• Need Motivation to De-Clutter?

  Date Posted: Jul 02, 2010

  A client of mine gave me this tip.  Read on by clicking on the title.

• Off to the pool or beach!

  Date Posted: May 27, 2010

  It's time for the pools to open and perhaps you have a trip to the beach planned. Click on the title for tips on how to be ready to go!

• Build a RAFT for managing incoming papers

  Date Posted: Apr 26, 2010

  If you have overlooked a bill that was due, lost a notice that your child brought home, or faced a similar situation, perhaps you need a system to handle incoming papers – a RAFT.   Click on title for more information.
  

• Psychologist or Professional Organizer

  Date Posted: Apr 08, 2010

  For those few individuals for whom hoarding makes a normal life impossible, psychological counseling may be warranted.   Yet, as a recent news story makes clear, the psychologist’s counseling follows a path that’s familiar to home organizers.  Also, television shows focusing on hoarding often use both psychologists and professional organizers.

• New Credit Card Legislation

  Date Posted: Mar 11, 2010

  This month, March 2010, the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act becomes law.  It gives consumers more protection, but there are loopholes.  Click on the title to read more....

• Want to gain control of your spending?

  Date Posted: Feb 15, 2010

  This time of year most people are playing a numbers game – 1040, W-2, 1099, line 37 and so on. Yes, tax time does tend to focus on the mind!
  While you’re looking at last year’s income and where it went, you might
  also think of this year’s money and where it’s going.  Spending money’s not difficult, but keeping track of that spending can be. Using credit cards gives you a record of your spending, but also makes it easier to spend. And, the break between purchase and payment means that its easy to loose track of what you’ve spent. As a result, you end up spending more than you’d intended. The antidote? Try an all cash diet. Seriously! Pay cash for all your purchases for a month. It will give new meaning to the term “cash flow,” and, as many studies have shown, you’ll probably find that you’re spending less.
  

• What's to be gained from magazine articles on organizing?

  Date Posted: Jan 15, 2010

  At this time of year, magazines often feature articles on organizing, because getting organized is a top New Year's resolution.  How seriously should you take these offerings?  Click on the title of this month's tips to find out.

• Forget the New Year’s Resolutions -- Set Goals instead

  Date Posted: Dec 10, 2009

  How many times have you made New Year’s Resolutions and then given up on them?  This year, try making one or more concrete goals instead of resolutions.  For guidance on doing this, click on the title.
  
  

• Six steps to Fianancial Freedom

  Date Posted: Nov 02, 2009

  Do you feel financially stressed? Many of us do from time to time. Click on the title of these tips for 6 steps to financial freedom.

• Register Your Cell Phone Number with the FTC

  Date Posted: Oct 14, 2009

  Cell phone numbers are going public.  To prevent telemarketing calls to your cell phone number, register your cell phone number with the FTC Do Not Call Registry NOW!  Click on title of these tips to get the phone number to call or website to contact.
  

• What's worth buying and what's worth keeping?

  Date Posted: Sep 09, 2009

  Chick Fil-A gave free sandwiches to anyone wearing a shirt with a team logo this past weekend. This was an effective sales strategy as the lines were very long. Was it worth it? If you like the sandwiches and you had the time to stand in line, Yes it was worth it. But what about other sales promotions?

• What to do with school papers

  Date Posted: Aug 01, 2009

  Many parents say they are inundated with piles of school papers around the house once school begins.  Where should you store them?  Which ones should you keep as memorabilia?  Click title for more....

• Eliminate Complicated Filing of Monthly Bills

  Date Posted: Jun 08, 2009

  Whether you pay your bills online or with a check, here’s a simple system to keep track of what you’ve paid. Read on…..

• Online Billing: Pros and Cons

  Date Posted: May 28, 2009

  
  "Go Paperless!"  Is this a good idea or not?  Read on....
  

• 10 Ways to Gain Time

  Date Posted: Mar 09, 2009

  Here are 10 ways you can save time by stopping certain behaviors.

