the items in the basket where they belong. By the time you’re done with your stroll, most of the stuff will be where it’s supposed to be.Consider whether any remaining items can be discarded, or find a place to keep them organized.

5. File Away Mail

Paper can stack up quickly. Buy a vertical file folder and put it in your kitchen or living room (wherever those paper stacks are.) Whenever you get mail or other paperwork that needs to eventually be dealt with, organize it in your labeled file folder. When you have time, clean it out and start over.

Use these tricks to keep your home organized and without any clutter. And remember, the less stuff you have, the easier this will be.

SIMPLE WAYS TO ORGANIZE