Zen of Family Finances – Part 2

Following is part two of a series of Articles written for Finances focusing on productivity with a “Zen” approach. These particular writings are focused on Family and are pertinent for all those who need specific direction and inspiration to be organized and get on the track to accounting accountability. Spring pushes us forward with the same energy that it takes to make new growth of plants, trees and flowers bursting out adding help to everyday discipline. Yeah, I’ll take that help from Mother Nature. A great thought to meditate to: I have the energy and time to take the cue from Mother Nature and get into Spring Cleaning. You have put your previous years papers in their boxes (Zen of Family Finances Part 1), cleaned up the clutter and meditated. Now what? Time to get back to work. This part is more of the practical stuff of creating the Zen of Family Finances, a step that was hard for me, proven by how I kept putting it off. I had many excuses, as well as legitimate reasons to avoid. How could I do this work for my clients but not for me? When was I going to be willing to do this work? Questions like these would keep me going around and around. I knew the only solution was action, but it’s probably not what you think. It’s not “rush back into the mania of trying to get things done.” It’s actually slowing down for a minute. Time to light the incense. As I would breathe and open up, I let go of all the chatter and started to feel acceptance of change, then joy. And then, what do you know…along came the inspiration that all I had to do was the next indicated step. I can do it! It’s time to shop! Shopping List: File Labels. Purchase these at an office supply store. Get 50 labels or more. You can go to a superstore, your neighborhood store or online. I prefer the clear label I can print out in a large and pretty font from my computer. The point is that you choose labels that inspire you. Hint: When I like what I see, it makes me happy, resulting in wanting to work in my office. File Folders. The same goes for where to purchase these. Get 50 “3-Tab” file folders or more. I have found unique folders at all the stores; this year I found really fun designs. I also got some in black and white. The point is that you choose folders that make you smile. Once you have found the name and item number of what you like you can take the time to compare prices. Now for the Action: Create one label for each month of the year (or number 1-12 representing each month’s number). Create one label for each letter of the Alphabet (A-Z) Create one label for each Company/Person you pay or correspond with 8 times a year or more, for example; your First Entertainment Credit Union Credit Card Statement would go into the “First Entertainment CC” file folder, etc. Now you’re ready to start filing. Posted by Pamela Goodchild on April 21, 2010 @ WeAreGoodkin.com #finances #productivity #direction #inspiration #organized #accounting #spring #cleaning #papers #practical #creating #clients #solution #shop #shopping #file #labels #action #folders #unique #company #bookkeeping #filing #managing #money #saving #savings #zen