Motivational Monday #67 - The Older I Get

Sometimes I have deep thoughts.  Other times I don't.  Sometimes I am just glad to string sentences together.  Let's be honest, this 'ole grey mare just ain't what she used to be!  I may not be ancient, but the older I get:

1. The More I Realize I Don't Know
2. The More I Forget

You can see where this is going...nowhere good!

How is it that when we were teenagers we completely believed we understood the world?  How is it we thought our parents were dinosaurs and our grandparents were remnants of an archeological dig? How exactly did we figure it "all" out?

Honestly, I think this falls under the category of "You Don't Know What You Don't Know."

As I have aged and become a parent, I have realized a few things:

1. My parents may just have known what they were talking about.
2. My grandparents were a bevy of untapped knowledge.
3. I had NO idea what I was talking about as a teenager.
4. Life can not be figured out by age 17.
5. Rice Crispy treats are yummy at any age.

So where has this strange collection of random information left us?  The older we get, the more we know we do not know, and the more we know we have forgotten.  While this may sound depressing, it is actually good news!  If we still have our wits about us enough to realize this, that means we still have time to take action.

I used to think I could remember every detail of my life.  Now I realize most days I can't remember what I had for breakfast.  The best solution for this faulty (read: normal) brain of mine is to write things down.  There are so many things that need to be documented, but honestly I only have time and energy for so many of them.

For now, I choose to document personal details.  This includes vital statistics, medical information, and insurance.  This way, if my brain takes a leave of absence I will have this information all ready to go.  Someday I will move on to bigger things, like my financials...but let's be honest, it is only Monday, and I have a whole week to get that motivated!

So here is the plug.  Prepared Binder is a great way to organize and record your person information.  It is simple, concise and ready to use.  Obviously I like it, or I wouldn't have created it.  I'm sure there are other ways to organize your information, but I am partial to this one.  Take a second and give it a look.

Okay, enough Motivation for this Monday....I am off to eat Rice Crispy treats!  While I'm gone, try reading a few of our past posts.  Sometimes I'm almost brilliant!

Motivational Monday #28 - Deck the Halls With Organization

December can be a crazy time.  Even if you don't celebrate the holidays, the extra hustle and bustle in the stores can create a frenzied pace for almost 6 weeks.

After the carols have died down, the yummy food has been eaten, and the family has gone home, it will be time to get back to real life.  Real life, unlike holiday time life, has a lot more to do with going through the routines of daily existence.  We have to pay bills, take care of daily chores like dishes and laundry, go to work, plan regular activities, and take care of the unexpected events that come our way.

While it is tempting to spend the entire holiday season in a blur of festivities, it really makes sense to use this time to prepare for our "real" life starting January 2.  Often we see family and can collect information we would need in an emergency.  We have the chance to sit down with loved ones and talk, so it makes sense to make plans for the future. We also receive year end statements with account numbers, contact information and balances. Using these resources can be a valuable asset for planning ahead.

So please enjoy the beautiful lights and the scrumptious food this season.  Enjoy the family and friends, as well as the charity and warmth that marks this time of year.

When you have finished your traditions of food and family, go ahead and start a new tradition.  Talk with your family, update your family plan, organize your records and be ready for the new year.  Maybe this year your organization will be done before January 1, and you can have a brand new resolution!

Once Identified - Start a Plan For Your Emergencies

In the last post we looked at the types of emergencies we can face. I gave a list of 11 items I could easily think of as a starting point for you to devise your own list.  Using that list I want to start working on a plan.

Looking over the list, I see some logical groupings to help get the planning process going.
Loss:

• House Fire
• Theft
• Car Accident

Medical:

• Car Accident
• Medical Emergency
• Lengthy Illness

Natural Disaster:

• Hurricane
• Flood
• Tornado
• Ice Storm
• Wildfire
• Optional or Mandatory Evacuation

When dealing with loss, the most important thing to have is documentation.  From talking with countless people who have lost homes, the feeling of helplessness is what causes the most emotional trauma.  Having the ability to quickly identify what has been lost helps you regain your feelings of control.  Insurance companies want proof of what you owned. By documenting what you have it is easier to go through the process of replacement, or at least compensation.

Documentation can come in the form of receipts (make a copy, as receipt paper is designed to fade over time) or evidence of ownership.  Take pictures of expensive or collector items with serial numbers shown if applicable.  Store those photos off site.  Many insurance agents will keep a CD of your pictures in their files if you ask them.

Dealing with medical emergencies can also be an issue of documentation, but this time you need histories, medication lists and contact information. You need legal documents signed and witnessed before a person is incapacitated. You also need to know a person's wishes to assist in making appropriate choices.

Natural disasters may require survival skills and supplies.  You need to know ahead of time what you will do if you are trapped in your home or if you have to leave it.  You need to know where your supplies are and how to use them. (If you are storing canned food, make sure you have a manual can opener!) You also need to be familiar with emergency services in your area.

As we look at this topic more, we will discuss each individual topic in greater detail. Having a plan means more than identifying the dangers and potential emergencies, it means knowing what to do about them.

What Are Your Potential Emergencies?

When it is time to talk about emergency preparedness people get nervous.  I understand no one wants to borrow trouble, but there is a fine line between "thinking happy thoughts" and ignoring the potential for problems.  Given the choice, I want to be prepared.

In order to prepare, you need to know what you are preparing for.  So today we are going to make a list.  Obviously I don't live where you do, so you will need to expand the list for your area and circumstances.


