Organizing and Simplifying Bill Paying

Good Evening,
Paying your bills are always important, but do you wish there was a more simple way of keeping the bills all together. Cara explains in detail how to make bill paying more organized and easier to keep everything in perspective and runnning smoothly.

sincerely,
~Mandu
Aspiring WAHM, Wife and Blogger
http://www.emdiau.com/
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There are lots of ways to simplify your bill paying and keeping it organized. First let’s get everything organized.



Here’s how:






Keep all pending bills together in one designated area or folder. The best thing to do to keep this task from getting out of hand is to do it as soon as you get your bill. Place it where it needs to go. It will only take a minute of your time. Keeping everything together will save you time in having to search through several areas where you could have placed them. Once the bills have been paid place them in another folder labeled “Paid” so they will be readily available should you need to refer back to them.






Set up a weekly or monthly schedule for bill paying. If you receive you paycheck weekly consider doing it the day you receive your paycheck or if you get paid monthly do it on that day or you can schedule two days a month whichever works best so you meet all your payment due dates.






Create an area for bill paying. Keeping all of your bill paying essentials, such as stamps, checks, pens, envelopes, and bills of course together in one spot will speed up your bill paying process as you won’t have to keep stopping and getting up to go get things. Just a few things you might want to keep in your bill paying area are your bill paying filing system, checkbook, envelopes, stamps, pens, pencils, a calculator, tape, a stapler and return address labels. Take an hour or so and if you have recurring bills which you create envelopes for consider taking the time to prepare the years envelopes all at one time. That way when you need it, it will already be prepared and ready for use.






Record your payments immediately. As soon as you pay your bills mark them down in your checkbook register or computer software register so you won’t have to waste time looking for it later or worse get charged overdrawn account fees.






Immediately file your payment receipts and invoices. Once you’ve paid your bills, marked them in your register and made the necessary notes such as date paid, check number and amount paid on them, file them. Set up a category for each such as utilities, insurance, credit card, house payments, etc. for easier filing and locating of receipts should you need to locate them.






Reconcile your checkbook and file the cancelled checks just in case you need a copy of one later on down the road or for tax purposes. To prevent those cancelled checks from piling up, store bank statements and cancelled checks that are more than one year in a separate area or box.






Limit the number of credit cards used. Consolidating multiple credit card payments into fewer ones, not only help reduce the amount of paperwork, time needed to make and track these payments but you will also be able to pay them off earlier and reduce your interest paid on them over time. Try limiting consolidating your credit card bills to two or three and dispose of the rest.






Simplify bill paying with online banking or inexpensive money management software. Money management software can reduce the time it takes to pay your bills and come tax time it can make tracking expenses and creating reports for your accountant much easier.


Article by Cara Mirabella

Smart Women Share Their Pearls...

One of the birthday “traditions” in our family is when a member gets to a certain age, they share one “pearl of wisdom” for each decade they have lived.







Today is my 50th birthday! The five decades behind me were all wonderful and as I reflect on each one of them, I can clearly see how each decade blended into the next to bring me to where I am today. I’m very excited about the next 50 years with lots of ideas and plans for living a meaningful and full life. In keeping with my family “tradition,” I’m going to share with you my five “pearls of wisdom” that have been instrumental in my life so far. This is not an easy exercise! Choosing five was a real challenge. We all have beliefs that we carry inside of us. They come from our families, mentors, and life experiences that we have along the way. However, I’m clear now that the five “pearls of wisdom” that you read below are the ones that have shaped my life in the most profound way:






1. Be on Time – Sounds simple doesn’t it? When I was a young girl in my teens, my Dad was forever rallying my sister and me to be on time. (When I was a teenager, the only thing I wanted to do was stay up late and sleep-in the next day!) What I’ve learned is that people who arrive on time (or even a little early) get access to opportunities and decision-makers that late-comers don’t. All (and I mean all) of the successful people I’ve met in my life arrive on time. Thanks Dad.






