ReAnn Rothwell’s Money Saving Ideas, Tax & Organizing Tips

One of the first tools for an effective Getting Things Done (GTD by David Allen***) system is a calendar system that works for you. I use a combination of Google calendar online and the Day Runner Desk Photo Frame Calendar. (#2273-287 - approx $10 at Wal-Mart or Staples) 

I love Google’s Calendar because of all the things it will do and how it works with my G-mail. Both G-cal & G-mail are simple, easy, and quick online applications that I can access from almost anywhere. 

See:

Google Calendar in Email

How to Make Gmail/Gcal Rock Your Tasks  

I love my physical calendar because I need to have something that I can carry with me - simple, low-tech, and low cost. I am not technically or financially willing to throw out the money for the fancy palm pilots/organizers and all that they do. Right now, it is enough that I am trying to figure out and get in the habit of using my cell phone’s blue tooth devices. (Can’t throw too many tricks at this old dog at the same time you know!)

So, I stick to my physical calendar and remember to tell folks: “If it is not written down on one of my calendars, it does not exist in my world - so make sure I write it down if it is important!”

The calendar I have been using these last several years is called a photo frame calendar because it has 4 5×4″ clear, inner, plastic, pockets for the user to put pictures in. Plus the exterior cover is clear vinyl. This gives you four other pockets that are approx 5×7 inch to use.

Since I am a serious (some may say fanatical) labeler, I have my calendar pockets labeled.

The four outer pockets are:

• Front:  Do Today - this is where I put my do today list and any corresponding paperwork.
• Inside Front: Back-up Paperwork - This is my backup Paperwork that I will need with me at appointments etc this week.
• Inside Back: Mileage + Expenses - this is where I tuck my annual Mileage Book and also any receipts that I need to have for taxes until I get home and can file them alphabetically.
• Back: Peak Pool Schedule - just in case I get an unexpected break or cancelation when I am in town and can fit in a class or a swim.

The four inner pockets are:

• Need to do: Things I need to do - things that need action to be taken of some kind
• Medical info: Things I need to be carrying with me - mostly for the next appt
• Business cards; Contact info - this holds a few of mine plus any I might pick up along the way until I clean them out and enter the info into my Gmail contact info at home
• Coupons: Have to have a place to carry that 40% off Michael’s coupon and the 20% Bed, Bath, and Beyond coupon until I need a retail-therapy day!

The one small drawback to this particular calendar is the floral, feminine looking cover. I re-made one for David over at GreaterFalls.com using more masculine scrapbook paper and even added an extra pocket for him. (How is it working for you David? Do you need me to make you some labels yet?)

I found that I needed to use the calendar for several months to see how I would use the pockets - now I have my system down and I am organized both at my computer and when I am away from it.

(***Getting Things Done, affectionally shortened by fans to GTD, is a phenomenon started by author David Allen and his book “Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity”. Until I get my bookstore set up here, you can look at it and buy by going to my friend David’s site Greaterfalls.com, going way to almost the bottom, and clicking on the Greaterfalls bookshelf. Then do a search for David Allen. Approx. $10.)