Too Much Stuff & 5 Good Money Habits

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