November/December 2025
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Client Story: Reclaiming Space and Peace of Mind

My Team Member Sabrina and I are working with a lovely woman to help her declutter, organize, and reclaim her home from a mountain of projects. The projects she planned to complete have taken over every room in her home. She made a very important decision recently: she no longer wants to live surrounded by unfinished projects.

Over the years, the projects she intended to complete — craft ideas, home improvement tasks, organizing efforts — had slowly taken over every room in her home. Recently, she reached a turning point and called Simple Solution Organizing to help her begin a new chapter.

We’re helping her declutter, organize, and sort items by project. Together, we’re identifying which projects are still meaningful — and which ones can be released, donated, or tossed.

After just one session, she already feels more in control of her surroundings and has opened her space considerably.

Sometimes, the hardest part is deciding it’s time to make a change. The rest becomes possible with the right plan — and a little support.

Adele

Organizing Projects: From “I Should Do This” to “I’m Doing This!”

We all have those projects that linger in the back of our minds — the home office overhaul, the photo album we meant to make, or the financial file cabinet clean-up that’s long overdue. But before you dive in (or talk yourself out of it), it helps to pause and get clear about why you’re doing it, what success looks like, and how to make it manageable.

Step 1: Ask Yourself — Do I Really Want to Do This?
Not every project deserves your energy. Sometimes we carry “shoulds” that belong to someone else — or to a past version of ourselves.
Ask:

• What’s motivating me to take this on?
• What will it feel like when it’s done?
• What’s the cost (in time, money, or energy) if I don’t do it?

If the project doesn’t align with your current priorities, give yourself permission to release it. That’s organizing, too.

Step 2: Define What “Done” Looks Like
Projects often feel endless because the finish line is fuzzy.
Instead of “organize the house,” try:

• “Declutter and donate items in the guest room closet.”
• “Scan all important documents into one secure folder.”

Specific goals give you direction — and a sense of accomplishment when you complete them.

Step 3: Break It Down
Every big project is a series of small, doable actions.
Write out each step, estimate how long it might take, and decide which ones you can delegate or schedule in short bursts.
For example:

1. Sort one box.
2. Label folders.
3. Schedule document shredding.

Momentum builds from action, not perfection.

Step 4: Create Accountability
Tell someone your goal — a friend, colleague, or Daily Money Manager/Professional Organizer. Accountability adds structure and motivation. You can even set reminders or weekly check-ins to track progress.

Step 5: Celebrate Small Wins
When you complete even one step, notice it. That sense of completion fuels your confidence for the next project.

Final Thought
Organizing projects isn’t just about tidy drawers or neat spreadsheets — it’s about aligning your time and attention with what truly matters. Start small, stay realistic, and give yourself credit for the progress you make.

Need Help Getting Started?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by financial papers, bill management, or other organizing projects that affect your daily life, we can help.

We work with clients both in-person in Athens, Georgia and Miami, Florida and remotely across the U.S. You don’t have to live nearby for us to work together — we make the process simple and secure.

And if you know someone who could benefit from support getting financially or organizationally “unstuck,” please feel free to share this post with them.
Sometimes all it takes is a little clarity — and a helping hand — to turn “someday” into “done.
​Adele

September/October 2025 In this Newsletter: 

5 Workspace Organizing Tips to Boost Productivity & Accountability&Planning Ahead with Confidence how a (Certified Daily Money Manager® (CDMM®) complements the work of your Financial Advisor). 

5 Workspace Organizing Tips to Boost Productivity & Accountability:
Your work area has more impact on your productivity than you might realize. The space you sit down to every day sets the tone for focus, motivation, and even accountability. A cluttered desk can drain your energy before you’ve even started, while a well-organized environment can act like a silent coach, nudging you to stay on track. 

Here are some strategies to design a workspace that fuels both motivation and accountability:

1. Start with a Clean SlateTake everything off your desk and wipe it down. Sort through papers, supplies, and miscellaneous items. Ask yourself: Does this belong here? Do I use it daily? If not, store it elsewhere.
2. Keep Only What Inspires ActionHave the essentials—laptop, notepad, planner, pen—readily accessible. Add one or two motivational items: a photo, an inspiring quote, or a small plant. Too many personal items can become clutter and distractions, so choose with intention.
3. Create a System for Papers and ProjectsUse trays (works well for projects), folders, or digital systems for “To Do,” “In Progress,” and “Completed.” Visual cues remind you of what needs attention and give you the satisfaction of moving items from one stage to the next.
4. Make Accountability VisibleKeep a To Do List in your calendar (paper or digital), or a notebook nearby where deadlines, goals, and priorities are clearly written. The act of checking things off provides a built-in accountability system. Consider a whiteboard for project planning outlines and deadlines.
5. Align Your Workstation with Your EnergyNatural light boosts mood and productivity. If possible, position your desk near a window. Otherwise, use a bright desk lamp to keep your space energized.
6. End Each Day with a ResetBefore shutting down, spend five to ten minutes putting things back in place. Walking into a neat space the next morning sets you up to dive in with motivation and clarity.
✨ Bottom line: An intentional workspace isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a tool that keeps you motivated and accountable. By setting up your environment to support your goals, you’ll find it easier to stay on task and follow through.


