Simple Organizing Strategies for Iowa

1. Establish a monthly budget in writing.  You are probably aware of the monthly payments that you make, but are they listed in black and white?  This allows budget items to assume priority so that if times get tight, you can easily see what items are “wants” versus “needs”.  Reassess your budget as needed.

2. Make the difficult decisions.  As much as we love to spoil ourselves and our loved ones, these tough times may require that we take a step into history to plan for our future.  I learned some very important values early on from my parents.   To this day, they do not have cable tv, a computer, or a cell phone, and they do not use credit cards.   They save consistently and pay for cars in cash, hoping that one car makes it until they have saved enough to buy the next.  And when it was time for a new furnace, they bought an outdoor wood-burner that requires loading twice a day.  And though it requires hard work, believe it or not they survive.  They live a simple, peaceful, and beautiful life full of lessons that I am proud to pass on to my children and those who want to learn.

3. Understand that “stuff” does not define you.  The more stuff you have the more maintenance, space, and money it requires.  Make a conscious effort to think differently about the things you buy and own.  Lessen the burden of physical and mental clutter in your daily life and in the lives of others.  Instead of buying something, do something positive.  Invest in a cause that is close to your heart and put your time, money, and energy into that instead of purchasing more “stuff”.

4. Educate yourself.  Before making any moderate to major purchases, do your research.  Browse products on line and compare their differences.  The publication, Consumer Reports is among the best places to research products as they present an unbiased picture, without advertisements, assuring that you will get the most for your money. Ease your financial strain by making good choices in your investments.

Today is the day to change your habits, establish positive new routines, and start to show restraint with regards to your money.  Believe in a positive future for yourself, for those you love, and for this planet.  Organize and simplify and you will find that you have more time, more money, and less stress on a daily basis.  Take these tips and add them to your own to create the Simple Organizing Strategies that are right for you.