Here is one that I always wonder about - I get annual credit card rewards that I cash in - this year it was somewhere north of 300$. Do I need to report that or is it considered a "coupon" of sorts?
Start spreading the word that you don't want gifts anymore. You want experiences! And if they really feel the need to spend money on you have them make a donation to a charity that is close to your heart. As far a gifts you have received and feel bad about letting go, take a picture of yourself with the gift. That way you will have the picture to remember it and not feel guilty. Donate the gift to a charity so that someone who really needs it can use it.
Great article! As a professional organizer I practice and preach all of these steps to my clients. If you need help digging out the clutter hire a professional green organizer.
Julie Naylon
No Wire Hangers www.nowirehangersbiz.com
It's hard to let go of items sometimes because I tend to think it has a "sentimental value," which is in some way or another true, for there are really things that are completely useless but I kept them nonetheless because it was given by someone special, etc. But the thing is, that's not true to all cases. Sometimes I just can't let go of it because I BOUGHT it. I used my money. And I think that I'm wasting my money if I just throw them. But after reading these tips I came into a realization. I should be a smart buyer. I'm definitely following tip #2 about buying items that have multifunction. That would most definitely help in keeping my room clutter-free and organized, plus I would be able to save some cash. Smart buying indeed.
I've used #6, "One Big Knot," for a few years now after buying a fleece one that had been marked down after Christmas. Fleece is always readily available in the remnant bin at the fabric store, and even when it's not marked down it's typically less than $5/yrd, which can make at least 10 toys.
My dog destroys squeak toys in record time (5 minutes is average), but I've discovered if I drop a squeaker refill (http://www.amazon.com/KONG-Squeaker-Refill-Small-Pack/dp/B000E91NUS) or cheap squeaky toy inside and keep wrapping/knotting it in fleece, I can usually stretch the life of the toy to at least a week.
I have to remember to purge stuff. If you have less it's wasier to keep track of everything. Sometimes we rebuy stuff that we already have which just wastes money.
I love craigslist. I have two young kids who grow like weeds. While I'd love to buy all their clothes at expensive stores, I know better. Through craigslist I have outfitted my daughter with the next years worth of clothes for less than $100. For reference that I'd my household quarterly budget on clothes and shoes - did I mention kids grow fast?
Nora Dunn:
Are you a LMHC or psychiatrist?
Those 'brainstorming bucket lists' are not a new idea.
They are included in just about every self help
book
"How to get what you Really Want!" by Jane Smith or Joe Jones!
And they are largely useless. Most people
don't have a clue what they really want.
And 'sitting in a quiet room' with a pencil, as you suggest,
is NOT going to fix three decades of inertia.
Hi Cindy,
Our family is doing the same. Each of us is a gift to one another. And we've learned the following: Spend something on someone to show them what they're worth, spen your time with them.
Thank you Cindy.
This is a fun article. I try not to order from mail order sites; I live in New York and like to frequent the stores in my local community like the bookshop, my grocer, fishmonger, restaurant, etc. If my bookshop hasn't got a book I want, then I ask them to order it. What's the shopping like in Hawaii?
I agree with some points, about concerts, zoos, stationary attractions, but I am a concessionare, and you forgot to include that events charge us 25-35% of what we make, just to be there. Most of us drive 200+ miles to get there, usually making 2-3 trips with trailers, and have you seen the gas prices? Were just trying to pay the bills like everyone else. We buy health permits and business licenses in EACH COUNTY we go to. I don't know where you got your numbers, but they are not accurate. Maybe the the stingiest of vendors. There are a few out there. My circle of friends take pride in serving only the highest quality of products so that our customers will have a pleasant experience at the fair with memories of great food and will look for us year after year.
I'm having the same delima myself I too have only purchased one new car and now am in over my head having purchased too much car that I just can't afford. Also, I splurged on all the extras the GAP the extra coverage I spent so much just getting the car paying taxes and tags now if I sell for a lesser car I will lose on loan interest and starting over as well because unlike you I don't have a motorcycle I gave a family member my old car that was on it's last leg there's really no way for me to get around without transportation/car
Tennis balls are not recommended for dogs
Here is one that I always wonder about - I get annual credit card rewards that I cash in - this year it was somewhere north of 300$. Do I need to report that or is it considered a "coupon" of sorts?
i think answers are questions in disguise
Start spreading the word that you don't want gifts anymore. You want experiences! And if they really feel the need to spend money on you have them make a donation to a charity that is close to your heart. As far a gifts you have received and feel bad about letting go, take a picture of yourself with the gift. That way you will have the picture to remember it and not feel guilty. Donate the gift to a charity so that someone who really needs it can use it.
