It's the new year and many of you may have had changes to your insurance.  Or maybe you are in job transition or caring for a loved one.  Whatever your situation, the key to getting the most benefit from your insurance is to understand the insurance language.  

By learning the insurance language, you will be better equipped to gain better control over your health care coverage.  You can then manipulate your insurance language skills to achieve your desired goals by being able to ask the right questions!

Having worked and lived through the insurance maze, I know that navigating it can be tricky and confusing.  In March, I am offering an "Insurance 101" class that will help you navigate your insurance waters.  You won't want to miss it.  We will discuss a variety of basic insurance terminology and processes and of course end with a Q&A session.  

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Saving is great.  I'm all for it.  For all you coupon gurus, I applaud you.  

However for most of you, have you ever really considered the opportunity cost of coupons?  Before you clip - and save- that next coupon, take the following in to account.  

Taxes.  Just say the word and people groan.   We don't even want to think about it.  Gathering all our papers and receipts makes us crazy.

But you can't tell the tax man that your pet goat ate your homework.  So as you prepare your taxes for this year, let's get set up for next year.  

Just like buying a home, the three most important words are location, location, location.  Where will you keep all of your tax information?  In your files?  In a special box or basket?  In a brightly colored file?  Where ever it is.  Make sure that you consistently put anything that relates to your taxes in that location.  GO do it right the moment you have a piece of paper that relates to your taxes.  

More ideas?  See my Facebook page or find me on Twitter!

To your organizational success!

Now that you have your tools together, it's time to start your project. Some quick reminders as you start out.

• Take a few before pictures
  
• Set your final GOal
  
• Set the scope of your project
  
• Set a timeline when you want to have your project finished

• Put project time on your calendar!  Make it as important as any other date
  
• Set mini GOals and celebrate your successes
  
• Tell a friend how you are progressing
  
• Don't get discouraged in the middle.  It always get's worse before it gets better
  
• Refer back to your before pictures to see how far you have come
  
• Give yourself a pat on the back that you even started
  

To your organizing success!

Use the right tool for the right job!

When have you started a project without the right tools and expect to get great results?   The temptation to start a project without the proper tools a common mistake in achieving success.  Unfortunately sometimes we don't even know that we aren't prepared.

Did you define your workspace/command central?   Great!  Now lets look at what you should have there.  Command central should have all the applicable tools right at your fingertips.  If you have to hunt for the right tools, or worse, use an "alternative, then you won't want to do your task.  Keep all items that are nonessential in their own spaces or zone.  No putting laundry in the office.

Let's take a look at a real life example.  If you were to gather tools for bill paying, what do you use every time you pay them?  Pen, stamps, envelope opener, checkbook?  Put those items together.  Remember it doesn't have to be boring.  Think about some creative ways in which you can make your supplies fun to work with.  And of course make sure they are organized. and easily accessible. 

Remember, an organized workspace and proper tools will create a smoother, more balanced life. It's all about the right tool for the right job!

Happy organizing

Shhhhhh - Secret message for you on Twitter and FB!

It's GO month!  January is National Get Organized Month and I have a ton of paper organizing tips for you.  Keep posted on this website and on my Facebook and Twitter pages.  It's GOING to be a great month of setting up paper files and GOING through the old.  By the end of the month your files will look GOrgeous!Let's get Going!
Set your GOal
Every great project starts at the end.  Where do you want to GO?  What does your destination look like?  With tax season just around the corner, some of you might not be as prepared as you would like.  I'm here to help. 

We are going to start by ensuring we have the right tools for the job.  First tool is a workspace.  It doesn't have to be fancy but it does have to be a space that you will want to work in.  If you like the sunshine, the basement office probably isn't the place for you.  Maybe you enjoy working at the kitchen table or maybe it you prefer your office.   Where ever it is, it should have good energy and a good, comfortable chair!

Choose your space as wisely as you have the resources to do so.  Make small changes that will  make your space more positive.  Try small bursts of colors, pictures or GO get a big vase of flowers.  Use what inspires you!  You are going to be in this space a lot so make it yours.