Organization Pays

While most of us are aware that life could be easier if we are organized, not enough realize that organization pays. But it’s true, and I would like to draw attention to that very fact. When we are better organized, we can actually see a difference in monies kept or returned. Here are some examples of how organization pays.

Free trials

For anyone who finds multiple charges after a free trial ends, you know what I mean. In an effort to avoid this predicament, set a reminder. I do just this by setting a reminder in my phone a week before the trial ends with a prompt to manually cancel before the first charge is applied.

Subscription services

It is difficult to keep track of the various subscription services you actively use or could do without. This is where some organization helps. If you track what you are paying for monthly against what you use monthly, you can more easily see what subscriptions to keep and which are unnecessary.

Tax-deductible donations

What about donations over the year? By logging receipts and paperwork in real time, it is easier to correctly deduct monies spent at tax time in an effort to reduce tax owed or possibly qualify for a refund.

Work Reimbursements/Benefits

Finally, for those who have work reimbursements, organization can be very valuable. Not only should you track reimbursable items, but also the date submitted and date paid (and possibly how, if helpful; i.e. payroll, check, petty cash). This helps to ensure you are not erroneously paying out of pocket by forgetting to submit or failing to realize the reimbursement was not processed. Additionally, if you have a budget that is “use it or lose it” be sure to track spending to ensure optimized benefit use.

With a habit of simple organization, you can easily identify valuable funds that could remain or return to your pocket. What could you start tracking or organizing that might fit your situation? If you need a big boost, perhaps consider working with a financial planner or accountant to get a fresh start. Need help with motivation and sticking to it? Consider life coaching to help troubleshoot your specific needs.