“I’m the type to over-analyze everything. If I was to rob a house, I’d have a checklist to make sure nothing goes wrong.”
Israel Broussard – American actor
Think of how a checklist(s) could simplify your life. Please share your ideas with us on our BLOG or FACEBOOK PAGE.
HAPPY SPRING–FINALLY!
The warm weather is finally upon us, the spring flowers are in bloom, and the “May 24 weekend” (as we like to call it in Canada) is just around the corner. Get outside and enjoy it whenever you can!
On a personal note–Congratulations to Melissa and Patrice who welcomed their baby boy Clément on April 19! I was thrilled to become a great aunt.
THE VALUE OF A CHECKLIST
When you start a task or project, do you jump right in and get started–without a plan? Are you satisfied with the outcome? Is it what you had hoped? If not, take the time to create a plan.
Time spent planning can produce amazing results. Yes, it will take some time to create the original checklist, but it will save you valuable time down the road. Having a plan should reduce your sense of being overwhelmed too!
A checklist is a great tool for repetitive processes–big or small. For large projects, you may only be able to use a checklist for part of a project. And remember, your checklist is not carved in stone. Consider it a work in progress, and revise it as required.
Do you own a business or work in a business that participates in trade shows? Are you always scrambling at the last minute getting ready? Do you inevitably forget to bring something with you? Click here for my Trade Show Checklist.
Don’t forget to take a look at our “Get Checking” archives too!
P.S. Do YOU or someone you know need a professional organizer? TAKE OUR TEST and find out for yourself today!
HEALTHY RADISH, FENNEL AND PARMESAN SALAD
Pair this yummy salad with a healthy meal!
INGREDIENTS
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons whole-grain mustard
• coarse salt and ground black pepper
• 1 bulb fennel, cored and thinly sliced, plus 1/4 cup fronds
• 5 radishes, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons freshly shaved Parmesan cheese
PREPARATION
1. Whisk together oil, lemon juice, and mustard. Season with salt and
pepper.
2. Toss dressing with fennel bulb and radishes, and adjust seasoning if
necessary. Top with Parmesan and fennel fronds.
For more recipes, check out our GET HEALTHY archives.
TAX TIME PROCRASTINATION…
HOW TO AVOID IT!
One of the top reasons that we procrastinate is because we feel overwhelmed and the thought of filing our yearly taxes certainly fits the bill. Despite being aware of the consequences of failing to file, as many as 45% of us cite procrastination as the reason why we delay to file or even let the deadline pass us by.
Here are our favourite suggestions for helping our clients overcome tax-time procrastination:
1. Find a tax buddy who will keep tabs on you and encourage you to file your personal taxes on time. If you have your business taxes prepared by a professional, ask them to send you reminders.
2. Make up your OWN tax deadline which is ahead of the traditional date. Mark your calendar accordingly and imagine how GREAT it will feel to have your taxes filed sooner rather than later. Remember that you only need to pay the bill by the traditional April 30th (or later for business) date.
3. Break it all down into smaller pieces. If you have an intimidating amount of work associated with preparing to file your taxes, try to work on one section (income, for example) at a time and spread the process over several days.
Do YOU have a suggestion about how to overcome tax-time procrastination? Comment on our BLOG or FACEBOOK PAGE.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to A NEW LEAF!
A New Leaf celebrated 10 years in business on March 17th!
Thanks to all of our clients and everyone who has referred clients to us. We have been very fortunate!
THE TAX MAN COMETH…ARE YOU READY?
I have a confession to make! This issue should have been published a bit earlier. I had assistance with it and wasn’t able to proofread it sooner because I was completing my taxes!!
Does the thought of getting your forms and receipts organized so that you can file your 2015 taxes make your stomach churn? While the best advice is always to work ahead and NOT wait until the last minute to get organized, these suggestions will help you to simplify your tax preparation.
1. Start with last year’s return. Make a list of categories on your return which pertain to you. For instance, you might include basic items like T4s, investment income, RRSPs, medical receipts, charitable donations, and education expense (just to name a few!).
2. Purchase an expandable accordion-type file. The traditional brown kind works well for us, but feel free to be creative! Make sure it has MORE sections than you have items on your list, so that you have room to add additional categories. Don’t forget to label the outside of the envelope with the tax year.
3. Now, you will have a place for each form and receipt. Make sure to file them as soon as you receive them in order to prevent the headache of missing forms.
4. If you have a number of receipts in some slots, medical expenses for example, add up the total for all of the receipts and staple the calculator tape to the pile. Repeat the process for each category as required.
5. If you are a business owner, you will also have categories for business assets and expenses. We recommend that you keep a business tax folder separate from your personal taxes for ease of filing.
6. If there is room, set up separate slots for completed returns, refund/payment information and assessments.
7. If you are a tech-minded person, consider computerizing your financial records with one of the very effective programs available. Some clients scan in receipts and attach them to their respective files, but DON’T FORGET that you are still required to keep paper copies of your receipts for seven years. It is a good idea to hold onto ALL of your tax returns.
Now you can relax and calm that churning stomach…until you need to write the cheque!
P.S. Do YOU or someone you know need a professional organizer? TAKE OUR TEST and find out for yourself today!
What’s Happening? Click Here
DON’T FORGET! If you’re purging books, sheetmusic, CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, and video games, consider donating them to the Canadian Federation of University Women-K-W Annual Used Book Sale being held on April 22-23, 2016.
Is part of your home office a dedicated homework area? We have a Homework Supplies Checklist just for YOU!
Check out the monthly ORGANIZE YOUR ENVIRONMENT Workshop Series at the Kitchener Public Library. These workshops offers tips, tools, strategies and resources you need to create your best environment. All speakers are members of the Grand River, ON Chapter of Professional Organizers in Canada. Cathy will speak on Effective Time Management in September.
There is NO charge to attend the workshops. Registration is required.
Cathy Mendler
Phone: 519-669-1377
Email: info@anewleaforganizers.ca
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