2010 Census

Have you received your 2010 census form in the mail? Don’t let the request for information become one piece of paper that adds to your clutter. The form is easy to fill out and only takes a few minutes to complete. If you haven’t already, take care of it today.

According to the 2010 Census website, the information gathered is used to advocate for causes, rescue disaster victims, prevent diseases, research markets, locate pools of skilled workers, in addition to determining the numbers of seats your state occupies in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Census data is used to establish services and infrastructure in your community. The website states, “Accurate data reflecting changes in your community are crucial in … deciding how more than $400 billion per year is allocated for projects like new hospitals and schools.”

If you are concerned about the information you provide being used for other reasons, your confidentiality is protected by law. For more information, visit the US Census 2010 website http://2010.census.gov/2010census/index.php

Organized by Marcie: Getting you organized so you have time to do what you love to do!
Follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/organizedmarcie

2010 Census

Have you received your 2010 census form in the mail? Don’t let the request for information become one piece of paper that adds to your clutter. The form is easy to fill out and only takes a few minutes to complete. If you haven’t already, take care of it today.

According to the 2010 Census website, the information gathered is used to advocate for causes, rescue disaster victims, prevent diseases, research markets, locate pools of skilled workers, in addition to determining the numbers of seats your state occupies in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Census data is used to establish services and infrastructure in your community. The website states, “Accurate data reflecting changes in your community are crucial in … deciding how more than $400 billion per year is allocated for projects like new hospitals and schools.”

If you are concerned about the information you provide being used for other reasons, your confidentiality is protected by law. For more information, visit the US Census 2010 website http://2010.census.gov/2010census/index.php

Organized by Marcie: Getting you organized so you have time to do what you love to do!
Follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/organizedmarcie

Is it Later Now?

I was working with a client today who told me that she, like many other people, puts things down to take care of “later” instead of putting them away right away. That reminded me of a phrase I like to use with clients, “Don’t put it down, put it away.”

It may not always be convenient to put things away immediately. If you can’t take care of it now, at least put it close to where it needs to go. How do personal grooming implements end up in the dining room and bills in the bedroom? When you take a few seconds to put things away now, you avoid hours of cleaning up later.

Being organized means putting a little extra thought into your actions. Another phrase I often say is, “If you can do it in two minutes or less, do it now,” which I learned from David Allen.

What can you do now that will move your organizing projects forward? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

Organized by Marcie: Getting you organized so you have time to do what you love to do!
Follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/organizedmarcie

Is it Later Now?

I was working with a client today who told me that she, like many other people, puts things down to take care of “later” instead of putting them away right away. That reminded me of a phrase I like to use with clients, “Don’t put it down, put it away.”

It may not always be convenient to put things away immediately. If you can’t take care of it now, at least put it close to where it needs to go. How do personal grooming implements end up in the dining room and bills in the bedroom? When you take a few seconds to put things away now, you avoid hours of cleaning up later.

Being organized means putting a little extra thought into your actions. Another phrase I often say is, “If you can do it in two minutes or less, do it now,” which I learned from David Allen.

What can you do now that will move your organizing projects forward? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

Organized by Marcie: Getting you organized so you have time to do what you love to do!
Follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/organizedmarcie

Financial Fast

Michelle Singletary has a new book out, called The Power to Prosper: 21 Days to Financial Freedom. If you are not familiar with Michelle’s work, she is a financial writer for the Washington Post and her column is in syndication in other newspapers. She has also written books with practical advice that is relevant to readers.

Michelle asks readers to avoid spending money for 21 days on things that aren’t absolutely necessary. According to Michelle, “The fast is about curtailing your consumerism.”

One of the things Michelle discusses in the column is not buying gifts for people. In just the past few days, I’ve had two different clients tell me that they were looking for gifts for someone and they weren’t sure what to get. I suggested to both of them that they skip buying a gift altogether. Most adults don’t need more stuff and would prefer to spend time with you instead. Consider sharing a meal or a drink with the people you care about instead of spending your time and money on a gift they don’t need.

If you are interested in her financial fast, you can read about it in a recent Washington Post column .
Could you go for three weeks without buying anything? What challenges would you face? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

Organized by Marcie: Getting you organized so you have time to do what you love to do!
Follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/organizedmarcie

Financial Fast

Michelle Singletary has a new book out, called The Power to Prosper: 21 Days to Financial Freedom. If you are not familiar with Michelle’s work, she is a financial writer for the Washington Post and her column is in syndication in other newspapers. She has also written books with practical advice that is relevant to readers.

