organize my finances

this is a never ending struggle. Take a deep breath and keep going…

My filing system has fallen apart…the only stuff I file (actually collect in a pile) is the tax stuff. All else goes in a box. Another thing to add to the list of the things to do. This time I think I will have fewer categories to file in.

Next on the list is the other tax thingy I really need to do. I need to stop avoiding it and just finish and send it off.

Reading other people’s entries has given me a push to get this done.

Well howabout that, I got my tax refund.

I also organised my filing system a bit more – each folder has a label with the subject and a number & letter (my own system for filing stuff that works for me) and I have a piece of paper with the list near where the folders are kept. Hopefully this year I’ll be more organised with tax paperwork.

Tax return is done and sent off, but it feels never ending. I had to chase round to find a couple of important bits of paper that I should have kept safely. I hate feeling so disorganised.

I’ve collected just about everything I need to send to the tax accountant and will send it all off next week as I want to photocopy everything first just in case it all gets eaten by the post office on the way.

I got a plaintive email from my accountant asking if I was going to send them the papers so they can do my tax return. They’ve listed what they need from me and I’ve printed it out and put it on my desk at home…where I’ve ignored it all weekend. Ignore isn’t really the right word as I know it’s there and it nags me. Yes I am procrastinating!

On Sunday I put on some very loud music and sorted out my ‘to file’ pile which was 6 inches high. I covered the floor with little piles, each the subject that I use for filing eg insurance, car, etc. This took about an hour. Then, after a coffee, I put these piles in their folders.

On saturday I bought a plastic box for storing the folders I don’t use anymore, but need to keep. So these folders went into the plastic box which goes in the attic and safe but out of the way.

The current folders went back in the filing system (the shelf). Next to the nice empty ‘to file’ box.

I put everything into Quicken today after work. This is great.

Actually some of the entries are estimates so I need to dig out the latest statements from the pile of paper a foot high that is my ‘to file’ pile (but that’s another story!)

I spent 2 hours with the guy yesterday and now we have a plan, actually its more of an understanding of the overall portfolio of what I have.

I;m the same as most people, it’s made up of bits and pieces of savings thingies, pensions, mortgages, various bank accounts and who knows what else, all kind of accumulated over the years.

Making it make more sense in terms of risk, return, tax and all the rest is the plan. Also made a few changes so we’re on the way…of course the same day the Dow plummets…not a good start?