Great article! As a professional organizer I practice and preach all of these steps to my clients. If you need help digging out the clutter hire a professional green organizer.
Julie Naylon
No Wire Hangers
www.nowirehangersbiz.com
It's hard to let go of items sometimes because I tend to think it has a "sentimental value," which is in some way or another true, for there are really things that are completely useless but I kept them nonetheless because it was given by someone special, etc. But the thing is, that's not true to all cases. Sometimes I just can't let go of it because I BOUGHT it. I used my money. And I think that I'm wasting my money if I just throw them. But after reading these tips I came into a realization. I should be a smart buyer. I'm definitely following tip #2 about buying items that have multifunction. That would most definitely help in keeping my room clutter-free and organized, plus I would be able to save some cash. Smart buying indeed.
I've used #6, "One Big Knot," for a few years now after buying a fleece one that had been marked down after Christmas. Fleece is always readily available in the remnant bin at the fabric store, and even when it's not marked down it's typically less than $5/yrd, which can make at least 10 toys.
My dog destroys squeak toys in record time (5 minutes is average), but I've discovered if I drop a squeaker refill (http://www.amazon.com/KONG-Squeaker-Refill-Small-Pack/dp/B000E91NUS) or cheap squeaky toy inside and keep wrapping/knotting it in fleece, I can usually stretch the life of the toy to at least a week.
Seriously, the English language differs around the world... Perhaps you guys with the rude comments should return to school, smh...
I have to remember to purge stuff. If you have less it's wasier to keep track of everything. Sometimes we rebuy stuff that we already have which just wastes money.
shush boy... you're giving us southners a bad name... like we all make alcohol in our basements by the 50 gallon barrel
I love craigslist. I have two young kids who grow like weeds. While I'd love to buy all their clothes at expensive stores, I know better. Through craigslist I have outfitted my daughter with the next years worth of clothes for less than $100. For reference that I'd my household quarterly budget on clothes and shoes - did I mention kids grow fast?
Wow. This website was so useful. I wasn't sure if i should get the iPad or this and now i know for a fact. :D
I'll have to look into these ideas. The dorm room idea sounds cool. I would try that.
Nora Dunn:
Are you a LMHC or psychiatrist?
Those 'brainstorming bucket lists' are not a new idea.
They are included in just about every self help
book
"How to get what you Really Want!" by Jane Smith or Joe Jones!
And they are largely useless. Most people
don't have a clue what they really want.
And 'sitting in a quiet room' with a pencil, as you suggest,
is NOT going to fix three decades of inertia.
d
Cool! My single friends buy 10 dollar martinis. It's hard to go out with them. I party a lot less to dave money for sure. Drink wine at home.:0)
Cool! I'll go on a spending fast for a week.
Hoping to go to FL.
This is a very good list; the signs are very real as I am currently bracing for the worst.
What a great idea. I love creativity and people who think outside of the box.
Hi Cindy,
Our family is doing the same. Each of us is a gift to one another. And we've learned the following: Spend something on someone to show them what they're worth, spen your time with them.
Thank you Cindy.
Laddie
This is a fun article. I try not to order from mail order sites; I live in New York and like to frequent the stores in my local community like the bookshop, my grocer, fishmonger, restaurant, etc. If my bookshop hasn't got a book I want, then I ask them to order it. What's the shopping like in Hawaii?
I agree with some points, about concerts, zoos, stationary attractions, but I am a concessionare, and you forgot to include that events charge us 25-35% of what we make, just to be there. Most of us drive 200+ miles to get there, usually making 2-3 trips with trailers, and have you seen the gas prices? Were just trying to pay the bills like everyone else. We buy health permits and business licenses in EACH COUNTY we go to. I don't know where you got your numbers, but they are not accurate. Maybe the the stingiest of vendors. There are a few out there. My circle of friends take pride in serving only the highest quality of products so that our customers will have a pleasant experience at the fair with memories of great food and will look for us year after year.
I'm having the same delima myself I too have only purchased one new car and now am in over my head having purchased too much car that I just can't afford. Also, I splurged on all the extras the GAP the extra coverage I spent so much just getting the car paying taxes and tags now if I sell for a lesser car I will lose on loan interest and starting over as well because unlike you I don't have a motorcycle I gave a family member my old car that was on it's last leg there's really no way for me to get around without transportation/car
You're welcome! :)
You are welcome Ben!
You are welcome!