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Basic Steps to Avoid Misplaced Documents

Life was simple when we were young. We didn’t worry about misplaced documents; our important “treasures” were safely tucked away in a pretty box or little boy’s jean pockets.

Now, as adults, we gather more papers, more numbers to remember, more people needing information from us. Life doesn’t stay simple, does it?

Homemaking and caregiving isn’t just meeting physical needs.

We might help loved ones (and ourselves) avoid heartache as family circumstances change. It is easy to get so busy with the daily grind that we overlook critical details. A little time and attention now will save stress and often dollars in the end.

Misplaced documents can prove costly.

When a loved one passes away, if insurance policies and other records are stuck in a box or drawer “somewhere”, they will be overlooked when needed most.

Millions of dollars go unclaimed due to neglect.

The New York Times recently reported hundreds of millions of unclaimed dollars every year. Most belong to beneficiaries who did not realize policies existed when a loved one died.

You will benefit with these tips and a little time.

While this may seem overwhelming right now, scheduling just thirty minutes a day will make it a doable project for you with rewards in abundance.

#1 Organize — begin today!

Simply begin by putting all your important files in one place. Start with a small filing box (or large one for me.) An empty drawer will help get everything in one place in the beginning; then you can work more efficiently—and faster!

#2 Determine a permanent storage place.

A small waterproof, fireproof safe is large enough for most households. You may feel more secure getting a safe deposit box at your bank. Be sure someone can access it later if you are not able to do so. In addition to original documents, include a list of all policies, account numbers, birth and marriage certificates, and any important financial information.

#3 Evaluate each item.

For instance, in working on your home insurance policies, is your latest copy up-to-date? Is it adequate? Do you need to make changes? Do you have birth certificates for each member of your household? Are account numbers for credit/debit cards in this file? Include the phone numbers to call if lost or stolen.

#4 Who will need access to this information?

Your spouse? Your children? Attorney? Will they know where to find the information if needed? Be careful as you choose a trusted family member or friend for this important responsibility.

#5 Keep all items up-to-date.

Set a definite time each year to review this file and up-date any policies or records. Make sure any legal paperwork is correct; contact an attorney if you have any questions about the legality of any documents, especially those having to do with healthcare, mortgages, etc.

#6 This will prove time well spent.

Yes, I know! This will take time—maybe a lot of time you feel you do not have. However, the time and frustration you will be saving yourself and others when these things are needed will be worth it.

Trust me on this one. I’ve been there!

Hugs,

Click on this website to learn more about unclaimed property: http://unclaimed-property-finder.com/ Be sure to read the “About Us” section first to find your state and more details. Hope you find this helpful; let me hear what you are doing to keep important documents organized.

Take Time to Celebrate Spring and Share Joy

It is time to celebrate spring and share joy.

Winter has been long, dreary, and tiring. Now the sun shines brighter; grasses splash vivid greens over barren soil; birds explore new food sources and I want to rush out and take it all in.

These baby kittens call me outside!

Miss Kitty had 3 little ones by our front porch. I want to play with them; to pick wildflowers in the meadow; sit by the budding dogwood. But, I have work I must do; or do I?

Are you feeling too overwhelmed to celebrate springtime?

Here is a message for you: there will always be too much to do and too little time to enjoy God’s wonders unless you plan now for it. The truth is, my desk is piled high with urgent needs and those in my care require more of my time. My dining table I cleaned last week is over-flowing again with “stuff”.

Here is truth: there will always be work to do; you may never be caught up!

Consider this: I made a decision about my world. It’s not earth-shattering, but life-saving for me. I decided I won’t ever get my work caught up and we may not eat at the dining table again, ever! I will never be the perfect caregiver, homemaker, office manager, or writer; there will always be work waiting for me.

Decide to celebrate spring, make a plan and stick to it.

So, here’s the thing. I am going to allow a little time to celebrate the arrival of SPRING and to share the joy with others who need encouraging! I am positively little-girl giddy as I think of it. You may laugh when you hear what I plan to do this week.

You, too, can share joy with these easy and inexpensive tools.

Begin with a box of sandwich baggies and a roll of colorful ribbon in hand to fix tiny Joy Bags to share everyday. I keep a bag in the car and in the house to give to the mailman, the delivery guy/gal, the waitress or attendant wherever I am, to the lonely person on the street, people in the nursing home; whoever God puts in my path! Fun!

Here are some great items to tuck in your goody bag:

a few candies … inexpensive, individually wrapped from the dollar store.
a gospel tract (or typed scripture or sayings on a small card)
small hand-written greeting or scripture about God’s love
simple recipes
tiny silk flowers or pretty stickers
crackers or cookies or Rice Crispy snacks
small pads, ink pens; maybe a small stamped envelope, folded
can you see …. the possibilities are endless. What do you have lying around to brighten someones day?

Let the family help you in putting them together and in choosing who will get them.

Have you found some fun way to celebrate spring’s arrival?

The awakening of the earth reminds us of a Loving Creator. Spring seems to bring with it the promise of better days. I pray for you a delightful spring as you care for yourself, family, and others God puts in your path.

Hugs,

Please comment below; I want to hear from you. And share the address with those who need to sign up for the newsletter and be encouraged with a weekly note.

Shop Wisely as You Pick 5 for 25

How to shop wisely as You Pick 5 for 25 meats for your family.

Pick 5 for 25 can be a real bargain; especially if you shop wisely to get the best deals for your family.

Here are some simple tips I use to get the most out of the Pick 5 for 25 section at the meat counter.

#1 Think before you purchase.

Pick only those items that you will actually prepare and your family will eat. One unused item will cut into your savings. Hot dogs and other processed foods may be a fantastic bargain for some, but our family uses very little of those products.

#2 Consider the time involved when you get home.

Make sure you have time to adequately prepare or store each item when you get home. Do you have good freezer containers and space for what you will not use in a few days?

I break large packages down to usable size for storage. Patties, legs, ribs and such can be wrapped individually and frozen.

#3 Price per pound less important than amount of product.

The price per pound can be inflated. Look at the size of the package, the amount you are actually getting for five dollars. I start at the back of each shelf and pick out the heaviest packages to consider.

This week, for instance, one package of lean sirloin strips was over a pound and a half. For 5 dollars, we will have steak one night and steak stir-fry another!

#4 Be flexible with your grocery list.

Explore options. A package of 5 lean, very thick patties will make 10 nice-sized sandwiches for us.

80% lean patties for ground meat recipes may prove cheaper than the same weight package of ground beef which is usually 73%. Before grabbing the large package of ground beef because you need ground meat, find the equal weight in lean patties—easy to chop up and much tastier!

#5 Poultry can be a great buy if you are selective.

In buying poultry, look for plump pieces without excess skin. A package with 12-15 legs is a real find. Bake them in the oven, cool and freeze ½ of them. Add BBQ sauce, salad, and potato for quick and easy meal for a tired shopper’s family.

As with all our tasks as busy homemakers and caregivers, shopping takes time, patience, and energy. Carefully taking advantage of sales like pick 5 for 25 options will, in the long run, actually save us time, energy and money.

Let me hear from you; I look forward to your ideas.

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30 2-INGREDIENT RECIPES AND HELPFUL HINTS FOR THE BUSY HOMEMAKER