Note: For any online resources that I have used, I will list links at the bottom of the post.
Allow me to introduce you to "My Binder":
Allow me to introduce you to "My Tabs":
There are eight tabs (2 are unmarked at the moment, because I am trying to make sure they work for me). Each tab has a pocket, which is really handy so that I don't have to take the time to 3-hole-punch everything.
Tab 1: Pay Period 1 & Tab 2: Pay Period 2
We get paid twice/month. We have our cash flow spreadsheet complete each month. When paper bills arrive in the mail I double check our spreadsheet and place the bill in whichever pay period it has been allocated towards. On payday-Friday I head to that pocket, remove the bills, write checks and grab a stamp from the front pocket of the binder. Then, the bill is moved to either tab 6, 7 or 8.
Tab 3: Budget Committee
We are back in habit of meeting weekly to discuss our budget and cash flows. Speaking for myself, when we sit down to share our thoughts with each other and discuss cash flows, I think better on paper. I print out two copies of our cash flow spreadsheet and we talk through the topics at hand for the week. If anything is going to change significantly, we will sit down at the computer with the spreadsheet at hand. The "VIP Seating" signs were on our seats at Dave Ramsey Live and are just kind of a fun reminder of the event and help to keep the discussion light-hearted. Any notes that we write during the meeting go into this pocket.
Tab 4: Upcoming Trips
I found a great Road Trip Packing List on the SimpleMom.net site and since we travel to see my sister and friends quite often, I thought this would be a great list to keep on hand. I have not labeled this tab yet, as I am not sure if this is going to be as necessary as I believe it to be. Keeping my options open here.
Tab 5: Inspiration
As we travel along the road to financial peace, I cannot help but dream of our future home. Right now we are renting and I'll be honest: I really despise the paint colors on the walls. I despise the carpeting. I want to hang things on the walls. I want to change the curtains. I want. I want. I want. But, there is a roof over our heads and we have more than enough. I digress. My inspiration folder contains things that I find that spark my interest for someday. Be it for finding "the look for less" or how I want my future home to look. Pictured is the most recent J. Crew catalog. I am loving the outfits, my envelope is not. I am loving the color combinations in general. Great inspiration for not only clothing but also home decor (someday).
Tab 6: To Be Filed
Pretty self-explanatory, I'd say.
Tab 7: 2011 Tax
Any of the paper bills from Tabs 1 and 2 that pertain to tax go to this folder. Or, if I pay something online that is tax related I will print a copy and stick it in this pocket and on filing day it will go to the appropriate slot in the larger 2011 tax file.
Tab 8: Sievers CPA
I am terrible about receipts. So, as soon as I get home, if I have purchased anything related to my business I try to stick the receipt there immediately. Also, I do a lot of online postage label printing, I put those receipts in there immediately. Any paper work that comes in from a client goes straight to this folder until I have time to work through it and appropriately file.
That's my binder system, in a long-winded nutshell. It is working for me. I am loving it. What is your system? Any organizing tips for me? Staying organized is not my forte {and I think my husband would agree}, but I am working on it {hopefully my husband would agree}!
Resources:
Road Trip Packing List
Daily Docket
Cash Flow Planning Forms
You are a woman after my own heart, Mary!! My goal while I'm on maternity leave is to overhaul my home and get rid of/organize every square inch of it. Room by room, drawer by drawer. I'm actually very excited about it!! I'm having a garage sale on June 3, so the deadline is set, which is motivating as well (ask me again once I get started!) I don't have a 'binder' per say, but I do have a daily planner in which my to-do list for each day is listed. I have been able to realize what is realistic for me on a given day so I try not to over plan and overwhelm myself. Some of the resources you have listed might be of use so thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteI used to hate getting organized, but now that I am at a point in my life
ReplyDeletewhere being organized makes everything just flow smoothly and create a sense
of calm and peace amongst the chaos I am addicted. Though, I have always
enjoyed eliminating clutter!
This is very interesting, Mary! It's neat to see how everyone does things a bit different.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I have seen a lot about these binders online lately, but none of them ever seemed to work right for me. So I finally just bought a binder and some pocket tabs and sort of let it design itself. I seriously feel challenged in all things domestic, some days! ;-) I am learning!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, this binder system is such a brilliant idea!!! I am adopting this this week! I currently have little piles at my desk and then keep track of projects in my Moleskin notebook, but the piles stress me out! I love the idea of having a binder that keeps all areas of life together and organized!
ReplyDeleteWhat I am learning is that I have to adapt others ideas to what works for
ReplyDeleteme. I am terrible about organization (or at least I think I am, but when I
tackle projects like this, I realize it could be a lot worse) and if I don't
make the system work for me, I get frustrated and give up. Hmmm... Now that
I type that it sounds like so many aspects of life in general. But, the
binder is one thing that is really proving to work and hold strong! I <3 it.
:)
The other thing that I have been doing is using my camera phone to take
pictures of pages, websites, ideas from magazines, etc. That way I don't
feel like I have to keep the whole magazine. If it's something worth tearing
out, I do and it goes into another binder. I also just <3 binders in
general. I am a nerd. But, I like to think I am a fun nerd.