List of possible emergencies:

1. House Fire
2. Theft
3. Car Accident
4. Medical Emergency
5. Lengthy Illness
6. Hurricane
7. Flood
8. Tornado
9. Ice Storm
10. Wildfire
11. Optional or Mandatory Evacuation

I have to admit, looking at this list does not make me want to sing a happy tune, in fact, it is downright scary.  That said, each of these items can have an actionable plan to smooth over the craziness of the situation.

When identifying the plan, it is important to know who you are planning for. If you are single, then the plan is all about you.  If you are married, have kids, have roommates, are responsible for a parent or grandparent, or have pets, the plan may get a little more complicated.

In the days to follow we will talk about making a plan and what you need to consider.  Of course, all of these plans require paperwork, and as a shameless pitch, I will remind you Prepared Binder is an easy and organized way to get all of the paperwork you need ready to go.

So tune in next time when we talk about the items on the list.  Hopefully you will never need to use these plans, but you will feel better knowing you have them. Oh, and if you have any generic plans you would like to share, hit the comments section and tell us all about them!

Motivational Monday #2 - Upcoming Vacations - A Time To Prepare

I know it is early May, but vacation time is just around the corner.  Hopefully each and every one of you will have a little "away" time...even if it is only a mental break from the ordinary.

Vacations, while usually fun, come with their own challenges.  Their are bags to pack, items to get ready and schedules to shift.  If you are planning to travel there are also documents to gather.  Depending on where you are going this may mean getting your passport out and dusted off, or maybe just finding your birth certificate and driver's license.  Either way, this may take some time.

Use the time between now and your scheduled departure to collect the documents you will  need including passports, birth certificates, maps, attraction information and packing lists.  Doing this slowly and while you have the time will eliminate stress down the road, and who wants stress during a vacation?

P.S. Now that I have given you vacation advice I need to live vicariously through your vacation plans.  Let me know where you are going so I can celebrate your intended fun.

Motivational Monday #1 - The Safe Place

I am the kind of person who needs to be motivated.  Sometimes I need a small push, other times I need a bolt of lightening.  I thought you might be the same, so I am going to start having Motivational Mondays.

Here we go...Motivational Monday #1

I know a lot about my "Safe Place."  I know it must be huge to hold all of the things I put there.  I also know it must be secure because everything seems to stay safe.  What I don't know is where it is.

You might think this is a problem, and it is.  My "Safe Place" is a great abyss for which I put important items and never see them again.  I theorize that everyone has a safe place and that all safe places eat items just like mine.  It is kind of like socks in the dryer.

So I am challenging you this week to identify a NEW (not so mysterious) safe place to put your documents.  If it happens to be your copy of Prepared Binder - Home Edition, great.  If not, find a location and start a new safe place.

Here is what makes this safe place different from your other safe places.  You are going to document where it is.  Yes, in fact you are going to write it down. Put a note in your blackberry, add a note to your calendar, send a text to your phone.  Anyway you want to do it, you are going to remember where this safe place is.

As you find other safe places with stashes of important information you are going to relocate things to this new and improved safe place.

If nothing else in your life gets organized I want your safe place to be something you can find.  I know it is a small step, but an important one...You can do it!

2010 Census Is On Its Way.

Many months ago I spoke about the 2010 census.  I just wanted to remind those of you in the United States it is coming soon.

In my spare time I am a genealogist and the first research method is the local census.  Failing to fill out your mailed census forms will get you two things: 1) a visit from a U.S. Census worker, and 2) a swift kick to the behind from future generations trying to do research.

Remember the information is not released to the public for 72 years, and while I hope to be alive for many years, I doubt I will be alive to see its release.

This year the census form will be short and sweet.  I know it may seem like one more thing to do, but it is so much more.  You are recording yourself in history.  You are adding your family to the legacy of our country and its heritage.

A few of you may be concerned about privacy.  The information they are asking for is already out there.  They need it in one place on the census to spread out government services, but most importantly government representation.

So find yourself a good pen/pencil, take a seat, and become part of history.  In case you wondered, this is my official plug for the census.  I promise you future genealogists will thank you.

Information is the Difference Between an Emergency and a Crisis

Last week I challenged you to evacuate your home...mentally at least.  I don't know how many of you did it, but it is a good exercise.  Most of us don't think about what we need to take until it is a crisis.

Today I want to issue a different challenge.  I want you to imagine a serious car accident.  Upfront I will tell you your family will be fine, but at least one adult (Mom) and one child are in the hospital in serious condition.

I know this may seem like a grizzly scenario, but I need you to think about this.  Mom is the keeper of a lot of information so if she is out of commission you need to know how to step up.

Do you have the following information:

• Medical Contacts for Adults and Children
• Allergies to Medications
• Medical Insurance Contacts
• Auto Insurance Contacts
• School Contacts
• Medical Histories
• Contact Information for Family and Friends
• Financial Contacts
• Living Will
• Power of Attorney
• Medical Power of Attorney
• Custody Papers (if applicable)
• Employer Contacts
• Work Benefit Contacts

There is a lot of information needed in this type of emergency.  Decisions will be made quickly and if you don't have the correct information you will be forced to go find it instead of spending time with your loved ones.

If you received a call to head to the hospital would you have this information ready to go?  Would you be ready to take care of the situation?

As I said, I know this is a grizzly scenario but it is one we must all consider.  If you are the mom do you realize how much you know that your family is unaware of?  Documenting this type of information can mean the difference between an emergency and a crisis.

Of course I know a product that can help with this...but really it is up to you to do something about it.  Educate your family, make sure they know the information they need, and write it down for later use.

Background Checks for Volunteers

I tried to come up with a clever topic to send out today, but alas, not much came to mind.  I think all of my cleverness was used up yesterday when I tried to help my kids down from the Halloween induced sugar high experienced this weekend.  I will try and do better a little later in the week. 

