Following are a series of Articles written for Finances focusing on productivity with a "Zen" approach. These particular writings are focused on Family and are pertinent for all those who need specific direction and inspiration to be organized and get on the track to accounting accountability.
These articles can be seen at WeAreGoodkin.com and GetButonedup.com
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Zen of Family Finances - Part 1
Zen to me means serenity,
peace, grace and harmony. My home financial life and office were
anything but that; they were a confusing, disorganized mess. When I
wanted to find a bill to pay, know how much money was in my bank
account, implement a savings program, find the check for deposit, etc.,
it was a disaster.
Anxiety, fear, procrastination and the scary monsters underneath it
all were my oppressors. I wanted Zen…joy, clarity, focus and intention
to drive my family finances.
My family is “Oliver” (my dog), my two mothers (Oliver’s grandmas)
and myself. Some of you may have partners and kids you can put to work
helping you, this was not the case for me. I had to face my financial
fiasco by myself, and in doing so, I grew from it.
The old mantra of “I’ll put that away later” was no longer working
for me. Realizing I had to change, I looked to find ways to trick myself
into at least doing what I needed to do to get the job done, but since I
wanted Zen, there would be no more trying, forcing and failing, I took a
deep breath, said the serenity prayer, meditated on my heart and mind
being open to guidance, and, became willing. And then, as it often
happens, the inspiration and ideas came easily and gracefully.
Thoughts of joy, cheer and fun came to me. What if I actually liked
it? I just might do it and stick to it. How could that be? I started
with the equipment and committing to a half hour a day until it was
ready.
- I bought a Lateral Filing Cabinet in a fabulous retro green at a
garage sale (one that I knew I would like to look at and use), for
current files. I also bought storage boxes at the office supply store,
in a bright color that made me smile, for previous year’s paperwork.
- I labeled my storage boxes printing them large and boldly on
white paper in my favorite text from my computer, “Office Paperwork –
2009”, etc., then I taped one on each end and the top with heavy
shipping tape to protect them.
- I took out all the items that did not belong from my office.
- Next, I separated all paperwork by year. Since I prepared my
storage boxes first I could put each year directly into it’s box, saving
time and energy.
This beginning opened up my space in ways I did not know were possible,
physically and energetically. Ever so slightly, I am living Zen,
enjoying my cabinet, boxes, the process and of course, getting the
project done. It was ½ hour every day for almost 2 weeks to complete
this stage.
Let’s get the Zen into your Family Finances too! Make a date with
yourself for at least 2 hours a week. When that is done, come back for
Part 2 and I will share how my current paperwork got into that beautiful
filing cabinet. I really love taking care of my office now, and my
family finances are manageable!
How is the state of your finances? Are they a mess, or are you
channeling Zen in your own office? Let us know your thoughts, concerns,
tips and ideas when it comes to managing the family finances!
Posted by Pamela
Goodchild on March 4, 2010 @ WeAreGoodkin.com, May, 2010 @ GetButtonedUp.com
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Spring Cleaning & The Zen of Family Finances - Part 2
Spring pushes us forward with the same energy that it takes
to make new growth of plants, trees and flowers bursting out adding
help to everyday discipline. Yeah, I’ll take that help from Mother
Nature. A great thought to meditate to: I have the
energy and time to take the cue from Mother Nature and get into Spring
Cleaning.
You have put
your previous years papers in their boxes (Zen of Family Finances Part 1), cleaned up the clutter
and meditated. Now what? Time to get back to work. This
part is more of the practical stuff of creating the Zen of Family
Finances, a step that was hard for me, proven by how I kept putting it
off. I had many excuses, as well as legitimate reasons to
avoid. How could I do this work for my clients but not for
me? When was I going to be willing to do this work?
Questions like these would keep me going
around and around. I knew the only solution was action, but it’s
probably not what you think. It’s not "rush back into the mania of
trying to get things done." It’s actually slowing down for a
minute. Time to light the incense. As I would breathe and open up, I let
go of all the chatter and started to feel acceptance of change, then
joy. And then, what do you know…along came the inspiration that all I
had to do was the next indicated step. I can do it!
It’s time to shop!
Shopping List:
- File Labels Purchase
these at an office supply store. Get 50 labels or more. You
can go to a superstore, your neighborhood store or online. I
prefer the clear label I can print out in a large and pretty font from
my computer. The point is that you choose labels that inspire you. Hint:
When I like what I see, it makes me happy, resulting in wanting to work
in my office.
- File Folders The
same goes for where to purchase these. Get 50 “3-Tab” file
folders or more. I have found unique folders at all the
stores; this year I found really fun designs. I also got some in black
and white. The point is that you choose folders that make
you smile. Once you have found the name and item number of
what you like you can take the time to compare prices.
Now for the Action:
- Create one label for each month of the year (or number
1-12 representing each month’s number).
- Create one label for each letter of the
Alphabet (A-Z)
- Create one label for each Company/Person you
pay or correspond with 8 times a year or more, for example; your First
Entertainment Credit Union Credit Card Statement would go into the
“First Entertainment CC" file folder, etc.
Now you're ready to start filing.
Posted by Pamela
Goodchild on April 21, 2010 @ WeAreGoodkin.com
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+ - = With ease and a smile.
