From Overwhelmed to Organized

Like most people (at least the ones I know), I started the year with great intentions. But that’s all they were—until a few years ago when my eldest daughter shared how she plans for the new year starting in December.

At first, I didn’t think much about her process. I’d always been task-oriented and focused on what needed to get done, both in my work and personal life. I was a planner with endless checklists, and while I accomplished plenty, it was hard to measure what I’d achieved over 365 days, 8,760 hours, or 525,600 minutes. Looking back, I realized I wasn’t tracking my progress in a meaningful way.

Last year, inspired by my daughter, I planned my entire year—not month by month, but task by task. My list lived on my phone, where it was easy to access and check off items. I organized it into three categories: Personal (household chores, self-care, etc.), Financial (budgeting and organization), and Writing (how many novels I’d write, classes I’d take, and social media goals to connect with readers).

Did I achieve everything? No, but I got about 75% of my tasks done, and I had a LOT on that list. My husband teases me for trying to fit five pounds into a two-pound bag, but I’ve learned that having a plan—even an ambitious one—gets me further than having no plan at all.

After publishing my most recent book, Across Oceans Through Time: A Story of Enduring Love, I dedicated December to planning the year ahead. Using the same three categories, I rolled over unfinished tasks from the previous year and added new ones. Unfortunately, life threw a curveball: both my husband and I fell ill during our Christmas road trip to visit family. As a result, I’m still finalizing my plan, but I’ve embraced the mantra: better late than never.

One of my goals this year is to return to writing short blog posts. I’ve missed blogging and realized how much I enjoy it. So here I am, sharing not just my planning journey but also some practical tips that has helped me tackle one of life’s dreaded chores: managing paper clutter.

The key question: what do you keep, and what do you pitch? Here’s my system:

One Month (For Paper Lovers)

• Receipts for non-deductible items: I prefer electronic receipts but keep a plastic zip envelope for deductible ones.
• Deposit slips and ATM slips: Rarely needed, but I save them briefly.
• Reconciled bank statements: These are electronic, so I keep them indefinitely.

One to Three Years

• Checkbook ledgers, paycheck stubs, mortgage statements, and insurance records: All electronic now.
• Charitable contributions and proof of deductible purchases: A mix of paper and electronic files.

At Least Seven Years

• Tax returns and supporting documents: These include W-2s, 1099s, medical bills, and mileage records. Most are digital.

Forever (Stored in a Fireproof Safe)

• Vital documents: Birth certificates, marriage licenses, auto titles, and investment statements.
• Major receipts: For home improvements and significant purchases.
• Estate planning documents: Wills, insurance policies, and retirement plans.

Last year, I tackled the monumental task of sorting through my late mother’s estate documents and organizing decades of family records. Using expandable plastic folders, I created a system for each family member. It was a huge accomplishment—and one I’m incredibly proud of.

For shredding, I keep a banker’s box in the garage. Each year, I take it to a community shredding event and start fresh.

Everyone’s method will differ, but the key is finding a process you’ll stick with. What works for you? I’d love to hear your tips—maybe I’ll learn something new!