Planning Ahead with Confidence:

We help Solo Agers and Older Couples strategize for their future. Our work complements what your Financial Advisor provides. While Advisors run longevity reports and ask questions like, “What amount are you comfortable living on each year after retirement?”—the truth is, there are many unknowns behind that number.

My husband and I recently went through this exercise with our own Advisor. When asked, “Do you think you can live on…” (fill in the blank), I quickly realized: that’s a great question—but one that requires digging into real numbers. That’s where a Certified Daily Money Manager® (CDMM®) comes in. We analyze your actual spending to help determine what’s realistic and sustainable. Most Financial Advisors, including my own, don’t do this type of detailed research. If yours does, consider yourself fortunate!

One of the most meaningful projects we assist with is evaluating the true cost of staying in your current home versus moving into Independent Senior Living. Beyond mortgage or rent, we look at maintenance, transportation, meals, utilities, and access to social and medical support.

Our goal is to bring clarity and confidence—so you can make informed choices that reflect both your values and your future needs.

We work in-person in Athens, Georgia and Miami, Florida, and remotely with clients nationwide. This allows us to support Solo Agers and Older Couples wherever they may be.
If you—or someone you know—are navigating this season of life or planning ahead, let’s talk.
​
Adele Gross
Certified Daily Money Manager® (CDMM®) & Professional Organizer

July / August 2025
Surviving the summer? In this newsletter: Organizing Tip: How to Organize a Storage Closet and find your stuff easily. Money Tip: Break the Overspending Cycle. 

How to Organize a Storage Closet (and Actually Find What You Need)
Storage closets often start with good intentions — holiday decorations, extra paper towels, off-season clothes — and somehow end up as black holes of forgotten items. If your storage closet feels more chaotic than helpful, here’s a simple system to bring order back to your space:

1. Start with a Full Emptying
Take everything out. Yes, everything. This allows you to:

• See exactly what you have
• Clean the shelves
• Mentally reset the space

2. Group Similar Items
Sort items into broad categories:

• Holiday décor
• Tools
• Office supplies
• Paper products
• Keepsakes

This makes it easier to assign zones once you start putting things back.
3. Purge the Unnecessary
Be honest: Do you need 17 extension cords? Are those broken picture frames worth fixing? Let go of duplicates, damaged items, or things you haven’t touched in years.
4. Invest in Clear Bins & Labels
Clear containers allow you to see what’s inside without opening every box. Use large labels — both on bins and on shelves — so anyone can find (and put away) items easily.
5. Store by Accessibility

• Frequently used items at eye level
• Heavy items on the floor
• Light, rarely used items on top shelves

6. Review Regularly
Make it a habit to assess your storage closet every 6-12 months. Things creep in over time — stay ahead of the clutter!
Pro Tip: If you dread the project, hire us. Sometimes an outside perspective makes the decisions easier.

Breaking the Overspending Cycle:
Simple Habits to Help You Spend Smarter
We’ve all been there: You check your bank account and wonder “Where did my money go?” Overspending can sneak up on anyone, whether it’s impulsive online shopping, too many dinners out, or small daily purchases that quietly add up.
The good news? Overspending isn’t a character flaw — it’s often a habit. And like any habit, it can be changed. Here are some simple, practical ways to create healthier spending habits and take control of your finances:

1. Know Your TriggersStart by identifying when and where you tend to overspend:

• Late-night online shopping?
• Emotional “treat yourself” moments?
• Sales and “limited-time” offers?
• Subscription renewals you forgot about?

Once you recognize your triggers, you can put systems in place to interrupt the pattern.
2. Practice the 24-Hour Rule

• Before making any non-essential purchase, wait 24 hours.
• This pause allows emotions to settle.
• You may realize you don’t actually need the item.
• Keep a “want list” — write it down instead of buying immediately. Many items will naturally drop off the list over time.

3. Create and Use a Budget (That You Actually Like!) You don't have to use one!! If you do want to here are some tips.

• A budget isn’t about restriction — it’s about making sure your money is going where you truly want it to go.
• Build in fun money so you don’t feel deprived.
• Use apps or simple spreadsheets to track spending.
• Review your spending weekly to stay aware of patterns. *******This is a must! Budget or no budget you need to review your spending weekly.

4. Simplify Your AccountsThe more complicated your finances, the easier it is to lose track. Try:

• Automatic bill pay for recurring expenses.
• Cancel unused subscriptions.
• Use one primary credit card so you see everything in one place.