Something that did grab my attention this morning was an article about volunteers.  As you may remember, I feel strongly about volunteerism.  Volunteering in your community is a great way to give back, but it is also a wonderful way to get to know other people.  As the saying goes, "You love those you serve."  I have found this to be true over the years and cherish the friends I have made.

The article I was reading seemed straightforward enough, the topic was background checks for volunteers.  Many cities and states have laws requiring background checks for all people who volunteer their time with children, the elderly and the disabled.  Some states have stricter background check requirements than others, but because of the National Child Protection Act signed into law in 1993, businesses and organizations have access to national fingerprint databases to weed out volunteers with criminal backgrounds.

The US Bureau of Labor statistics believes nearly 62 million people volunteered at least one time last year.  Not all of them volunteered with children, the elderly or the disabled, but that is still a lot of background checks.  Over the last 16 years I am sure the background check policies of cities and states have kept many child offenders away form children, which is a good thing.

Now for the crazy part.  There is a growing number of people who believe background checks are a breach of privacy and information about them should not be searched just because they want to volunteer. No, really.

So here is my question.  If you want to volunteer and you want your efforts directed at children, the elderly or the disabled, and you know there are background checks involved, why are you complaining?  It was optional and you signed up for it.  There are thousands of places to volunteer that don't do a background check.

Organizations and businesses don't like to do background checks because it is fun.  In fact it isn't fun for them at all and it can cost a lot of money, anywhere from $15 to $150 per person.  They do the checks to ensure the safety of those they care for.

Here is my little story.  Years ago I went to get a fingerprint clearance card.  I wanted to volunteer with kids and was thinking about substitute teaching.  I headed down to the local police department and had my prints taken.  I sent them into the State with a check to cover the cost of a background check.  A few weeks later I got a letter stating my fingerprints weren't clear and I needed to have them redone, which I did, 7 times.  Apparently I don't have great fingerprints.  This is not the result of anything I did, just genetics which gave me ill defined ridges.  (Who knew I would ever be denied the ability to volunteer with children over something as silly as ill defined ridges???)

Anyway, it took over a year, multiple trips to different law agencies, an email to my US Senator and a FBI search before I was cleared.  Whew!  That was intense.

Now at any point in this process was I worried?  No.  At any point was I unaware they were looking at my life in great detail?  No.  Was I offended they kept denying me because they couldn't match my prints?  No.  (I do have to admit I was frustrated that it took so long, but was not offended that they were being thorough.)  The point is this, I started the process when I made the decision to volunteer with kids.  I knew they were going to do it and I actively spent the time to get my fingerprints done and redone.

If I was worried about what they would find, I doubt I would have spent the time and money to start the process.  If I was worried about an invasion of privacy I would have found another way to spend my time.

As a mother I am glad they check out the people who work with my kids.  As a volunteer I am happy to give other parents the same comfort.  It is crazy to believe only good people want to be around my kids.  It is a sad truth we live in a world with people who wish us harm, but it is true.

Now that I have depressed you I want to leave you with a great thought.  Even though these background checks are causing controversy, millions of people still spend the time to volunteer.  They show up week in and week out to be great role models and amazing influences on our community.  They give of themselves and their time to help those around them.  I am proud to be part of a country which values theses individuals...background checks and all.

Who Should Use Prepared Binder - Home Edition?

Yesterday I blogged about the contents of Prepared Binder - Home Edition as I am consistently getting requests for more information.  Today I would like to talk about who should use Prepared Binder - Home Edition.

Singles, newly married couples, young families with children, empty nesters and retirees all need the information in Prepared Binder - Home Edition organized and ready to use.

My sister is an amazingly accomplished person.  She has a good job, a nice home and a side business.  She has a car and other personal property with only her name on the titles.  She also has a complex medical history and is single.  Why do I mention her being single?  The answer is very important.  If anything were to happen to my sister, be it a serious car accident, an unexpected illness or death, no one but my sister knows where everything is.

No one in the family knows where her investment accounts are held, who has her mortgage or how her business is set up.  In order for us to help her or to close down her estate we would need to have information about her life that wouldn't be appropriate for her to share right now.  When she filled out her copy of Prepared Binder - Home Edition she made sure to tell me where it was.  I have a lot of peace knowing I can follow behind her and have all the information I need.

Young couples sometimes struggle with planning for the future.  If they have just gotten married they are not likely to discuss things like serious illness and death.  Good grief, most newlyweds are still invincible!  Giving Prepared Binder - Home Edition as a gift is a great way to start the conversations they need to have.  When filling out the forms they will need to think through their future plans and coordinate their wishes.  Nothing starts a marriage out better than good communication, especially with finances. Prepared Binder can help.

Young families can often be overwhelmed with kids, jobs and the details of getting through the day.  Unfortunately this is also the age of accumulation.  Finances are improving, purchases are being made and lives are getting more complicated from a documentation standpoint.  Young parents start to buy insurance policies, have wills or trusts drawn up and make long term financial plans.  All of these things are exciting and expected, but very often none of it is documented.  Young couples still believe death is a long way off and no one wants to assume an emergency is right around the corner.  Using Prepared Binder - Home Edition will help these families prepared for life's unexpected events.

Empty nesters have raised their children and are getting used to having their personal lives back.  They are often at a time in their life where priorities are changing again.  They may be looking forward to retirement and grandchildren.  Their home may be paid off and they may be looking at a vacation home or other toys.  The exciting part is they have usually reached a level of financial security they never had before, the bad news is they no longer have family members as intimately involved with their lives.  If there was an illness or emergency grown children are less likely to know any current details.  In fact a friend of mine who is a nurse practitioner for elder care said that most grown children have no idea what their parents medical histories are or what doctors they go to.  Prepared Binder - Home Edition really helps those families care for their loved ones by giving them the information they need.

