Self Management Secrets for your Ultimate Success

investing in mutual funds. Then, there’s the wonderful feeling of self-confidence in taking control of a section of your life that’s been terrifyingly out of control, maybe for years. Groucho Marx once said, “Money frees you from doing things you dislike. Since I dislike doing nearly everything, money is handy.”

Okay, so after a couple of hours work on the checkbook balancing and a few minutes online setting up your account, you’ve actually balanced the whole thing, down to the last penny. Whew! What a relief! Now you’re in control, which should be the case. That’s the first step to being in total control of not only your money, but also your life.

If you know exactly what’s coming in and precisely what’s going back out, you’re now in the driver’s seat. You may still owe money on credit cards and loans, but you’re no longer in the dark about your financial future. You know where you stand now and where you’re going; you’re in control of that future. You won’t be like E. E. Cummings who said, “I’m living so far beyond my income that we may almost be said to be living apart.”

Now comes the maintenance part of organization. It’s no good setting everything up for yourself, then letting it lay there unused. When your bills come in, discard any extraneous parts, just file the bill and the envelope for sending it back to the company with payment. An even easier way these days is to pay bills online.

Setting up the accounts for your credit cards is super easy; it’s simple to pay online and safe. Your account information is encrypted before it’s sent to the companies. Many feel it’s safer than sending in the traditional paper statements containing your account information that anyone can get their hands on by simply opening the envelope.

If you still prefer the paper bill and snail mailing your check, file that statement and make a note of the due date to keep yourself organized, so that your bill gets paid on time. Make sure you go over that statement carefully, in case of errors that could cost you more money. If you do find any discrepancies, contact the company immediately. Waiting could cost you.

If you use the online method of payment, be sure to print a copy of the transaction to prove the amount paid, as well as the date. Always keep these copies filed in the appropriate folder.