Organize your files — your way

Is your house snowed under with stacks of unopened mail and old receipts? Have you ever been late paying a bill because you didn’t know it had arrived?

It doesn’t have to be that way. No matter how big or how small your paper pileup, you can take control by organizing your financial papers.

SMALL — Stay on top of it. The best way to deal with clutter is with ongoing management. Just a few minutes each day keeps paper in its place, provided you’ve got the right system in place.

• Sort incoming paper according to three follow-ups: File, Act, Toss. Regularly (once a week or once a day) pay bills and follow-up on action items; file important papers; and shred or recycle the rest.
• Follow the in-out rule: For everything that comes into your home — such as magazines, catalogues, brochures — one must leave. (Exception: paperwork that you need to keep for tax purposes.)
• Cost: Maintaining an existing system is a no-cost option.

MEDIUM — Declare a clean-up day. If you’ve got a problem area, like a family room or home office that’s become a dumping ground, roll up your sleeves for a weekend clean-up date, and get the whole family involved.

• Group like with like before deciding on how to set up your files. Start with a few basic categories (Banking, Utilities, Insurance) and subdivide only when you have a number of different types of files within each category (Banking: Credit Cards; Bank Accounts; Investments).
• Organize your list of file names on paper first — it’s easier to make changes to your filing system on one sheet of paper.
• Print labels with a computer or label maker for neat, easily retrieved files.
• Cost: Less than $200 can start you off with the basics, including files, labels, storage boxes or small filing cabinet and shredder.

LARGE — Call in reinforcements. If you’ve got serious clutter or file management challenges, consider hiring a professional organizer. You’ll gain the expertise of a pro who can set up a system that works for you, and who will help you take an objective look at your clutter issues.

• Identify a focus for the organizer, such as a specific room or type of clutter (paperwork, as opposed to clothing) before you book an appointment. You’ll be more likely to reach a successful outcome.
• Be honest about your needs and your style. The organizer’s goal is to create a system that you can stick with after they’ve left.
• Don’t be embarrassed to call for a follow-up (or to place the first call.) Getting on top of clutter doesn’t happen instantly. But once you do get it sorted, staying on top will be much easier.
• Cost: $30-$100+/hour

		2 easy ways to cut your paperwork
		What if you could reduce paper clutter, help the environment and save time spent filing? You can, by going electronic. Here are two easy ways to do it: Electronic Statements from RBC. Instead of receiving a paper banking statement in the mail, you’ll access your account statement as an Adobe¤ Portable Document Format (PDF) file within Online Banking. You’ll have access anywhere or any time you have internet PC access and secure 7-year statement archiving. Electronic statements are available with RBC banking, savings, Visa* and loan accounts. Sign up for eStatements today. Automatic utility bill payment. You’ll never have to write a cheque, mail a letter or transfer funds again. The correct amount will be transferred from your account by the due date — no fuss, no muss, no worries and no statements to file. Get started today by logging on to online banking and clearing up your paper clutter!

^* Registered trademark of Visa International Service Association. Used under license.