When you get to the age of retirement and beyond things have changed again.  You may have a lot more free time, but the likelihood you will lose a spouse is high.  End of life decisions become less of an abstract idea and more of an urgent task.  There needs to be a plan for personal possessions and investments.  Estate planning is a big concern with many seniors.  Filling out Prepared Binder - Home Edition can be a great asset when going through the process of estate planning and making funeral arrangements.


These are just some of the situations Prepared Binder - Home Edition can come in handy.  It is also important to remember emergency situations such as accidents and evacuations which require organized documentation ready to go at a moment's notice.

So may people need Prepared Binder - Home Edition.  It makes a great gift and an amazing opportunity to organize your life.  Let me know if you have any questions.  I would be happy to chat more!

Prepared Binder - Home Edition in Detail

Every few weeks I get a request or two for a detailed explanation of what is in Prepared Binder - Home Edition.  I usually shoot off a quick email to the interested person and do it again for the next person who asks.  As the Holiday Season is coming up and I am likely to field numerous requests, I thought I would do a detailed description here for all to see.

Prepared Binder as a company was started after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  Watching thousands of people flee their homes was overwhelming.  Hearing their stories was heartbreaking.  What I heard over and over was," I don't have anything, not even my birth certificate or the information to register my child for school."  I heard one interview with a man who lived in a shelter for weeks because he had no way to get his money out of his own bank account.

After I started the process of designing Prepared Binder my grandmother was evacuated from the fires in southern California.  We watched firsthand as she tried to gather the paperwork she needed to get her social security check and forward her prescriptions to a new address.  It was a mess and very time consuming.

Prepared Binder is broken up into 8 tabbed sections.  Each tab acts as a table of contents for that section with a list of what forms we have given you to fill out and what documentation you need to collect for yourself.

The following is a list of sections and related content:

Personal Information - This section contains vital statistics, a list of previous residences a small genealogy, employment history and education record.  This information is important when looking over credit reports to make sure the information is correct.  It can also prove valuable when writing an obituary for a loved one.  Important documents such as birth certificates, death certificates, adoption papers, divorce decrees, copies of passports and driver's licenses should be stored here. 

Medical Information - This section contains medical histories, broken down on forms specific to adults, adolescents and children.  It includes specific questions about allergies, past medical procedures and illnesses. There is also a detailed chart which helps you document family medical histories.  A separate form has medical contacts such as the family doctor, specialists and your dentist.  This information can be vital in cases of medical emergency.  Many times the only person who knows the complete medical history is the person unable to give it.  Having allergies, past procedures and doctor contacts can speed treatment and improve the quality of care.

Insurance Information - This section contains a detailed list of  insurance contact information, as well as policy and payment information.  One section details employee benefits and employer contact data.  A section for a home inventory is also included.  As insurance information is frequently used during an emergency or after an accident, it is important to have policies and contact information available for quick use.

Financial Information - This section includes a contact list for all household expenses, bank accounts, investment companies and retirement accounts.  There is also a section to outline your monthly budget.  After a death in the family the financial arrangements can be much more complicated than the funeral itself.  Relatives rarely know what bills to expect, what bank accounts are tied to automatic withdrawals, what company holds the mortgage, and where the retirement accounts were held.  Listing out that information can be the difference between quick resolution and endless fact finding. 

Emergency Plan - This section helps you organize your emergency plan and contacts.  Forms in this section summarize your family's vital information and evacuation plan.  There is also an inventory for emergency supplies so you can identify where you store everything.

Memorial Information - This section outlines your preferences for memorial arrangements.  It includes the information needed to fill out a death certificate as well as claim military benefits.  This section will take a lot of stress off the family member designated to make final arrangements.  It is also a great way to start a discussion within your family so everyone is aware of your wishes.

Legal Paperwork - This section contains a list of legal paperwork you may have and lets you indicate where it is stored.  Most documents can go directly into the binder, but some may be stored elsewhere.  There is also a contact list for legal designees such as powers of attorney. 

Miscellaneous - This section contains a business owner information sheet to help a spouse or family contact the correct people in the event of accident or death.  There is an online password summary to help keep track of all passwords.  There is a pet care sheet so that in case of emergency someone else could properly care for your pet.  There is also a maintenance sheet to identify the people you use for household, vehicle and appliance repairs.  There is also a list of shutoff locations for electrical and water around your home.

Also included in Prepared Binder - Home Edition is a CD containing printable pdf documents of all the included documents in the binder.  There are sheet protectors, pockets and a business card holder for storing information.

I hope this has helped you understand a little more about Prepared Binder - Home Edition.  If you have any questions I would love to hear them so please contact me.  Happy Organizing!

Reindeer Sweaters and Horn Tooting

Guess what is just around the corner.  Is it a bird?  Is it a plane?  Is it a really big and scary shopping monster?

Yes, it is true, November starts the beginning of frenzied holiday shopping.  They say the Monday after Thanksgiving is "Cyber Monday" as the volume of online sales spikes, but who really wants to wait that long?

Starting next week people will begin to focus attention on the gifts they will give others this season.  They will make a list, check it twice, and strain their memories to make sure everyone gets a new and exciting present.  Stores will be searched, wallets will be opened, and purchases will be made.

The difference this year is the economy.  It is the big elephant in the room which has every retailer and financial analyst worried sick.  Will consumer confidence be enough to drive the largest revenue season of the year?