2. Listen – My favorite line in the movie, “Pulp Fiction” is when Uma Thurman asks John Travolta, “Do you listen or are you always waiting to talk?” Brilliant. Stop for a moment and ask yourself that question. It sounds simple, but have you mastered the skill of “listening?” It is one that I highly recommend that you practice. This one “pearl” alone has made a big difference in the course of my life. My grandfather used to say, “There’s a reason you have two ears and one mouth.” Enough said.






3. Be open to learn from the unexpected – I’ve been to lectures and seminars that have been taught by people who were highly educated and the information was insightful. However, one of my most influential teachers, who ultimately became my mentor, was a high school drop-out who became a multi-millionaire.






4. Follow your instincts – In my work with women, I refer to this as “follow your internal voice.” As I reflect on the last five decades, every single time I didn’t follow my internal voice, I got myself into hot water—very hot water! Your internal voice is always with you (she’s been with you since the day you were born). She knows you better than anyone else and she will never, ever misguide you.






This “pearl of wisdom” leads me to #5 which is…






5. Practice Solitude – I discovered this “pearl of wisdom” in my 40’s. When I was in my 20’s and 30’s, I was so busy running around living a very fast-paced life, that I never, ever appreciated (or was comfortable with) solitude or silence. When it got quiet, I got moving. As I crossed the threshold into my 40’s, I began to crave solitude. It was like breathing. It was necessary for me to live. This “pearl of wisdom” ties right into #4 – “Follow your instincts”. It wasn’t until I learned to practice solitude that I could “hear” what my internal voice was telling me. She speaks very softly and with all of the roles and responsibilities you have as a woman, it can be a challenge to hear her words of wisdom. It is in those precious moments of silence that I hear and visualize the best next steps for me in my life.






These are my “5 Pearls of Wisdom” and as I reflect on each of them, they come together like a single thread weaving their way through the fabric of my life. It is my hope that if you practice even one of them that you will begin to see positive change in your own life. As a mentor once shared with me, “The slightest shift creates the greatest impact.”






Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.






*****


© 2010 Joy Chudacoff-  ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions(tm), a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur. She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs. If you’re ready take your life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, 2 FREE Reports and FREE MP3 now at Creating The Spark .

Do You Delegate Chores?

Good Morning,
How are you today? As a mom, it is always diffifcult to keep things together in a household, especially if you try to do a chore chart for an elementary aged daughter, who simply isn't interested in doing chores. Aurelia simplifies this concept in chunks, so you get the hang of not doing it all and having your children do the things you don't have time to or don't like doing. This also gives most children a sense of accomplishment and responsibility. Enjoy the article.


Sincerely,
~Mandu
Aspiring WAHM, Wife and Blogger
http://www.emdiau.com  
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Children And Chores - Do You Delegate?
By Aurelia Williams, author of Getting out of the SuperMom Trap


A few generations ago, children were commonly expected to help around the house. When society was mainly based on agricultural endeavors, children were expected to help around the farm as well. Our society has changed and so has our expectation of our children. Learning to delegate household chores to children can benefit both the children and the parents.


Let’s admit it, mom and dad work hard all day. Facing household chores in the evening can take away time that should be spent with kids, stress you out or just add another burden to your otherwise overloaded to do list - something I talk about extensively in Getting out of the SuperMom Trap. Delegating household chores between all the occupants of the house seems only fair. There are jobs around the house even the smallest child can do.


Chores are great for the kids as well. Though they may complain, forget or otherwise try to find ways out of chores they do benefit from them. They are taught responsibility, essential life skills and even some reasoning skills. Learning to do dishes or laundry is essential to any child. They need to be able to do these on their own some day so they may as well start doing these at home. It also gives them a feeling of accomplishment.


What chores kids can do, really depends on the age and the ability of that child. You may want to do the chore with them to begin with. Show them the correct way, then let them try it with your supervision. If they do ok, assign them this chore. Always follow up and make sure their chores are done and done correctly. Remember they are kids and are just learning.


Preschoolers can perform the basic chores. They can learn to pick up after themselves. Take care of their toys, make their beds and this kind of chore is ideal.


