Organizing your finances- UGH!

Bill Paying. I know, I know, not a single person wants to read about paying bills.  It's depressing and tedious, but it's the responsible thing to do, and you'll feel like a better person if you have a system.

First thing first... True story, I was doing work for someone who hated paying bills, and would just refuse to do it until the bill collector would call.  She would stash all of her bills in a shoe box and when the box was full, she would shred the contents and to the recycling bin they would go. 

Whether or not you pay your bills is your own business... she inevitably came to me and wanted a system and that's what I'm here to offer you. 

This is my simple solution... it's what I've been doing for years, and it's proven to work pretty well for me... and the best part- you don't have to be super neat, or overly organized to make it work!

I bought an envelope sized accordion file folder and labeled each tab with my bill title (i.e. Arbella, The Limited, Amex, Sallie Mae, etc.).  Each month when the bill comes in, I record when it's due on the front calender page of my planner, and then submit the bill into the file folder in it's respective slot.  I like having a snap shot of when my bills are due, how much they are, and what the minimum due is- and keeping it in my planner makes it really easy to find and refer to frequently. 

Twice a month I go online (usually the middle and the last week of the month), and I pay all  the bills that are due within the next two weeks.  Paying them in advance gives me a peace of mind that they will get to their destination on time, and also keeps my credit score in good shape (did you know even paying on the day things are due can have a negative effect on your credit score?! ). 

Once the bill is paid, I like to slip it into the back of the accordion file- when that slot gets too full I go through and save necessary stubs for tax purposes, and shred the rest!

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StacyM@ErrandsEtcetera.biz

Baby Steps to Productivity!

This morning I got up a little earlier than usual (thanks to my four legged friend), and well before I was actually ready to wake up, but I was determined to make the most of it. 
Every time I walk out to my car my initial thought is "Gosh, my windows NEED to be washed!"  Every time my four legged friend is in the car, he sniffs all over the windows, leaving my windows in desperate need of Windex and a paper towel! 
So after taking young Sammy out for a walk, I went out and bagged up the trash, old receipts, empty envelopes, water bottles, and all sorts of other paraphernalia that was all over the car.  I attacked the windows with some window wipes, and the dash and interior doors with a little armor all.  I must honestly tell you, that after doing that, I felt a million times better about my car being so clean! 
I went to work, and my drive to be productive continued, not only that... but I came home and after dinner, did all the dishes and threw in a load of laundry.  I'm convinced it was just based on that one small chore that I went after this morning, and wanting the feeling of success to continue through the day! 
What's one thing you've been putting off that could change your entire day?

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StacyM@ErrandsEtcetera.biz

Errands Etcetera vs. PeaPod

EE vs. PeaPod

Do you grocery shop on line and think it's a time saver?  It might be... but it's also a service Errands Etcetera happily provides!

*Errands Etcetera hand picks your veggies, fruits, and meats!  If I wouldn't bring it home to my family, I won't bring it home to you!
*On line shopping doesn't offer the wide variety found on line... I can!
*You won't have to sit at the computer and try to remember what's on your list, or copy over the list you've made... keep a running list on the fridge, and I will pick it up for you!
*When you get home, all the groceries will be put away and out of sight!  No cardboard boxes to break down, or food to put away!
*I know that you love saving time, but saving money even more... with Errands Etcetera you have the option to use coupons and discount cards!
*I also provide access to my club cards for bigger savings (BJ's, Costco, etc)!

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StacyM@ErrandsEtcetera.biz

Change Your "To Do" List to Done!

This afternoon I had the lovely pleasure of sitting in Boston traffic, windows rolled up, the radio playing the same 7 songs over and over, and bored beyond belief!  So I did what I usually do when I have free time like that... I started thinking about my own "to do" and my "will do" lists. 
My "to do" list is things like; fold the laundry in the dryer, get to the gas station, clean out fridge, bring Sammy to the groomers... it's endless, and tedious.
My "wish to do" list is a little bit more fun, and more what I would do if I could clone myself to do the important things; read the magazines that are piling up on my desk, finish my knitting project, try a few new recipes, stop by my Grandmother's... this list is also endless, but much more fun. 
This got me really thinking about how to show possible clients, and the general public how I can be of service to helping them.

