Comments on: Twelve Invaluable Life and Money Hacks: Little Daily Steps for Finding the Money and Time to Get Things Done http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:34:37 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: SavingDiva http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/comment-page-1/#comment-167488 SavingDiva Wed, 30 Jan 2008 02:03:07 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/#comment-167488 Great tips! I also like to clean a small area (I have a chore list) every day. It takes under 10 minutes and my apartment has never been cleaner. Great tips!

I also like to clean a small area (I have a chore list) every day. It takes under 10 minutes and my apartment has never been cleaner.

]]> By: MVP http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/comment-page-1/#comment-167404 MVP Tue, 29 Jan 2008 22:57:56 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/#comment-167404 @ Rani, I'm assuming since you're a stay-at-home-mom, that means you've made the choice to stay at home and raise your children. If that's your primary job, then you shouldn't be bothered when they interrupt you while you're doing your secondary jobs of research and blogging(?). I mean, would you complain that your boss was interrupting you from doing the job he's paying you to do? I'd suggest cutting back on these other tasks, if they're getting in the way of your mothering. Or, wake up earlier than them, or go to bed later than them. Or, do these tasks while the kids are napping or in school. I also like liz's suggestions. Just please don't let your extracurriculars take away from the kids. When they're older, or in school, you'll have the freedom to do anything you want. Relish the time you have with them now. @ Rani, I’m assuming since you’re a stay-at-home-mom, that means you’ve made the choice to stay at home and raise your children. If that’s your primary job, then you shouldn’t be bothered when they interrupt you while you’re doing your secondary jobs of research and blogging(?). I mean, would you complain that your boss was interrupting you from doing the job he’s paying you to do?

I’d suggest cutting back on these other tasks, if they’re getting in the way of your mothering. Or, wake up earlier than them, or go to bed later than them. Or, do these tasks while the kids are napping or in school. I also like liz’s suggestions. Just please don’t let your extracurriculars take away from the kids. When they’re older, or in school, you’ll have the freedom to do anything you want. Relish the time you have with them now.

]]> By: Vixen http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/comment-page-1/#comment-166425 Vixen Mon, 28 Jan 2008 22:10:05 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/#comment-166425 This is a wonderful post. Thanks for all the great tips. This is a wonderful post. Thanks for all the great tips.

]]> By: liz http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/comment-page-1/#comment-166332 liz Mon, 28 Jan 2008 20:00:00 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/#comment-166332 SAHM with interrupting kids might find the flylady.com program helpful. It focuses on household routines, but the process can be boiled down to building your own morning and evening routines. Using a timer for 15 minutes at a time and knowing that you have to alternate the "you can do anything for 15 minutes" with a break. Lots of kids are thriving with the 15 minute Mom works on something, and when the timer goes off Mom-and-kids focus on something fun, repeat. This total focus for 15 minutes can be homework, picking up "hotspots", filing, cleaning some area of the house, facing your finanances, or just a short kickball in the back yard. Just a fan. Lots of simple advice geared mostly to women; whether you are a SAHM or a payroll-SHE (SideTracked Home Executive.) SAHM with interrupting kids might find the flylady.com program helpful. It focuses on household routines, but the process can be boiled down to building your own morning and evening routines. Using a timer for 15 minutes at a time and knowing that you have to alternate the “you can do anything for 15 minutes” with a break. Lots of kids are thriving with the 15 minute Mom works on something, and when the timer goes off Mom-and-kids focus on something fun, repeat. This total focus for 15 minutes can be homework, picking up “hotspots”, filing, cleaning some area of the house, facing your finanances, or just a short kickball in the back yard. Just a fan. Lots of simple advice geared mostly to women; whether you are a SAHM or a payroll-SHE (SideTracked Home Executive.)

]]> By: RR http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/comment-page-1/#comment-166265 RR Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:30:39 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/#comment-166265 I love your tips. Lately, I've been doing a last thing clean up right before bed. I swipe the kitchen counters and stove, make sure the dishes are all stowed, and tidy up the kids' toys that may have been left out. It makes the morning so much nicer, to wake up to a clean house and a fresh start. Your "longer route" tip is a great idea. For those of us who have a tough time passing by the shops, simply avoiding them is the best thing. And I like that irony that your longer route actually gets you home faster! Take that one to the bank. I love your tips. Lately, I’ve been doing a last thing clean up right before bed. I swipe the kitchen counters and stove, make sure the dishes are all stowed, and tidy up the kids’ toys that may have been left out. It makes the morning so much nicer, to wake up to a clean house and a fresh start.

Your “longer route” tip is a great idea. For those of us who have a tough time passing by the shops, simply avoiding them is the best thing. And I like that irony that your longer route actually gets you home faster! Take that one to the bank.

