This project has been a long time in the making. In fact it is my third attempt to organise the “paper” clutter that comes with receiving mail and bills!!!
The first attempt started with some simple file folders. They quickly became cluttered, hard to access and it was just too hard working with up to 8 different folders! Everything ended up in the “to file” category!
The second attempt was the “Home Folder”. This was a simple folder in our “Organisation Station” that contained divided categories and plastic pockets. This was working but needed improvement! More categories, more plastic pockets, a budget calendar and a list of important details was needed!!! So that led me to create our third attempt……
I have chosen this style of filing system after the great success of our
To create this “Family Finance Folder” you will need;
1. An A4 Ring Binder Folder with a clear insert on the front.
2. A packet of A4 PLastic pockets
3. A packet (or two!) of EXTRA WIDE tabbed folder dividers! They must be EXTRA WIDE if you want to be able to see the tabs when the folder is closed.
4. OPTIONAL – A clear plastic envelope made for ring binders.
5. OPTIONAL – Scrapbook Paper for the Front and labelmaker for the tabs.
To really make the system work you will also need a clipboard! I have two kinds a plain one that I decorated with scrapbook paper and a groovy one found in the office section of Big W!
This folder is customised for your families needs so sit down with your paper work, sort it into piles and figure out which categories you will need in your folder. Grab your supplies (all can be found at BIG W or Officeworks!) and get ready to conquer the paper clutter!
In the next installment I will show you how we use the “Family Finance Folder“…trust me it will change your life!!!
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Interesting. We have a LOT of paper clutter so I really get down on making one too. Thanks for sharing
Ai @ Sakura Haruka
I use the same system as you. I had a family folder but it just got too big and bulky and wasnt working for me. So now I have a separate one for school, tuckshop, newsletters, etc… And I recently made one called Our Bills which I must admit I got fom Kikki K when they had a 3 for 2 sale last month. Its working great for us. I cant wait to read how you’ve organized yours though. Love your pretty paper front.
Seeing as I have a huge pile of paper sitting next to my front door, and driving me mad, I shall be waiting for the ext installment with baited breath!
Larissa, I can not wait for the next post. I have tried a few different methods too and never seem to keep up with it.
It’s something that we really need to get control of in our house so I’m looking forward to seeing your system. Jac xox
Great tips there Larissa. I know for one, we normally just place the bills in hubby’s in-tray. He handles that, makes it so much easier for me.
What a great move you made to get the finance folder up and running, then changing it as you went along. I would agree that this is an excellent plan. I would like to think I’d be motivated to do this too. However, in recent years, with just us at home, and our fixed income as well as fixed outgoings it’s been a bit easier to manage via the ‘to do’ ‘to pay’ and ‘to file’ system.
Oh I HATE the filing though. Still when I do it in our filing cabinet, I am always pleased to be able to find invoices and records down the track.
I’m commenting over here from #TeamIbot today …thanks for joining…Denyse
wow, awesome blog post.Really looking forward to read more. Want more.
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