Fortunately, being busy doesn't have to mean being befuddled by paperwork. Try these tips to minimize the time spent organizing financial documents.It starts out innocently enough. An ATM receipt here, a monthly account statement there. Before long, the small stack of papers on your kitchen counter isn't so small any more. Between work, family and volunteer commitments, sifting and sorting through financial paperwork probably ranks on a par with cleaning out the car.Don't Pile, Just File Place four labeled folders near where you open your mail. Whenever you receive a financial document, immediately put it into the correct folder. Then process these folders regularly.
How to Store Important Documents Personal financial management software is useful if you want to keep a detailed budget, track spending, complete your banking and bill paying online, or scan and store items electronically. If you just need a place to stash your bank statements or investment reports, try using a small file cabinet or three-ring binder. Keep all your financial paperwork in a central, convenient location so you're not scavenger hunting every time you need to find something.Concentrate Your Generosity Narrow solicitations and charitable requests to a few causes of greatest importance to you. This may require a little homework, but by organizing your charitable efforts annually and planning your giving over time, you ensure that your charitable efforts produce the greatest possible benefit—for the organization(s) of your choice, such as St. John's University; for yourself; and for your family.Going Forward In the event that something happens to you, these organized financial documents can tremendously help those who will be overseeing your affairs. Please contact Susan Damiani at 718-990-7562 or damianis@stjohns.edu to discuss your plans for charitable giving.