No, those bills, bank statements and quarterly investment reports are not going to organize themselves ... as they begin to resemble a small mountain on your coffee table.
Something does need to happen to them, nevertheless.
Would you feel better about managing your finances (and about yourself) if you could simplify that area of life?
I thought so.
A recent article in The Tahoe Daily Tribune’s, titled “Simplify your financial life,” provides some very helpful advice on de-cluttering and organizing your important information:
1. Go Green. Did you know it can be very easy to find your financial documents ... online?
No, really.
Not only will going paperless help reduce the clutter on your coffee table, but it is environmentally friendly.
Start with credit cards and bank statements—get them electronically. Most companies will send out an email when your statement or bill is ready each month.
Consequently, you can download and store your statements electronically and make a hard copy to file if needed.
Sweet.
2. Merge! Retirement accounts are one of the areas most folks can consolidate. If you have worked for more than one employer in your career, then you have probably had several different retirement accounts.
If yes, then consider consolidating all of your 401(k) and IRA dollars by rolling them into a centralized retirement account.
3. Ask a professional. As you sort through your financial choices, enlist the right professionals to assist you. Helpful professionals include an experienced estate planning attorney who can even guide you to a top-shelf financial planner to help you, too.
So, without further delay, contact an estate planning attorney and start using that coffee table to hold, well, uh, your coffee?
Remember: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” When making your financial, tax and estate plans, do not go it alone. Be sure to engage competent professional counsel.
Reference: The Tahoe Daily Tribune (May 11, 2015) “Simplify your financial life”