The sweetest joy, the wildest woe is love. What the world really needs is more love and less paperwork.
Pearl Bailey
Pearl Bailey
I hate paperwork. I know my blog is supposed to be about things that give me joy but I am sorry to say this is one task I take no pleasure in. It is only after the paperwork is sorted and discarded, or put away in an easily accessible place, that I feel joyful.
Over the years I've purchased many books and tools for dealing with out of control paperwork and I've also tried many systems. In honesty, I've never found one that really works for me. When I was working I simply had not enough time to deal with paperwork as my hours were horrendous. Now that I am disabled and dealing with chronic illness, I prefer to avoid dealing with paperwork. I do try to make sure I am more or less on top of deadlines and bills but I admit that sometimes the deadlines do pass by. Some organizational buffs might well ask why I don't automate bill payments. I guess I am old fashioned. Additionally, I like knowing exactly what I have to pay and exactly what I have in the account when I do pay the bills. If any of you have faced this problem yourselves and you've found a way to ensure you are never late with bill payments, please do let me know some of your tips.
 |
| On the top of my desk right now I have this pile of back logged paperwork. I've been collecting bills and sorting them into their various categories and so there are many months worth of bills in the pile. Once I have my financial plans set for 2011, I will be discarding as much of this paper as possible. All the bills in the pile have been paid but I need more time to determine what I need to keep and how to file it, what to shred and what to action. At the top of the pile are the receipts I have to submit for reimbursement to my extended health care plan. There is a deadline of one year within which to file and it is getting close to that for some of them so I have prepared the package for the post. I have oodles of paper in suitcases, boxes and bags that are more or less sorted but need a good going over before decluttering takes effect also. |
 |
| My desk only has two drawers. The top drawer is for all my office supplies, including the stapler which is invaluable for my paperwork. I have a larger shelf/drawer below it which is where I keep my printer/scanner both of which are invaluable. |
My goals for 2010 included paying down debts and getting my financial house in order. I have made substantial progress on this as the year draws to a close and I feel much more in control of things. Part of my financial action plan now will be to ensure that I have systems set up for dealing with all future bills and paying down any smaller debts. In addition, I need a cash flow statement and a portion set aside for my monthly savings and monthly giving.
Did you set any financial goals for 2010?
Did you have success in meeting them?
Even small steps toward achieving your goals are better than no progress at all.
If you persevere you will eventually meet your goals.
Blessings.
Join others here for My World Tuesday.
10 comments:
We just do not have bills, much the easiest! Council bills like electricity, water etc we pay via the internet. Everything else, if we can't pay cash for it today then we can't afford it!! It makes life so much easier. Diane
Sounds like you have your paperwork in hand, even though it is not all put away yet. You are very organised!
When I paid accounts online I used to enter them when I got them so that I didn't misplace them, or overlook the due date, but I pay most bills with a walk down town now.
Trusting that you will become happier with your system, so that you can be joyful every day.
With lvoe and hugs, Jan
Yes my debts are all paid and my pension is planned for. My issues are health ones and Buddy.
It must be the time of year as I'm trying to declutter myself. Your drawer looks neat and tidy. I've let my husband take care of bills online so they are paid on time. I tend to make folders for everything with labels and then purge them once a year when they get too heavy.
Let me know if you want help, I'll try to find some of the posts I've written about bills/budgets etc. I think there are millions of people in your shoes right now and I know you'll find the right path for you!
First you got ill with vomiting, then right away I came down with a horrid virus, which had me at times wanting to die! So we have both just returned from a blog sick leave. But I thought you only had a passing virus? I am so sorry to hear your health is worse and you have something chronic and disabling!!
Thanks for dropping by my site I really appreciate that ~ my! what a tidy top drawer you have ~ you've got me inspired, I'm going to re-organise mine _ that way I'll (hopefully) know where evering is.
~Dianne~
I'm on a cash basis now, but I have some making up and paying off to do. I'm retired but it is still so difficult to get caught up on the paperwork, the purging, tossing, or filing part. All the best to you as you move ahead with this.
Oh no..I feel like I'm suddenly there with..sharing your nightmare!! (Lol) I'd write a poem (ha ha). Yes, well the drawer looks neat, paper- like hairs clutter beneath our feet! I'm staring at a pile on the floor. I find ingenious things to use our weekly liberal paper for- called the Kamaina- like line my birds cage with it..or, if I feel super energetic, I may clean windows? At any rate, I feel your pain! My husband takes care of most of it on line and that? Anyway..my thoughts- oh..I agree with you about the strange ending of that video (left a comment). Take care of yourself (hugs)..you do have some health issues as well. You'll be in my prayers:))
Oh no..I feel like I'm suddenly there with..sharing your nightmare!! (Lol) I'd write a poem (ha ha). Yes, well the drawer looks neat, paper- like hairs clutter beneath our feet! I'm staring at a pile on the floor. I find ingenious things to use our weekly liberal paper for- called the Kamaina- like line my birds cage with it..or, if I feel super energetic, I may clean windows? At any rate, I feel your pain! My husband takes care of most of it on line and that? Anyway..my thoughts- oh..I agree with you about the strange ending of that video (left a comment). Take care of yourself (hugs)..you do have some health issues as well. You'll be in my prayers:))
Post a Comment