Older from 6 to 9 children can do all this plus learn to take care of the pets, fold and take care of laundry and even learn to vacuum and sweep floors.


Children for 10 to 13 can take on even more responsibility. They can do dishes, clean the bathrooms and even learn to cook simple meals with supervision.


Once they have reached the age of 14 consider more responsibility. Laundry can be done by older children as well as car care, preparing meals or any other chore that parents feel they are capable of doing.


Some children are more adapt at helping around the household than others. Children who want to learn to cook and clean should be encouraged. Supervising young children around the stove and other hot appliances is essential, but they should be allowed to try these things when they feel they are ready.


With the question of chores comes the question of allowance. This is a very popular subject in many a child’s mind. There are different theories as to who should get allowance, how much and what for.


Sit down and discuss with your child their responsibilities around the house. Talk to them about how much they think these chores are worth. Teach them that their time and effort is worth something, but they have to be realistic. Let them be part of the decision of allowances and what chores are parts of that.


Parents are responsible for teaching their children important life skills. Teaching them how to keep up a house and themselves should be included. Show them it is a team effort to keep the house running smoothly. Everyone pitching in to keep a comfortable, clean house will show them it is worth the effort.


Need More Help?


If you're looking to raise more independent and self-sufficient children - plus...get yourself out of the SuperMom Trap, grab a copy of this important guide.

Quick Snowy Crafts

Quick Snowy Crafts
by Chris on January 25, 2010




Credit: Suite101
Here’s a few quick “snowy” crafts that you can do very quickly without a lot of preparation… I love those!


These are all pretty easy and will probably only appeal to younger kids — but then again, the Q-Tip Snowflakes were a real hit with my bigger kids! You just never know…


Enjoy!


Snow Tracks
Paint a child’s palm only with brown or black paint and stamp it several times onto a sheet of white paper. Guide them to stamp their palm in a straight line across the paper. Dip their index finger into paint and stamp the “toes” around the top of the palm print 3 or 4 times for each palm stamp. When done, it should look like animal paw prints in the snow.


This is a good opportunity to talk about what animals do in the winter, how you can see different animal tracks in the snow in winter, bear hibernation, etc.


Q-Tip Snowflakes
Lay a sheet of wax paper on a table. Use Q-tips to make a snowflake on top of the wax paper. Squirt glue on any spot where 2 Q-tips meet. Let dry completely and peel off of wax paper. Don’t forget, you don’t have to use whole Q-tips, you can break them up and use pieces too!


My “big” kids enjoyed this one too!


Paper Plate Snowman
Staple one small paper plate onto a large paper plate. Glue buttons, pom poms,construction paper, foam, etc. onto the plates to make the snowman’s parts.


This one is really fun for younger kids because they can do it themselves.


Pasta Snowflakes
Draw a large X on a piece of construction paper and then put a line down the middle to make a guideline for a snowflake. Use a variety of pasta shapes to glue on top of the lines and form a snowflake.


*Interested in more crafts like these, then I would encourage you to take a look at Crafts for all generations.

Hanging Mittens Craft

Good Morning,

Do you think that I would forget about fun crafts, even though Christmas just passed….I don’t think so. If you ever have a minute in regards to sitting down and doing something fun and creative with your kids, then that time would be now(something spontaneous) or anytime. These memories last forever, so why not start creating some. Enjoy this craft!

 

Sincerely,

~Mandu

Aspiring WAHM, Wife and Blogger

http://www.emdiau.com

 

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Hanging Mittens Craft

by Chris on January 20, 2010

These little mittens are a lot of fun to make and very adaptable for children of all ages. You can make them look as elaborate or as simple as you like, and they also serve as a nice little winter keepsake craft. Best of all, you probably already have all the materials available!

What You’ll Need:

• An old file folder or pieces of thin cardboard
• White glue
• Scissors
• Hole punch
• pencil
• Scrap yarn

What to Do:

1. Trace around your hand with your fingers together and your thumb sticking out onto an old file folder. This is your basic mitten. Cut it out and do the same thing for the other hand to make a set of mittens.