]]> By: John J http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/comment-page-1/#comment-166256 John J Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:17:06 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/#comment-166256 Thanks for your post, it's always good to read a concise and approachable list like this. I do have a question though: your list seems heavily oriented towards your home life, how does this change for someone who's single and doesn't want to stay like that? I've found that I have trouble scheduling for social events and the like... It seems like trying to schedule chaos into an orderly list. Thanks for your post, it’s always good to read a concise and approachable list like this.

I do have a question though: your list seems heavily oriented towards your home life, how does this change for someone who’s single and doesn’t want to stay like that?

I’ve found that I have trouble scheduling for social events and the like… It seems like trying to schedule chaos into an orderly list.

]]> By: Cyde Weys http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/comment-page-1/#comment-165584 Cyde Weys Sun, 27 Jan 2008 18:19:19 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/#comment-165584 I can't imagine having to take a longer route just to avoid stopping along the way. If I don't want to stop, I won't; I'm not going to increase my inefficiency and take a longer route. When I'm heading to work and back I'm in full-on commuter mode, and I ONLY EVER stop if my gas tank is nearing empty or if I pre-planned a stop at the bank to withdraw cash or cash checks. You shouldn't need to take a more inefficient route; just commit yourself to not stopping. It only takes a little bit of willpower. I can’t imagine having to take a longer route just to avoid stopping along the way. If I don’t want to stop, I won’t; I’m not going to increase my inefficiency and take a longer route. When I’m heading to work and back I’m in full-on commuter mode, and I ONLY EVER stop if my gas tank is nearing empty or if I pre-planned a stop at the bank to withdraw cash or cash checks.

You shouldn’t need to take a more inefficient route; just commit yourself to not stopping. It only takes a little bit of willpower.

]]> By: Dave http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/comment-page-1/#comment-165580 Dave Sun, 27 Jan 2008 18:11:06 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/#comment-165580 How long in advance do you have to send out the bill payments for a bill with ING Direct? How long in advance do you have to send out the bill payments for a bill with ING Direct?

]]> By: KellyKelly http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/comment-page-1/#comment-165421 KellyKelly Sun, 27 Jan 2008 14:09:46 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/#comment-165421 I think it's great to be fully engaged in life, busy, stimulated, etc. But PLEASE keep tabs on your health. I drove myself into the ground with overwork. I refused to listen to my body, but eventually my body won. I would not call it "work" at the time because it was more than paid business stuff. But to your pancreas and your adrenals and all the other parts of your "fuel system," racing down the highway is racing down the highway, whether you are on your way to work or the amusement park. Health is the greatest wealth, in my opinion. I think it’s great to be fully engaged in life, busy, stimulated, etc.

But PLEASE keep tabs on your health. I drove myself into the ground with overwork. I refused to listen to my body, but eventually my body won.

I would not call it “work” at the time because it was more than paid business stuff. But to your pancreas and your adrenals and all the other parts of your “fuel system,” racing down the highway is racing down the highway, whether you are on your way to work or the amusement park.

Health is the greatest wealth, in my opinion.

]]> By: valletta http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/comment-page-1/#comment-165199 valletta Sun, 27 Jan 2008 03:36:06 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/#comment-165199 I really like the list even though many things I do in an exactly opposite way! I own a restaurant so getting up at 4:30 isn't going to work but I find my most creative, productive time is from noon to 3 and then again from midnight to 2 or so. Everyone is different :) Really listening to your own rhythms is what works. Hopefully you have chosen a lifestyle that agrees with it. I wouldn't give up my crazy hours for anything :) I really like the list even though many things I do in an exactly opposite way!

I own a restaurant so getting up at 4:30 isn’t going to work but I find my most creative, productive time is from noon to 3 and then again from midnight to 2 or so. Everyone is different :)

Really listening to your own rhythms is what works. Hopefully you have chosen a lifestyle that agrees with it. I wouldn’t give up my crazy hours for anything :)

]]> By: Colleen Costello http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/comment-page-1/#comment-165099 Colleen Costello Sat, 26 Jan 2008 23:05:58 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/#comment-165099 I am a stay-at-home Mom and I not only take care of all the shopping, household tasks, bill-paying and kid stuff (my kids are now both in school) but I also do a lot of volunteer work at their two schools. I enjoy it immensely but there are times -- typically when one of our big events is approaching -- that I get crazy-busy and can not seem to get everything done. Keeping lists is a huge help. If I write something down I know I won't forget it and I stop worrying about it. I have also seen that getting tasks done EARLY works for me -- especially exercising. It seems that as the day goes on, things get more hectic and I get less efficient, and once the kids come home starting at 2:45, I get so busy with them that I accomplish little else. That is how it should be, I think -- but realizing that I have to do my necessary tasks earlier in the day has made me much more productive. I think if everyone figures out a schedule that works for them, and tries to stick to it, it helps a lot. I am a stay-at-home Mom and I not only take care of all the shopping, household tasks, bill-paying and kid stuff (my kids are now both in school) but I also do a lot of volunteer work at their two schools. I enjoy it immensely but there are times — typically when one of our big events is approaching — that I get crazy-busy and can not seem to get everything done.