Many people reading this blog will wonder why I am bringing up this topic.  I am in fact a retailer who would love to have your business.  I bring it up so we may have a discussion about why practical and thoughtful gifts will be more valuable this year than ever.

No one needs another reindeer sweater.  It is true, admit it.  If you have one, it is timeless and does not need to be replaced.  If you don't have one...you are probably relieved.  Yet every year we receive gifts from friends and relatives which have no functional purpose.  We smile and thank them, all the while wondering what we will do with such an item.

Prepared Binder - Home Edition is a different type of gift.  

You guessed it, it is time to toot my own horn.  I have spent many hours talking with people from all over the country about Prepared Binder.  I have heard stories of disaster and heartache.  I have heard stories of death and evacuation.  I have also heard stories of peace and restoration.

The difference between an emergency and a crisis is the preparation.  Bad things happen, and they always will.  Prepared Binder was designed to walk you through the paperwork preparation for those emergencies.

Giving the gift of organized preparation is one of the kindest things you can do.  I have heard from many people, (too numerous to count) that they always wanted to get organized, they just didn't know how to start. They tell me they know they need to, but feel overwhelmed.  Prepared Binder - Home Edition jump starts that effort in a practical and easy to use format.

So enough horn tooting for now. Prepared Binder is a thoughtful and practical gift in a time where fluff and extravagant may feel awkward.

Use this season to show family you care with the gift of organized peace of mind. Emergencies happen.  Get organized and be prepared.

Financial Awarness Will Make the Holidays Bright

The holidays are almost here and we find ourselves in a different situation than we have in the past. Gone for now are the days of big spending and endless credit. With banks tightening their belts and businesses eliminating jobs it seems frivolous to spend big money on presents we don't need and likely won't use.

Focusing on the essentials helps us feel a little safer about our surroundings. I have even found myself buying PJ's and socks to put under the tree this year.

One of those essentials is financial preparedness. I am sure very few of you think about the holidays and imagine yourself organizing your finances. However, knowing where you have your money and how you spend it can give you invaluable peace of mind.

If you haven't already gone through the process of organizing your finances, here are a few suggestions.

1) Start saving statements from your monthly bills. We all get monthly bills and we all probably love to forget about them as soon as they are paid. Try storing them in a folder for one month. It will help you get a snapshot of how you spend your money. At the end of the month use that information to fill out the financial section of Prepared Binder – Home Edition. Once you have an idea of where your money goes you will know if you need to adjust your spending.

2) Start noticing your “little” purchases. If you are anything like me, it is the little things that blow the monthly budget. (A new pair of shoes, fast food, a new magazine. . . you get the idea) When I started noticing how much I was buying I started seeing how much it added up. Saying, “I deserve it,” didn't do anything to make the money go further. In reality what I really deserved was a balanced budget and money left over to go in the vacation fund. I started asking myself if I was willing to pay double the price for the item. For example, if I loved a $35 dollar pair of shoes, was it worth $70? If it was, I would buy the shoes and put the extra $35 in savings. If it wasn't I just passed on the shoes. I immediately saw a difference in my spending.

3) Look through your house. When filling out the insurance section of Prepared Binder – Home Edition, there is a form to inventory your home. While doing this may seem less fun than a root canal, it is important. After my Grandmother's house burned down, she had almost no idea what was missing. The front half of her house was gone and most of her belongings were reduced to ash. It is hard to remember how many pairs of socks you had when your home is burned out.

Going through your home will also allow you to see all the things you already have. Whenever I think I need something I look at what I have. Usually I end up getting rid of something instead. It is amazing home much stuff I save!

4) Identify your goals. If you don't know where you are with your finances, you are unlikely to get where you want to be. The important part is to know where you want to be. A new home, a retirement account, a car, a college fund, a trip to Europe; whatever your goals, write them down and identify what it will take to get there. It will be much easier to pass on the things you don't really need if you have a goal.

Prepared Binder – Home Edition is designed to help you achieve Organized Peace of Mind. Even though the holidays can be crazy, having the peace that comes from understanding your finances can be invaluable.

Check out our web site at www.preparedbinder.com for links to helpful resources.  You can also order Prepared Binder - Home Edition through the web site.  Consider making this a family gift this year.  You can contact us directly for bulk orders. Happy Holidays!

The Great Disappearing Information - Sticky Notes

Sticky notes are a beautiful thing.  They sit there quietly on your desk or counter just begging to have something written down and remembered.  They love it when you peel off the top note and stick it to your desk, your calendar or your notebook. They thrive on the information stored there.  They also have the immense potential to drive you crazy!

Have you ever had a sticky note "disappear" and reappear someplace weeks later, long after you needed the information? Or you remember you wrote a very important phone number on a pink sticky, but now you have 30 pink stickies on your desk and not a single one has your needed number.

Sticky notes are a blessing and a curse.  As an organizational tool they are not the best.  I am sure I just offended half the population of "Post-It" but really they aren't.  I used to be the sticky queen, and I do concede that they have many important uses, just not organization.

What sticky notes can do...  Sticky notes are amazing for adding comments to reports.  Notes such as, "Great Report - make 50 copies and send to Siberian office" are appropriate for a sticky note because they leave the original clean and are quickly dealt with.  Another great use for a sticky note is a surprise "Love You" note in a school lunch.  Sticking it to the inside of a lunch box makes sure your child sees it, but they can quickly remove it if they don't want their friends to see it.

