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Life can feel overwhelming sometimes. And I’m not even talking about the news and current events. Just every day life can feel like a lot, especially when you’re a mom juggling home, family, and all the things that go with it. It’s too easy to let things slip. A bill goes unpaid. A necessary item of sports clothing doesn’t get washed. The kids’ homework gets lost. By themselves these are little things, but they can be costly and stressful. Truly, when you organize your life, you can save money. When you don’t, you might lose more than a few bucks.
Organize your life, save money, and feel a little more with-it. Knowing how to organize your life and actually doing it are two different things, so don’t overwhelm yourself at the start. It’s tempting to want to fix all the things from the get-go, some areas will take more time than others. What needs to be organized? While life is a pretty big category, for our organizing purposes, let’s break it down into Finances, Home Management, and Time.
Money, stuff, and minutes are in some ways the big rocks of life. The first step is to consider what’s most critical. Think about your time, money, and stuff. Which one of these things is causing you the most stress? Consider these areas where you can organize your life, save money, and feel a little more with-it. Choose one for your first organization project and then move on to another as time allows. If you’re not sure, do this self-assessment as it can point you in the right direction.
Slow and steady wins the race! Organize your finances. Money makes the world go round. You don’t have to have the most to win, but you do need to manage what you have well. Good money management will help you reach your financial goals.
Finances
A budget is necessary unless you have an unlimited income, then you’re going to need to have some kind of budget. I find that a zero-based budget is key to paying down debt and saving toward important financial goals. When Bryan and I got out of debt, an organized budget, including a grocery budget and regular money meetings to facilitate communication and keep us on the same page were key.
Budgeting Tips:
- Track your income and expenses.
- Create a budget that accounts for every dollar.
- Prioritize needs over wants.
- Regularly review and adjust your budget.
Home Management
Organizing your home can save you both time and money. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Clean out your wallet and purse. Do you know where your important cards are? Is it easy to find your insurance card when they ask for it at the doctor? Can you find everything you need within a few seconds of opening your wallet?
- Check the balances on gift cards and make a plan to use them up. That’s money right there and every little bit helps.
- Consider cleaning out your closet. Go through your clothes and sort them into three piles: keep, donate, and discard. This will help you declutter and create a more organized space.
Time
Organizing your time can save you stress and possibly money. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Create a schedule. Plan out your day, week, and month to ensure you have enough time for everything.
- Prioritize your tasks. Focus on the most important tasks first and then move on to less important ones.
- Use a planner or calendar. Write down all of your appointments, meetings, and deadlines.
Paying Bills
What’s your bill pay situation like? Are you current on everything or do you have a stack of mail to sort through? Will you grab the wrong checkbook? Take fifteen minutes to brush up on your bill-paying protocol. It will save you a lot of stress and possibly $35 later in the game.
Taxes
Tax season rolls around at the same time every year. Like death and Christmas, you can count on it. Do we really need to be thinking about it now? Yes! Do you know where are all the receipts are and have you inputted them in your records? Do you get stressed out every March because you procrastinated? Are your taxes paid on time? Take some time to organize your tax filing process and make sure you are taking advantage of all the deductions you are eligible for.
Managing Your Kitchen
Managing your kitchen can save you both time and money. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Meal planning. Plan out your meals for the week to ensure you are not wasting food.
- Grocery shopping. Make a list and stick to it to avoid impulse buys.
- Cooking in bulk. Cooking large meals and freezing them for later can save you time and money.
Conclusion
Organizing your life is not a one-time task, it’s a continuous process. By breaking down your life into smaller areas such as finances, home management, and time, you can create a system that works for you. By implementing the tips and strategies outlined in this article, you can save money, limit stress, and reach your financial goals.
Save stress and possibly money by organizing your life. With a little bit of effort and dedication, you can take control of your finances, home, and time. Remember, slow and steady wins the race!