• Your Credit Score

  Date Posted: Jan 08, 2009

  To improve your credit score:
  

  • pay more than the minimum on your credit card bills
  • pay all bills on time
  • never go over your credit limit
    

• About Your 2009 Taxes

  Date Posted: Apr 07, 2009

  Two tips to make filing your income taxes easier next year.  Click on the title for details.
  

• Mail Box Theft

  Date Posted: Jul 06, 2009

  A thief stole checks from a mail box in my neighborhood in Athens recently.  The thief apparently washed ink off the check and rewrote the check for over $500 at a WalMart in Louisiana.  WalMart accepted the check and is not happy to know that it was fraudulent.

• Charitable Giving

  Date Posted: Mar 10, 2009

  With the recent Angel Food Ministries news, many consumers are reluctant to give to non-profit agencies.   Most non-profits help fulfill many society’s needs and make our communities better places in which to live.  To be a careful giver choose the non-profit organizations you want to support and then make sure your contributions are being used for a purpose you want to support.  The best way to donate to your favorite charities is to decide how much you want to give, build that into your family budget and then send a check to the charity.  Don’t wait until they contact you, because solicitations cost money and all of your money will go to fulfilling the charity’s purpose if you just mail a check.
  
  

• Don't Be a Victim of Fraud

  Date Posted: Feb 16, 2009

  Consumers have lost much of their savings in investment schemes and housing mortgage fraud in the past couple of years.  Everyone should be alert at recognizing scams. 
  
  The Federal Trade Commission and the National Consumer's League, along with the National Fraud Center have websites that are good resources. If you are concerned about a charity, go to Charity Navigator for information.
  

• Worried About the Economy? Prepare a Room for Rent

  Date Posted: Dec 10, 2008

  3)  Desperate situations call for drastic solutions.  Perhaps you can rent out a room to generate income or house a family member who has lost a job.  AHO has helped two clients in these situations.  One client needed to convert a home office into an office/bedroom so that she could rent the bedroom.  In the other case, a room was cleared for a grandmother.  Check out the long version for details.  Click on "view all tips" for solutions #1 and 2.
  

• Clutter Free Gift Giving

  Date Posted: Dec 01, 2008

  
  
  Several clients have told me that they want to give gifts that don't create clutter.  Click on the title of these tips for ideas.  Happy shopping and Merry Christmas!

• Worried About the Economy ? 3 Things You Can Do Now !

  Date Posted: Nov 14, 2008

  2) Organize room by room in your home and take inventory of what you own.  You may find things you didn't know you had and find that you don't need to buy new things.  Plus you may find items that you can sell and make money or donate and have a tax deduction.  See the longer version for more information on how to begin.
  
  3) If your situation is dire (e.g. loss of job), re-think and re-organize so you can rent out a room to generate income.  Alternatively, you could house a family member who has lost his/her own home.  Watch for the December tips for information about making this tough decision.
  

• Worried About the Economy? --- 3 Things You Can Do Now!

  Date Posted: Oct 22, 2008

  
  1)  Get rid of that self-storage unit--save $500 to over $2,000 a year. Click on the title of this tip to get more information.
  
  
  

• Getting Rid of Paper and Electronics

  Date Posted: Sep 13, 2008

  If you have paper with sensitive information, such as your name along with social security number or financial account numbers, you should strongly consider shredding them.  Saturday, September 20, 2008, the Athens Clarke County is sponsoring a shredding event from 9-11 AM.  See the following link for details:
  http://www.acc-recycle.org/events.htm.
  
  Recycle your old computers, printers, TVs, cell phones and other sorts of electronics in an appropriate manner. You can even get cash for many of these.  Check out the longer version of these TIPS to find out more.
  
  

• Tips on Making Product Complaints

  Date Posted: Aug 08, 2008

  When you buy a major product, such as an appliance, write key information on the product instruction booklet:
  

  • date of purchase or installation
  • how you paid for the product (e.g. credit card)
  • model and serial numbers.
  You will have what you need in one place when you have to call for a part or to complain about a problem. Just remember where you decided to store your manuals so that you can find it quickly. Check out the longer version of these tips for successful complaint strategies.
  