What sticky notes can not do... Sticky notes are useless for long term storage.  While some of you may argue they have sticky notes on their computer from 2 years ago, I would ask you how effective that is.  If you have too many sticky notes you will tend to block them out and not look at them, thus they are useless.  If you put them in a place you are forced to look at them, such as your desk top, they will adhere to other items and get ripped off and lost.  (Once again, not too useful.)  Sticky notes are meant to bring immediate attention to a comment, but if you have an entire desk full of immediate attention notes you cannot possibly pay attention to every one. Besides, if it was really important, wouldn't you have written it down someplace more permanent?

So what does work?  I have struggled with this myself.  I even spoke to a professional organizer, and here is what she said.  "Get a small notebook."  Yes, I know you were expecting something obviously profound, but that is what she said.  I journeyed to the local office supply store and I found a small spiral notebook (about 4" by 6") with a pocket in the front of the book.  I use the notebook for all the random notes I need to jot down.  I include shopping lists, phone numbers, addresses and to do items in the notebook.  The amazing part is the number of stickies I use has dropped to almost nothing.  I don't find loose scraps of paper around my house, and when I need something I wrote down, I know exactly where it is. That is profound.

The notebook idea may not work for you, so find something that does.  I have really enjoyed not having to search for old stickies and scraps of paper.  My time is better spent when I know exactly where the thing I need is.  In fact, I no longer dread "old info" which may or may not have fallen into the abyss of my office.

As a bonus organizational tip: Get a small box like an index card box and throw business cards in there.  We all get them and few of us have any idea what to do with them.  By putting them in the box you can find them when needed without the hassle of searching the junk drawer!

Today's Question: What can you do to clean up the stickies in your life?

End of Life Medicine - Know What You Want

In the United States we pride ourselves on our medical advancements.  We love how many ways we have learned to save lives, and we enjoy stories of heroic measures bringing people back from the brink of death.  Our medical system is geared towards saving lives, not losing them. (As it should be.)

What we are not good at is letting go.  As a society we don't like to talk about death unless it is on the news with a heart wrenching story behind it.  Death in the US may be talked about by newscasters for headlines, however, it is not talked about within our families.

Very few people discuss their end of life preferences.  Now before you get uncomfortable and stop reading I want you to think about it.  How many people in your life right now do you know their final wishes?  How many of those people do you just assume would want what you want? Do they want every test and treatment they can have to prolong their lives, or do they want to back off and die naturally? Do they want heroic measures or not?  Do they prefer to be in a hospital or at home?  Do they want a funeral or a simple graveside memorial?

Knowing the answers to those questions is important.  Knowing those answers for yourself is also important.  Writing everything down is imperative.  There are far too many stories where a living will is ignored because the family doesn't know about it, or it wasn't explained to them and they force the doctor to prolong life. 

I had the chance to read an article in Newsweek lately regarding the costs of medical treatment in the United States.  I found it interesting that they talked specifically about the costs associated with dying.  Data shows that a full one third of Medicare's annual expenses go to treating terminally ill patients in the last 2 years of life.  That number is over 66 billion dollars annually.  While it may seem overwhelmingly obvious that we spend money to treat sick people, and people who are dying are sick, therefore, we spend money on them, there is more to it than that.  As a society we don't like the thought of dying.  We really don't like the thought of our loved ones dying.  We will do anything to stop or at least hold off the process until the very last moment.

So here is the action item for you.  Figure out what you want.  Decide now how you want to go if you have the choice.  Do you want heroic measures?  Do you want life support?  Do you want to be in a hospital?  Do you want Hospice? Do you want to be at home? Figure it out.

You may want to schedule time with your doctor and/or religious leader to talk about your decisions.  Research is showing that having those conversations and documenting a plan is increasing the quality of end of life and significantly reducing medical expenses.

When you have thought through your wishes document them.  Many states have statutory forms to sign and have witnessed.  Take the time to fill these forms out. Then share them with your family.  If you are very ill and unable to make decisions on your own they will be called upon to enforce your plan. If they are included things will go a lot smoother.

Make sure you put the appropriate paperwork where the family can find it.  Prepared Binder - Home Edition is a great place for that.  You can look at our website for links to state's statutory legal forms and other important information such as the federal funeral rule.  Use the forms in Prepared Binder - Home Edition to start important conversations with your family.  It truly is your life, and your death.  Have a plan, and be prepared.

If you would like to read the Newsweek article, click here.

Making a List - and Checking It Off Twice

I like lists.  I can honestly tell you I like them a lot.  When I have a burst of excitement and think of all the things I need done, it is nice to jot them down so I can forget about it and just refer to my list.

I hate lists.  I can honestly tell you I hate them.  I look at lists and see the glaring proof that I have a ton of unfinished activities.  The horror of never ending tasks can be overwhelming.

Lists are a part of life.  People have different types of lists, some use a piece of paper, some their computer, some use sticky notes, some write on the backs of envelopes.  Some lists are neatly written with one pen and others have multiple pens/pencils/crayons and lipsticks. Lists record the things in our lives we don't want to forget, the things we want to accomplish, the details we need to manage. The bad news is that lists can control our live.

So what do we do about it?  How do we manage all the details and information if we don't make a list?

When it comes down to it, the problem isn't the list, the problem is the list maker.  Look at why you write a list.  Is it a way to force yourself to accomplish more, or is it an easy stress free method of keeping track of future needs and goals?

Do lists keep you sane or do they drive you to distraction? Do you get more accomplished by writing it down, or do you just resent it? Take a minute to think about your relationship with the lists in your lives.

Personally there are a few things in my life which require a list.  Grocery lists are a top priority.  If I don't have one I end up making multiple trips, or I end up with a ton of junk food.  I also need errand lists.  When I step out of the house and head off to get things done, I hate arriving home without doing what I intended to do.