If I had someone to get all of my "to do" list done, then I would have the time to focus on my "wish to do" list, and that's the list that is most enjoyable. 

What can your time be better spent doing?  I frequently use the example that if you have a leaky roof, what do you do?  Call a roofer.  If you look at your planner, schedule or calendar and it is jam packed what do you do?  Stress about getting it done, cramp things in during your lunch break, sacrifice your weekend to get it done, prioritize and ditch what's not imperative?  All too often, things go by the wayside... I am here to help.  Try me out, let me do your errands, chores, and make your life easier!

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StacyM@ErrandsEtcetera.biz

Perfect Pasta Salad

In keeping with the theme of having this blog be a mixed bag of topics, I'd like to take this time to tell you about the AMAZING pasta salad I made for dinner the other night.  Everyone always claims the best recipe for their pasta salad, saying people rave over the flavor and texture... but I really have the best blend going. 
I started with my cooked pasta, after letting it cool I coated it with Italian dressing, seeking inspiration, I dug around in the fridge... and this is what I pulled out:

Roasted Red Peppers
Cherry Tomatoes
Capers
Hot Sauce
Onion
Black Olives

Mixed all together, these ingredients made for one of the most yummy side dishes I've ever created! 
**Sorry I didn't include measurements, I typically "eyeball" everything and keep trying it until I get it right!**

www.ErrandsEtcetera.bizStacym@ErrandsEtcetera.biz

Insomnia for the Exhausted

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There's a time in every one's life where they are forgotten about by the sandman and sleepless nights are far too available.  Normally, this happens to me in the beginning of summer- here it is upon us, and here I am awake.  Typically, I end up tossing and turning, watching one bad sitcom after another hoping that the loop of audience laughter will help me sleep before the dreaded infomericals come on. 
In the situations that I'm still awake, I'm offering some late night tips to help you rest easy!
What is the cause, if any obvious one for you to be awake?  Are you under more stress at work?  Have you bitten off more than you can chew, and are just cramming things onto your plate?  The clear answer here would be, to settle down- take life into perspective.  If you are a writer, a list maker, a thinker, or a drawer, use your creative and artistic side and get it out.  Keep a journal or notebook beside your bed, and log your thoughts, feelings, or general concerns when you are feeling restless.
If it just seems like everything in your life is the same as it always is, try changing your schedule a bit.  Wake up a little earlier- I know how tempting hitting that snooze button is, but just try it for a week- get up a half hour earlier, see if you can't sleep easier at night.  Attempt to exercise more, whether it be to take a walk during your lunch break, do some yoga poses before bed, or do sit ups in between commercials of your favorite tv show- moving your body will do wonders for your mind as well as wear you out!
Speaking of commercials... shut down all technology tools- your phone, laptop, computer, and tv at least a half hour before you'd like to be asleep.  Try reading before bed, working on a craft, or making your lunch for the next day!  Taking these life lines away can be a real savior to the mind, and help to relax you!
If none of these tips work, there's always my favorite old go-to.  If you know me well, then you know I have some very peculiar bedtime habits, beliefs and rituals.  The most important being, never eat anything after you brush your teeth... and my one exception- unless it's cereal and you really, really, really can't sleep!  I love a good bowl of cheerios, special k, or corn flakes before bed... (I'll touch on why I don't eat sugared or colored cereal in another blog), and for some reason it's the only food I can justify eating before bed without feeling guilty of having not brushed my teeth! 
Hopefully, after reading this, you are ready to try a new ritual, or make a change to help you catch those zzzz's and ditch counting sheep! 
StacyM@ErrandsEtcetera.biz