• Back-to-School Organizing

  Date Posted: Jul 24, 2008

  Establishing designated places for school supplies, toys, laundry, clothes and accessories will help your child start the year off right. Having a place for everything is the crucial element in organizing and will save time later because your child won't have to spend time looking for things.

• Pack Like a Pro

  Date Posted: Jun 18, 2008

  I've schlepped bags walking around London until my shoulders and back ached. In Xalapa, I've wanted to hire someone to help me tote a large bag up hills. NO MORE! Now I travel with only one bag and a carry-on. With increased baggage restrictions and costs imposed by airlines, it's more important to pack light. Taking too much is the top mistake most people make(www.onebag.com & www.lifescript). One tip is to lay out what you want to take and put half of it back. Read on for more tips.

• Do it Yourself or Hire Someone?

  Date Posted: May 28, 2008

  Before deciding to do a job yourself, ask the following questions: Will you be happy with the job that you do? Can you do the job safely? Will hiring someone really save you money? How valuable is your time? Should you be doing something else with your time?

• Improve Your Home Environment

  Date Posted: Jan 02, 2009

  Welcome to 2009!  While the economy isn't predicted to improve soon, you can improve your home environment NOW.  Click on the title of these tips to get ideas.
  

• What ever happened to spring cleaning?

  Date Posted: Mar 12, 2008

  Do you do spring cleaning? Do you even want to do it? You can use the contact page on this website to let AHO know your opinions on spring cleaning. Many of the current magazines have articles on spring cleaning, but perhaps spring cleaning just isn't what people do these days.

• Shop in Your House

  Date Posted: Feb 11, 2008

  The recent downturn in the U.S. economy means that families may want to tighten their budgets. There can be a sliver lining to this situation if you shop in your own home. Many families feel they have too much clutter in our homes. So the next time you need something, look around your house and you may find that you already own what you need. Take time to clean out a closet or other storage area and you may find things you forgot you had.

• Get Inspired

  Date Posted: Jan 15, 2008

  Get inspired about organizing by reading articles on topics that appeal to you. The January/February 2008 issue of Athens Magazine has an article on organizing that gives readers many tips. The article features Athens Home Organizer and other professional organizers in the Athens area.

• Just 15 minutes

  Date Posted: Jan 14, 2008

  Don't let lack of time stop you from organizing. There are many things you can organize with a small amount of time. Spending 15 minutes most days can yield rewarding results. Organize a drawer while you are cooking, watching TV, getting ready for bed. Organize your cell phone, palm, or purse while waiting in an office for an appointment.

• Facts About Gift Cards

  Date Posted: Dec 11, 2007

  Gift cards are often the perfect gift; however, be aware that a gift card may have an expiration date. Some cards even have an administrative or maintenance fee which results in periodic reduction in card value. Also, if you use the card and the remaining balance is below a certain amount (for example, $2) the card may be void for future use.

• Budget Valentine Ideas for your Spouse

  Date Posted: Feb 11, 2009

  Valentine's Day is Saturday and if you are thinking about what you can do for your spouse, check out the AHO tips for ideas.

• Want to See Your Credit Report?

  Date Posted: Apr 15, 2008

  Everyone is entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the three credit reporting agencies. For yours, go to annualcreditreport.com. Do not go to any other site -- they are imposters, and that includes the ones advertised on television.

• Organizing Christmas Decorations

  Date Posted: Dec 12, 2007

  Before you store this year's ornaments, think about how you used them. If you decorate a little at a time instead of all in one day, it will save you time to organize decorations by category. For example, if you put everything you need for your fireplace mantle in one container, you can decorate that easily in one evening. You won't have to get everything out to do it. Choose containers that fit your needs; consider what you need to store and where you will store it. Label your containers so that what you need will be easy to retrieve when you decorate for the holidays next year.

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