On the other hand, housework lists make me sad.  The dishes always need to be done, as does the laundry. Knowing about it just makes it worse. While Honey Do lists are nice, they aren't very effective in my house.  I need more of a "Magical Elf" List.  You know what I am talking about, the list of things the elves need to take care of so I can forget about it.

When I do have a list I love to cross things off.  I mean I REALLY love to cross things off.  I usually do it twice. I put a check or an X next to the item and then I put a big line or two through it.  I love the sense that I have finished a task.

So now I want you to look in the mirror and take a deep gaze into your soul.  What is your relationship with lists?  Do they help you or hinder you?  Can you look at a list as a way to mark your accomplishments, or do you see unfinished tasks? Do you see success or failure?

Here is your official pep talk.  You are great, list or no list.  What you accomplish is just fine.  Tomorrow you will do more, the day after that even more. Your life is a string of activity, today will be what today is.  Take a deep breath and know you did what you could...and when your are finished, mark it off your list...twice.

Use National Emergency Preparedness Month to Organize Yourself

September is here, and we all know what that means. . . (okay most of us don't). September is National Emergency Preparedness month. What better way to start your family's emergency preparedness than by organizing your emergency paperwork?

I have found that getting organized can be a little overwhelming, so I have a few suggestions for those who need the help.

Don't try and tackle too much at once. I have found that running around the house to collect paperwork is a time consuming and daunting task. Pick one topic and collect the information on just that. For example, find everyone's birth certificates. If you don't have them anymore, take the time to get online and request them. Doing something that simple will help you feel motivated to do more later. 

Collect financial and insurance information as it comes in the mail. If you are like most people your financial paperwork is all over the place. Trying to find current statements may be a headache you are not willing to take on. As your current bills come in the mail and you have paid them, throw the statements into one location. (Inside your Prepared Binder – Home Edition is a wonderful place to stash them!) At the end of the month use the information you have collected to organize your financial records. If you are using Prepared Binder – Home Edition you can quickly fill in the financial forms and parts of the insurance section. This stress free method is sure to give you a sense of accomplishment.

Have a family discussion. When it comes to making emergency plans, no one is an island. Whether it is determining an evacuation plan or identifying an emergency contact list, your family needs to be involved. If you are single or without family, you will need to include close friends. Take the time to figure out what you will do, where you will go and who you will call. Then talk to the people involved. They need to know what your plans are and how they can help. The act of organizing your plan will likely motivate your family to do the same. What a gift!

Remember you plan because you care. Sitting down to organize your memorial plans can feel overwhelming. Not many people like to think about dying, especially parents with young children. If you feel overwhelmed, imagine how your family will feel if they have to make these decisions after your death. It is important to write down your preferences for a funeral, but it is even more important to have your legal paperwork organized. Having a will or trust with specific considerations for children and pets will give you peace of mind regarding the future. Establishing the correct powers of attorney will help your family in times of emergency. While no one wants to use these plans, having them will help you feel prepared.

After you have started this organization process, it is important to tell the right people where to find the paperwork. While putting important papers in a locked fire box or safe is a good idea, you also need to make sure the correct people know it is there and how to access it.

Good luck, and happy planning!

Organization: Not So Scary Anymore

Organization is one of those scary things we put on our to do list. You know you want to be organized, and the last time you couldn't find something, you swore you would get organized, but actually doing the organization seems scary.

Here are some big stumbling blocks that keep us from organizing our lives: 

I don't know where to start. Well, that is simple. What everyday task do you wish was easier? It could be paying the bills, locating your missing sock, finding food in your cupboard, the list is endless. Whatever activity in your life that causes you frustration is a great place to start.

I don't have the time. I've always wondered about this one. People seem to have an amazing amount of time to look for things they lost, but no time to put things where they belong. If you have established a place for mismatched socks you will look there first. If you haven't, you will toss that odd sock on the floor and grumble about never being organized. 

I have no idea how to organize. I find this to be usually untrue. People can live in a mountain of papers, dirty laundry, and old magazines, but have a perfectly organized collection of DVD's arranged alphabetically by genre, and in subcategories of hunky lead actors. Why is it that their life looks like chaos but their DVD's are immaculate? I think it comes down to what is important to you. If your movies are important, you will make them accessible. If your clothes are important, you will wash them and hang them up. If paying your bills on time is important, you will find a way to keep track of them. It is up to you to find out what is important. 

I am overwhelmed. When we look at our entire life and can't see out because the “stuff” has taken over, it is easy to crawl back into bed and pull the covers over our head. Unfortunately, I have never seen this approach fix the mess. Once again, I suggest looking at what is important to you. If reading is it, look at your books and magazines. See what you have and how you want it organized. Little successes will breed optimism and eventually completion. 

I bought the storage stuff and never used it. Lots of people get excited about organizing, rush out to the store, buy a ton of cool looking containers that match or have neat little compartments, then race home and find that nothing fits. Depressed, and with a huge bill for supplies, they feel defeated and give up.  How do you know what you need until you know what you have? Pick one thing and decide how you want to use it. For example, if you have a lot of spices cluttering up your kitchen cupboards, you need to ask yourself a few questions. First, do I cook? If you haven't used a spice since your mother-in-law made a turkey 5 years ago, maybe spices aren't the most important thing for your lifestyle. A container with a lid that can be stored on a bottom shelf might work the best for you. On the other hand, if your answer was “Yes every day!”, then maybe organizing your spices by type and quantity is important. After you have done inventory you can go to the container store or kitchen outlet and find a nice spice rack or shelf that fits your needs. 

Organization can be as easy or as hard as you make it. Being realistic about what is important to you, and what you use, will help you decide where to start. Ripping the entire house up so you can organize all at once will only depress you. Start with one important thing, the success will motivate you to do more.