2. Punch a hole in the top of each mitten so you’ll be able to hang it when complete.

3. Spread some white glue on each of the mittens. A popsicle stick works well for this, but you can also just use your finger.

4. Use the scrap yarn to create pattern on your mitten. The idea is to cover the entire surface of the mitten and to make it look like a real knitted mitten. Let the glue dry when your pattern is done, then put a piece of yarn through both holes punched in step two to make a hanger.

Don’t Forget…

Don’t forget to write your child’s name and the date on the back of the mittens. You’ll look back at it in years to come and wonder if your child’s hands were ever really that small.

 

Ask For and Go For What You Want!

Good Morning,
Are you happy about your life? Do you know what direction your career is going? Do you allow people to make you feel inferior? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, then I would encourage you to check out Aurelia's coaching package below. She is such a dynamic coach and if that wasn't enough, she is also a mom and wife just like you, so she knows what she is talking about.


Here's wishing you happiness and success in every area of your life.


Be Blessed.


Sincerely,
~Mandu
Aspiring WAHM, Wife and Blogger
http://www.emdiau.com

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Ask For & Go For What You Want
By Aurelia Williams, Certified Life Coach


Do you think that brand new laptop that you saw at Circuit city will just magically appear in your home, or what about those projects that you know you need to start, do you think they will start themselves? Hey, what about that quiet time that you really need? Do you think your children will magically disappear for a few hours after drawing you a nice hot bubble bath? Heck No!


So, think to yourself. What is on your wish list (this is something I ask all my coaching clients)? Is it starting your own business, have a monthly date night with your significant other, have some quality time to yourself? Also ask yourself, Have I kept this wish list to myself? Please tell me that you are not waiting for your friends, loved ones, coworker or those you network with to read your mind and then hand deliver what you are secretly wishing for.


At times we may keep our mouths closed and not ask for what we want out of fear of rejection or fear of seeming pushy or needy. For most women, just the thought of asking other for help or for a favor is enough to keep their mouths shut and their dreams far a way!


In order to ask for and go after what you want, it is important to get clear about what you want and be able to describe it in detail.. Once you know what you want, be totally willing to ask for it whenever you get the chance. This holds true in your business and personal relationships.


It is important to learn that is okay for someone to say “No”. It is also important to learn that it is ok for any given situation to not turn out the way you hoped it to go. Failure and/or rejections do not have to be the final word, actually it can be the opening for further negotiation. Take time to reflect on what happened. Were you specific about what you wanted? Did you approach the correct person, did you communicate yourself clearly? And most importantly, ‘How can your refine your request for the next time you ask it?


Next, make list of the people who come to mind when you think of what you want. For instance, if you want to start your own Virtual Assistance business, why not search online for forums or websites that specialize in that area. If you find such a forum, acquaint yourself with the members and simply introduce yourself and ask for advice, guidance and help. The only way people can help you is if you let them know that you need help.


You will be amazed at how many people truly enjoy lending a hand to others, and just think, the more you grown and learn, the more hands you can to lend a helping hand to others as well.


Next Steps:


If you need an extra hand getting what you want out of life, contact Certified Life Coach, Aurelia Williams. She'll help you design a life that allows you to reach your business and personal goals; cultivate more fulfilling relationships and that elusive achieve work/life balance you've been striving for.


Click here to learn more about her coaching program.

Healthy Monday – Keep New year resolutions alive with a weekly affirmation

Good Morning,
I usually don't make New New Year's resolutions, let alone keeping them. So I thought that this article did a great job explaining weekly affirmations. Little chunks and/or goals make it possible to keep your resolutions intact. Good Luck and enjoy this article.

Sincerely,
~Mandu
Aspiring WAHM, Wife and Blogger
http://www.emdiau.com
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Healthy Monday – Keep New year resolutions alive with a weekly affirmation

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Happy New Year!

May This New Year Be all that You and Your family envisions, hopes for and strives for. Blessings always!

From EMDIAU