I, like probably everyone else, like to be organized. But, I don't always know the best way to do things. My biggest dilemma is what to do with some of the paperwork I have. Most paperwork I put into a filing cabinet. There is some paperwork, however, that I need to have on hand and that need to be found quickly. So, my genius sister told me about this idea. Okay, so she got it from someone else, but she's still smart. Anyway, you can look at her post about it HERE. She calls it her Home Management Binder. If you know me pretty well, I like to be creative and unique with pretty much everything. (Including how I dress, which slightly aggrivates the hubby because he likes more....well I will just say it...plain things. But he loves me anyway :) ) So, since it drives me insane when I lose misplace something, I decided to call my binder the Spencer Sanity Binder:
"Alyssa! I thought you liked taking pictures! This picture isn't that good."
I know, I know. I hate that I couldn't give you a better picture (even if it doesn't bother you, it very much bothers me. I'm picky) but, me and my forgetful self, I forgot the cord to hook my camera to the computer to upload pictures. So, this picture was taken with my phone.
Anyhow, this binder is already VERY helpful. I will tell you what is in mine, but it is really up to you what you put in yours. I can guarantee when Zach and I move and we get into a house again, these things will probably be tweaked.
When you open the binder, I have two pocket dividers. I have my small notebook that I am using to chart my diet with, stamps, and a few other pieces of paper in them. I also have a pen attached to it because...you guessed it... I lose things and forget where I put things so I wouldn't be able to find a pen otherwise. After that I divided my notebook into tabs. Here is what I have:
- My first tab is labeled "Monthly Payments/Budget": This is where I do my budget for each paycheck. I also put the bills that come in for the month so that I remember to pay them. I can't tell you how many times I couldn't find a bill, resulting in the payment being late.
- My second is labeled "Pay Off": This tab is where I put bills that aren't a continuous monthly payment, but the are bills that need to be paid off. I use these to keep on top of these bills so we can pay them off sooner.
- The third is called "Important Paperwork": For now, this is where I put misc. paperwork that I need to keep track of. For Example I have:
- A list of stations we like that Zach and I came up with
- A print out of the hairstyle that I want
- Receipts from things that I have ordered off the internet
Basically, it's for papers that I don't know where to put them otherwise.
- The fourth tab is where I put my recipes. I have found recipes online, in magazines, and have gotten some from family members. This is where I store all of them.
- The fifth tab is where I print out my calendar and use it to schedule and keep track of events. This helps so that I don't forget somethings and schedule two things at once.
- The sixth tab is labeled "Logs/Charts"- My sister found various logs on the internet. If you would like any of these charts, just let me know and I can e-mail them to you. Here is a list of what I have:
- BMI chart- As you know, I am trying to lose weight, so this helps keep my goal realistic.
- Family Finance Checklist- this is another way to insure that I pay all my bills. Across the top it lists the month and on the side is has slots for you to write what bills you have. It allows you to check off each bill as you pay them each month.
- Weekly Menu Plan- Since I am staying with my family right now, obviously I don't use this yet. But, I am sure it will be helpful to plan our meals when we get settled into our new place.
- Master To-Do List- This is where I write things that I need to do or things that I need to ask Zach to do. This is a forgetful persons dream!
- Our kid's Daily Schedule- So, as you know, we don't have kids. (and for the record I am not pregnant) But, when the time comes, I will use this to plan their daily schedule.
- Our Family Auto Log- This helps keep track of maintanence on your car. It lists various things like replace tires, change oil, brake service, etc. and you can log when you get it done and when it needs to be done again.
- Blog Ideas- I write on here ideas I have for this blog. (I know, self explanatory)
- The Spencer Family Gift Giving Plan- This is a table where you can write the recipient, gift idea, details/size, where to purchase, budget, actual cost, and whether it has been wrapped yet or not of gifts.
- Home Maintanence Checklist- We don't own a home yet, but when we do this will allow me to make sure things are checked and have mainanence on them when necessary.
- Our Family's Important Dates- This is used to keep track of everyone's birthday, anniversary, and other important events that happen every year.
- The seventh and final tab is where I put magazine articles that I find interesting and want to keep for whatever reason. Instead of keeping the whole magazine for a couple of articles, I just clip them out and put them in my binder so that it will take up less space.
After my tabs I have paper and sheet protectors. I have receipts and pictures in the protectors right now. Basically, they are used for things that cannot be hole-punched and put into the binder, or that will only be holding residence in my binder for a short while.
I know this is a long post, but I hope you have found it very useful. I find life hectic as it is now, and I know it's even more hectic for those of you who have children. This binder is an easy way to keep what you need on hand. You can easily take it with you in the car or wherever you go. Like I said before, it's important that you make it your own and put the categories that you need so that it is beneficial.
For those of you who do try your own, I would love to hear from you and how you have personalized it.
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