When you get ready to tackle your paperwork organization remember Prepared Binder – Home Edition is a great way to start. With a simple yet comprehensive layout you can quickly identify what you need and organize it in a ready to use format. Visit Prepared Binder to learn more.

Today's question: Where are you going to start?

The 2010 US Census - Part of Our History, Part of Our Future

Recently I have heard a lot of discussion regarding the upcoming 2010 census.  You may wonder why I would cover such a topic in my Prepared Binder Blog, but as the census is a vital record gathering tool, I felt it was appropriate.

Many people are concerned about the information gathered by the census.  They are also concerned about who will be collecting it and who will see the final results.  After a little poking around on the web I thought I would clear up a few pieces of misinformation.

What is the Census? The United States Census is required by the United States Constitution (Article 1, Section 2) and was first conducted in 1790. In the simplest form, the census is needed to count the population of the country.  The population data is used to determine representation in the federal government.  As a side fact, the original house of representatives only had 65 members.  After the 1790 census that number increased to 106.  Congress capped the number of representatives at 435 in 1911.  Now those representatives are divided based on population of individual states in the country.

Why should I participate in the Census? The first compelling reason is that it is required by law.  If that doesn't move you to action, then maybe a few other reasons will.  Information gathered by the census helps the government allocate resources. Education funding for schools and programs is determined by census data.  Hospital construction, roadway construction and even job training programs are funded with information obtained from the census. If you are not counted in the census you are reducing the amount of resources that come into your community.

Census data is also used as a genealogical resource, and is one of the most important resources we have.  Before you get too worried about breaches in your privacy, information identifying individuals must be kept confidential for 72 years, which means the 1930 census was only released in 2002.  Any personal information gathered about you or your family in the 2010 census cannot be released until 2082.

What is on the census form? The 2010 United States Census official record date is April 1, 2010 and unlike the 2000 census will not include a long form.  Yep, you heard correctly, there will only be a short form.  The long form of the past has been reformatted as the American Community Survey, which is randomly sent out to different households every year.

Take a look at the US Census Bureau's report detailing the questions included in the 2010 Census and the American Community Survey.  The report specifies why each question is being asked, it also tells you how long the question has been asked on past census forms.

Who collects Census information? Per the US Census Bureau's web site, "The Census Bureau will mail or deliver questionnaires to your house in March 2010. We will mail a second form to households that do not respond to the initial questionnaire.  Households that still do not respond will be called or visited by a Census worker. (Census workers can be identified by a census badge and bag.)"

So the answer to that question, is YOU.  If you fill out the form and send it back in you should not see a census worker unless they need clarification on your answers.

Okay, so now we have answered the most basic questions about the 2010 US Census.  If you have more questions you can check out the US Census Bureau website.  Being counted is an important part of life in a community.  We know that censuses have been taken for thousands of years and that information gathered about us and our families will help allocate resources where they are most needed. 

Censuses are an amazing thing.  They allow each of us to become a documented part or our nation's history, while at the same time they allow us to determine the future of our representation and federal funding.  When the 2010 census arrives in your mailbox I encourage you to fill it out and return it. Be part of our history.  Be part of our future.

Exploring the Steps - Step 3 - Document Everything

(This is part 4 of a 4 part series. Read parts 1, 2 and 3 here.)

You are aware you need a plan.  You are also aware you need to take yourself out of the equation when making the plan. Now we need to document the plan.  Why you say? Glad you asked.  You must document the plan or the plan is of no use. In an emergency you do not have the time or energy to remember the whole plan.  Even if you could remember everything you need to be able to clearly explain it to others.  A crisis is not the time to calmly and quickly tell other people how to react to the situation.


Gather Your Information. So how do you go about documentation? Once again, glad you asked. You begin by gathering the information you need for your plan to work. Start with the basics. Write down information about each person such as date of birth, social security information, medical conditions and allergies.  Then find the paperwork to support that. Collect birth certificates, social security cards, and medical records.

When it comes time to write down "the plan" remember that you probably have lots of plans.  You will have a plan for medical emergency, a plan for fire, a plan for evacuation, a plan for death, etc. It can be a lot of paperwork. (Now is a great time to mention Prepared Binder - Home Edition is a great way to organize all of that information.)


Be Specific in Your Plan.  If you are evacuating to Uncle Frank's house, put a map to Uncle Frank's house in the plan.  Include his phone number, address, email and cell phone.  Also include an out of state contact who can field calls from you.  Sometimes it is easier to make a long distance call than a local one when there is a local emergency.

Practice the Plan. Now before you have visions of fire drills at 2 am, I want you to take a deep breath. Why do you think schools insist on fire drills? They do it because they know the best way to get people out of the building quickly is for them to know how to get out quickly. They don't just talk about it, they do it.  I am sure we have all walked "quickly and quietly" out of our classroom, through the building doors and to the field until they gave the all clear signal.  It was boring, but orderly.

I remember a report from a passenger on the airplane which landed in the Hudson River this January.  He said that the passengers did everything the little safety speech told them not to do. He said people were screaming (understandable) and that they tried to climb over the seats and each other, some even tried to take their luggage.  How many times have we heard the airplane speech about finding your nearest exit (it may be behind you) and leaving your luggage?  I for one have never practiced evacuating a plane, so I am sure I would have been worse than the people in the Hudson River.

So practice your plan.  Evacuate your home in 15 minutes, drive to the emergency room, locate your documents to supply your insurance agent after a "theft." You can do it.  Then when you have a real emergency you can deal with it "quickly and quietly."

Today's Question: Have you practiced your plan?