Michelle asks readers to avoid spending money for 21 days on things that aren’t absolutely necessary. According to Michelle, “The fast is about curtailing your consumerism.”

One of the things Michelle discusses in the column is not buying gifts for people. In just the past few days, I’ve had two different clients tell me that they were looking for gifts for someone and they weren’t sure what to get. I suggested to both of them that they skip buying a gift altogether. Most adults don’t need more stuff and would prefer to spend time with you instead. Consider sharing a meal or a drink with the people you care about instead of spending your time and money on a gift they don’t need.

If you are interested in her financial fast, you can read about it in a recent Washington Post column .
Could you go for three weeks without buying anything? What challenges would you face? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

Organized by Marcie: Getting you organized so you have time to do what you love to do!
Follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/organizedmarcie

Organize Your Home Office Day

The second Tuesday in March is Organize Your Home Office Day. This year, it's March 11th.

Whether you work from home, or have a space where you schedule family activities or keep financial paperwork, almost everyone has a need for some type of home office. Here are some things to think about to make your home office the most efficient and effective space it can be:

Put your home office in a place where you will actually use it. I have seen entire rooms dedicated to the office function that aren’t used because the owner doesn’t like the fact that it’s so far from the family’s other activities. On the other hand, if you are running a business from home, you probably want to be in a quiet area, away from distractions.

Make it a place you want to work. You need adequate light and a chair and desk that are comfortable. If you don’t enjoy working there, you won’t use it and you could end up with paper piled on the dining room table or bedroom nightstand.

Have the tools you need to get your work done. You don’t need to load up on the latest high-tech gadgets, but it is helpful to have a telephone, printer, paper shredder. A trash can and recycling bin will help you get rid of unwanted paper immediately. Keep supplies to a minimum; a few pens or markers, pencils, paper clips, a stapler and a pair of scissors should be enough. Some people like to be surrounded by quirky items while they work. If they don’t distract you and might make the paperwork process more pleasant, treat yourself to fancy folders  or whimsical paper clips or an unusual desk organizer.

Simplify your filing. You will need to keep files, but think carefully before you store paper. If you can access information digitally, you may not need to keep a lot of the paper that builds up and can keep you from moving forward.

Remember that it’s not about buying organizing products, but being able to find information you need, without having to search for it. What can you do now to get your home office in shape for next week? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

Organized by Marcie: Getting you organized so you have time to do what you love to do!
Follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/organizedmarcie

Organize Your Home Office Day

The second Tuesday in March is Organize Your Home Office Day. This year, it's March 11th.

Whether you work from home, or have a space where you schedule family activities or keep financial paperwork, almost everyone has a need for some type of home office. Here are some things to think about to make your home office the most efficient and effective space it can be:

Put your home office in a place where you will actually use it. I have seen entire rooms dedicated to the office function that aren’t used because the owner doesn’t like the fact that it’s so far from the family’s other activities. On the other hand, if you are running a business from home, you probably want to be in a quiet area, away from distractions.

Make it a place you want to work. You need adequate light and a chair and desk that are comfortable. If you don’t enjoy working there, you won’t use it and you could end up with paper piled on the dining room table or bedroom nightstand.

Have the tools you need to get your work done. You don’t need to load up on the latest high-tech gadgets, but it is helpful to have a telephone, printer, paper shredder. A trash can and recycling bin will help you get rid of unwanted paper immediately. Keep supplies to a minimum; a few pens or markers, pencils, paper clips, a stapler and a pair of scissors should be enough. Some people like to be surrounded by quirky items while they work. If they don’t distract you and might make the paperwork process more pleasant, treat yourself to fancy folders  or whimsical paper clips or an unusual desk organizer.

Simplify your filing. You will need to keep files, but think carefully before you store paper. If you can access information digitally, you may not need to keep a lot of the paper that builds up and can keep you from moving forward.

Remember that it’s not about buying organizing products, but being able to find information you need, without having to search for it. What can you do now to get your home office in shape for next week? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

Organized by Marcie: Getting you organized so you have time to do what you love to do!
Follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/organizedmarcie