Organize Your Bills, Paperwork and Important Documents in a Snap

All the money in the world spent on fine trappings for organization will not get or keep you organized. Though there are many fun, beautiful and entertaining contraptions to assist you in keeping your bills and paperwork organized it really takes very little in the way of expenditure to create a workable system.

The ONE thing you need that can't be bought is the most essential: Force of habit. It is essential to create the habit of getting and staying organized with bills and paperwork.

It's said that creating a good habit takes about thirty days, so take a deep breath and follow these simple steps for getting and staying organized and for exercising the muscle memory to see it through over the next thirty days.

If you suffer from bill-o-phobia the process can be quite difficult and may take you back to the black hole of procrastination and late fees. For those of you that suffer from bill-o-phobia please consider a mantra such as this one " The process of tending to my bills when they come in will make my life easier in the long run. I won't have late fee's, or have to worry about NSF's or services being shut off. I will walk through the process and my life will be easier and less stressful." And in fact it will be. It's just a process that will add to your life. If you are short on funds, the best time to make arrangements and figure out how to make ends meet is as soon as you get the bill.

After, that it's just a matter of sticking to it. If you fall off the organization wagon, don't beat yourself up, just get right back on it. And Good Luck. Here are some tips for 'Keeping it Simple'.

Mail Coming In
Pick a time everyday to sort through your mail. Locate all bills first. Open the bill, check to see that it's correct, if everything is in order write the due date on the envelope that the bill came in and put it in your bills to be paid, folder, tray, fancy kitten shaped bill holder or what have you. If you have online bills check your computer and also make a note with the due date and stick in in your bills to be paid slot.

Then sort through your coupons, junk mail etc. Put the coupons in the coupon tray or clip them immediately and stick them in your handy dandy coupon holder, whatever that may be. Sometimes it's best just to use a plain envelope that can be reused over and over writing the date that the first coupon expires on the front. When it's time for the next batch of coupons sort through, cross off the old date and write the date of the first expiring coupon. Jot down coupons of ultimate import and what store it's at also.

Junk Mail
Put it in the recycle bin or save it for sweeping or packing material, whatever method you choose get rid of it and keep it off your bill paying area.

Important mail or project mail- If you are working on a lawsuit, social security, bankruptcy, or buying a home consider using a separate file folder that can be carried with you when conducting business. One with several compartments and a reliable closure works well for this sort of thing. If something needs to be mailed or filled out right away, put it in your mail going out bin, tray, what have you. And if you have a copy machine, keep a copy in the project folder.

Mail Going Out
Now's a good time to balance the old check book. Sort through your envelope's with the due date's nicely written on the front and start writing check's or making arrangements to pay the bill at a later date.

Things to always keep on hand. STAMPS...STAMPS...STAMPS. Don't run out of stamps or the whole system goes kablooey. Also, make sure to have a supply of envelopes, tape, a stapler with extra staples and just to reiterate STAMPS.

Next, take a nice stroll to the postal box with your bills, letters and RSVPs in hand, knowing it's a job well done, basking in your sense of responsibility, shoulders straight with pride, knowing you've avoided late fee's and stress from not having managed the financial and personal essentials of your life.