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Welcome friends to the Premiere Issue of Messy Makeover Magazine!
I feel privileged that you value the information on Straighten-Up-Now.com enough to subscribe. It is always a pleasure (and a responsibilty) to give advice that truly helps people. I hope to continue to earn your trust!
In this issue:
- Savvy Software Solutions: Digital Post-it® Notes from 3-M
- Goal Setting: Secrets to Success -- Set Simple/Attainable Goals
- Personal Records: What to Keep and How Long
SAVVY SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS:
Digital Post-it® Notes from 3-M
Don't you just love Post-it® Notes? They are such a part of every day life . . . what did we do before they were invented? (I'm old enough to remember, but I'm not telling)!
The Good News/Bad News about Post-its® . . .they pull off so easily. Often important information gets lost. Yes there is a Super Stickey version, but even they can come off. It's still possible to misplace important data.
Then there's the clutter issue . . . Post-its® seem to pile up everywhere. The solution? 3-M has come up with a fun "digital" version and offers you a 30-day free trial. I recently downloaded the trial version and I give it 2 Thumbs Up!!
Here's what I love:
- Sort Notes: Post-it® Digital Notes lets you color-code and design your messages. You can post them on a virtual memoboard. You can create and maintain multiple tabbed memoboards. Sort notes by home tasks, key dates or appointments, kids' activities. Whatever categories you need to stay organized!
- Set Alarms: Set an alarm to remind yourself of important dates: school plays, doctors appointments, etc. It's easy to add an alarm list to your note. There is a list feature for all alarms. The ringing alarm will sound at the pre-set time and display the related note with all your details.
- Add Photos: You can add your own photos to personalize your notes. This can also create a visual cue for each note's topic. There are templates with a range of colors and easy-to-read fonts. You can create a unique and personal look for every category of notes.
- Search Feature: If you lose track of anything, the "Search Notes" feature helps you locate it. Just type in your key words. It scans every message in a matter of seconds. You can always find what you're looking for.
- Stick Them To Your Computer Desktop: Keep what's important up front. Keep fun pictures to encourage you. Post notes to your computer desktop. It stays until you remove it. Create daily to-do lists, project's next steps, shopping lists, etc.
- Free 30-day Download Trial: Go to http://www.3m.com/us/office/postit/digital/digital_notes.html (cut and paste this address into your web browser address window).
Other Things To Consider:
- The cost is $19.99
- It's compatible with Windows 2000, XP, and Vista operating systems (32-bit versions) only.
Give it a try --- it's fun!
Goal Setting: Secrets to Success -- Set Simple/Attainable Goals
Organizing, weight loss, exercise, getting out the Premiere Issue of the newsletter. . . goals, goals, goals!
I used to dread setting a goal because I felt like I was setting myself up for failure. Ever feel that way?
Well here are some tips I've learned to overcome my "Goal-a-phobia." I hope these are helpful.
- Make a Decision: Decide on what's important in your life and what's less significant.
- Focus: Focus only on what's important and let go the other stuff.
- Choose: Pick the #1 (and only one) most important thing and get helpful information on that subject only.
- Keep It Real: Don't set a goal that is unreasonably high and/or unreasonably fast . . . losing 50 pounds in 10 weeks . . . forget it!
- Keep It Simple: Remember the K.I.S.S. Rule (keep it simply simple)!
- Baby Steps: Try to find small amounts of time (5 to 15 minutes) and do one simple thing toward your goal every day. Take Baby Steps.
- It's Your Life: Don't compare your life, your journey, your success with anyone else. Everyone (even the "beautiful people") have life come crashing down on them.
- Just Do It: Don't procrastinate. Click here to find out Why People Procrastinate.
- Celebrate: Celebrate even the smallest victory.
- Encouragement: Get encouragement -- go to church, visit positive/encouraging people, join Messy Makeover HQ Group.
- Subscribe to my XML/RSS on Home Page to get the latest information on home organizing.
Personal Records: What to Keep and How Long
Whether it's your business records at work or personal papers at home, records management is always an issue.
Here are a few quick tips to get you started:
- Set A Safe Place Keep your information safe. Choose a safe that is fire proof. Choose a filing cabinet with a lock and key. Originals of records should always be stored in a "safe place" (see exception below about Legal Documents.
Check out a safety deposit box at a bank or get a home safe or fireproof box. Make copies and keep only the copies in your home file cabinet. Safe deposit boxes can be rented at a bank. Some UPS stores also have them, sometimes at a reduced rate. - Personal Records: These include: birth certificates, adoption papers, citizenship records, marriage certificates, divorce documents, military service records, passports and social security cards (among others). Make a copy and store it in your filing cabinet. Leave the original in your chosen "safe place."
- Tax Returns: It's important to keep all documentation that supports your tax returns. A good rule of thumb is to keep at least 6 years. I personally keep 10. Be sure to keep your original tax returns (and supporting documents) in a safe deposit box, home safe or fireproof box. Keep the copy in your file cabinet.
- Life Insurance Policies: Retain the initial policy as well as any addendums. Keep a list of the policy numbers as well as the phone numbers and addresses of the insurance company(ies) and agents in your "safe place". Make a copy to keep in your home file cabinet.
- Legal Documents: POA's (Powers of Attorney), Living Wills, Wills and addendums, etc. should be kept in your "safe place." Make sure your attorney (if you used one) keeps a copy as well. Make an additional copy to keep in your file cabinet at home.
Note: Do not keep these in a safe deposit box. Upon death, banks may seal the safe deposit box until they receive documentation from a Probate Court releasing the seal. - Property Information : Deed to your home, mortgage papers, title documents, closing papers, car/boat/motorcycle titles should all be kept in your "safe place." I suggest keeping only home repair and maintenance bills, etc. in your filing cabinet. In case of loss (fire, flood, robbery, etc.), your insurance company will need information on your personal property. Take photos and place them with the receipts in your "safe place." Get qualified appraisals for expensive items (jewelry, antiques, etc.).
- Personal Information: Use a copy machine and make a copy of what's in your billfold or wallet. This includes: Front and back of your credit cards, driver’s license, insurance cards, health insurance cards, etc. Keep a copy at home in your file cabinet and in your "safe place." In the event of a home emergency or theft of your wallet or purse, you'll have all the information you need to communicate to police, insurance companies, etc.
I hope you found this Premiere Issue informative and helpful. Stay tuned for the next issue!
Toodles!
Shelly Morton
Owner/Founder
https://www.straighten-up-now.com
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