5. Use Cash or Debit for Discretionary Spending

• Studies show we spend less when using cash.
• Set aside a weekly amount for things like dining out, shopping, or entertainment.
• Once it’s gone — it’s gone.

6. Make Savings Automatic

• Treat savings like a bill:
• Schedule automatic transfers to savings or investment accounts.
• You won’t miss money you don’t see.

7. Build Mindful Shopping Habits
Ask yourself:

• “Will I still want this in 30 days?”
• “Do I already own something similar?”
• “Is this purchase aligned with my long-term goals?”

Sometimes simply slowing down your decision-making is enough to avoid unnecessary purchases.
8. Get Support if You Need ItIf overspending feels out of control, don’t hesitate to:

• Work with a Daily Money Manager (like me!)
• Ask a trusted friend or partner for accountability
• Speak with a financial counselor or therapist

The Bottom LineOverspending doesn’t happen overnight — and neither does financial discipline. The key is building small habits, practiced consistently, that add up over time. By becoming more intentional with your money, you’ll create peace of mind and a stronger financial future.

Adele Tusson-Gross, CDMM®
Certified Daily Money Manager® & Chief Executive Organizer
Simple Solution Organizing LLC
Daily Money Management | Professional Organizing & Downsizing
706-714-1314

May / June 2025
We often assume someone with a $1.5 million portfolio is “set for life.” But when unexpected health needs arise, even that amount can start to feel alarmingly small.
One of my long-term clients—now in her 90s—recently had a significant medical setback. She went from needing a few hours of caregiver help per day to requiring 24/7 assistance. She’s also transitioned from using a rollator to a wheelchair. The financial impact of this change has been dramatic.
Let’s break it down:
Caregiving Costs:
$25/hour × 168 hours/week = $4,200/week
$4,200/week × 52 weeks = $218,400/year
Even with $1.5M in the bank, that level of expense could deplete her savings in about eight years--and that’s not including inflation, medical costs, or potential wage increases.
Despite regular conversations with her longtime financial advisor, she was repeatedly told she’d be “fine” financially. But without a long-term care policy and with care costs rising, we’re now actively re-evaluating what “fine” really means.
As her Daily Money Manager, I’m helping her navigate difficult, but necessary decisions:

• Can we reduce or restructure caregiver hours?
• Should we tour assisted living communities?
• What expenses can be trimmed?
• Can we pause, stop, or adjust charitable donations?

Financial longevity isn’t just about how much you’ve saved. It’s about making strategic choices when life changes—especially when those changes happen fast.
If you or someone you know is facing these kinds of questions, I offer a free 20-minute consultation to talk through options. 🧭 I work remotely bringing hands-on help and clear financial direction wherever you're located.

Let’s make sure “set for life” truly means that.
Warmly,
Adele Tusson-Gross
Certified Daily Money Manager®

706-714-1314
[email protected]

Organizing: 
What is the best thing that you can do to improve your home? Purge and discard of items you don’t use. Make room…make space…for what is important in your life NOW. As we get older our priorities change. Our hobbies and activities may change. We don’t have to hold onto items because they used to be important. You might feel like you are throwing a piece of yourself away when you get rid of items that were important and significant in your life. It does not erase the memories, just because you let go of the items.
I don’t recommend selling items unless that is easy and enjoyable for you. The time it takes to set up accounts, take photos, package stuff, meet people and mail items is a Full-time job! If you don’t enjoy it… don’t do it! You don’t have to feel obligated to make money. I think it is empowering and provides a sense of FREEDOM to give it away. If you need extra money then that is a different story. 

Financial Organizing:
Do you want to get a better handle on your finances? We work with clients on a per-project basis and/or an ongoing basis. Depending on your needs and goals or your loved ones needs.  
We can work with you to gather your history of expenses (including subscriptions that you may want to cancel), and income. Opening your eyes to the FULL picture is empowering and the only way you can begin to make change.
Do you overspend? I believe the most important thing you can do is to pause before making a purchase. Really think about it for 2 days. The next most important thing you can do is to track your spending. I use Quicken but you can also use an App or an Excel sheet to track your money habits. Here is an article comparing financial apps.
Educating yourself about finances is another way to encourage saving rather than spending. There are a lot of podcasts you can choose from. My favorite financial App is Her Money with Jean Chatzky- Making Money Make Sense. Listening to a podcast helps me be more mindful of my money and to make wiser decisions. You can read books or enroll in classes.
5 Good Money Habits:

1. Specific - Be specific with your goals. For instance: 10% of gross wages goes to savings.
2. Mandatory - Don't tell yourself, "maybe I'll save 10% depending on how my month goes."
3. Actionable - Take action now by setting up auto-payments into your savings account.
4. Realistic -
   1. Look at all of your expenses versus your income. You might have to work up to the 10% gradually.
   2. Use the 48 hour rule. Give yourself 2 days to consider BIG purchases.
5. Time- Start NOW! What compound interest can do for you.

​Adele Gross