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Straight Story: Resolutions for 2009
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About the author
Christopher Farrell is economics editor of Marketplace Money, a nationally syndicated one-hour weekly personal finance show produced by American Public Media.
It's the beginning of December, and there has been no word on the program about how Chris's New Year's resolution to get organized is proceeding. I wanted to remind you about that offer for a free consultation with a professional organizer. The offer is still good, and there's no obligation. Let me know if you'd like to take me up on it.
As a Professional Organizer, I see desks like Chris's all the time, and as a "Thank You" for Chris answering my question in "Getting Personal," I offer him a free one-hour phone consultation. I'll make suggestions on how Chris can get organized and stay that way. See www.clutterfreeservices.com for more info. Oh, and I'm not aware of you featuring a professional organizer in your "Day in the Work Life" series. Thanks!
Does it help to say that I have seen worse? I would caution that you don't sort everything out of the way so fast that you can't find them again. I have done that, moved everything out of my way, filed in folders that are properly labled. But then, I forgot where I put everything. It will take a couple of false starts before you can get through to a system that works for you. Patience my friend. Your system will work better if you have patience, or a support system from your colleagues...
My guidance to Chris on organizing is to presume he will be moving, and paying a "fuel" surcharge for all that extra, unorganized, unrecycled weight.
Another hint, keep the most important documents (marriage certificates, insurance policies, social security cards- needed to get drivers licenses in
many states) in a portable fireproof case that can either be easily moved in the event of a disaster, or has the ability to protect these documents.
My guidance to Chris on organizing is to presume he will be moving, and paying a "fuel" surcharge for all that extra, unorganized, unrecycled weight.
Another hint, keep the most important documents (marriage certificates, insurance policies, social security cards- needed to get drivers licenses in
many states) in a portable fireproof case that can either be easily moved in the event of a disaster, or has the ability to protect these documents.
Wow. Chris. WOW. Do you do any work in this office? Oh, wait. I think I see a tiny uncluttered space on top of the desk.
I've spent the last 2 weeks doing a similar cleaning/organizing of my home office. I found receipts and tax forms dating back to 1993.
Good luck and please keep us posted on your progress!
My son a professor in York, Pa. age 49 suffering from bi-polor-depression was medically retired with 60% of salary, no insurance, he has some savings and an retirement account of $125,000.00 he wants to teach Adjunct in the south,and is able but not a full time teaching job, under the circumstances of his forced retirement would he be allowed to teach and how should he handle his monthly income amounting to about $2100.00 per month? Thank you Chris.