Keeping lists is a huge help. If I write something down I know I won’t forget it and I stop worrying about it. I have also seen that getting tasks done EARLY works for me — especially exercising. It seems that as the day goes on, things get more hectic and I get less efficient, and once the kids come home starting at 2:45, I get so busy with them that I accomplish little else. That is how it should be, I think — but realizing that I have to do my necessary tasks earlier in the day has made me much more productive. I think if everyone figures out a schedule that works for them, and tries to stick to it, it helps a lot.

]]> By: Lisa http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/comment-page-1/#comment-164911 Lisa Sat, 26 Jan 2008 18:50:59 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/#comment-164911 I know almost all of these things intellectually, but hearing how an actual human being puts them into practice is comforting. Esp the work stuff. I'm reminded that if I don't shut work into sane hours, the spouse & kids I enjoy reading about on your posts won't ever be my reality! by the way......I'm with you on ING direct. My brother (the most frugal human I know) recommended it and I am amazed @ how fast my $ grows. Taxes will be an interesting new twist this year, but I think it's worth it. I know almost all of these things intellectually, but hearing how an actual human being puts them into practice is comforting. Esp the work stuff. I’m reminded that if I don’t shut work into sane hours, the spouse & kids I enjoy reading about on your posts won’t ever be my reality!

by the way……I’m with you on ING direct. My brother (the most frugal human I know) recommended it and I am amazed @ how fast my $ grows. Taxes will be an interesting new twist this year, but I think it’s worth it.

]]> By: daily walrus http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/comment-page-1/#comment-164819 daily walrus Sat, 26 Jan 2008 15:34:17 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/#comment-164819 Trent - are you a coffee/caffeine drinker? Just curious. Trent – are you a coffee/caffeine drinker? Just curious.

]]> By: beloml http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/comment-page-1/#comment-164812 beloml Sat, 26 Jan 2008 15:22:59 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/#comment-164812 Trent, I think many of your readers would benefit from a post summarizing how online banks work. So many PF bloggers rave about ING, but I'm still unclear on the logistics--how do you deposit and withdraw funds? What about security? How do you make contact if there's a question or error? I pay most of my bills online and shop almost exclusively online, so I'm not skittish, but just unclear on the details. Thanks so much for consistently excellent blogging! I'm a huge fan. Trent,

I think many of your readers would benefit from a post summarizing how online banks work. So many PF bloggers rave about ING, but I’m still unclear on the logistics–how do you deposit and withdraw funds? What about security? How do you make contact if there’s a question or error?

I pay most of my bills online and shop almost exclusively online, so I’m not skittish, but just unclear on the details.

Thanks so much for consistently excellent blogging! I’m a huge fan.

]]> By: Brigid http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/comment-page-1/#comment-164805 Brigid Sat, 26 Jan 2008 15:07:59 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/#comment-164805 @Brian: I do 20-30 minutes on the treadmill after breakfast. But once the weather warms up a bit, I'm planning to improve on that by simply walking to work, which is about 20 minutes each way. @Brian: I do 20-30 minutes on the treadmill after breakfast. But once the weather warms up a bit, I’m planning to improve on that by simply walking to work, which is about 20 minutes each way.

]]> By: Dividends4Life http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/comment-page-1/#comment-164769 Dividends4Life Sat, 26 Jan 2008 14:20:44 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/#comment-164769 > 8. I utilize my lunch break for other tasks. Between 11:30 and 1:00 is my most productive time of the day. Now if I could just get all those arond me to take longer lunches. ;) Best Wishes, D4L > 8. I utilize my lunch break for other tasks.

Between 11:30 and 1:00 is my most productive time of the day. Now if I could just get all those arond me to take longer lunches. ;)

Best Wishes,
D4L

]]> By: Lisa Spinelli http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/comment-page-1/#comment-164686 Lisa Spinelli Sat, 26 Jan 2008 11:32:53 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/#comment-164686 I really enjoyed this post! I've just started my own blog 2 weeks ago, Greener Pastures: Personal Finance, and can't seem to find enough hours in the day! I've actually given up exercising right now, hoping to incorporate it back into my day in the near future. I work a 4 day work week (4 long days and the day off) so there isn't a lot of time on those 4 work days, but I have the day off to catch up. I've been trying to write my posts on that day for the week, but haven't been completely successful yet. I really enjoyed this post! I’ve just started my own blog 2 weeks ago, Greener Pastures: Personal Finance, and can’t seem to find enough hours in the day! I’ve actually given up exercising right now, hoping to incorporate it back into my day in the near future. I work a 4 day work week (4 long days and the day off) so there isn’t a lot of time on those 4 work days, but I have the day off to catch up. I’ve been trying to write my posts on that day for the week, but haven’t been completely successful yet.

]]> By: Rani http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/comment-page-1/#comment-164678 Rani Sat, 26 Jan 2008 11:20:30 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/#comment-164678 Trent I think you're really lucky to be able to segregate time for work and time for family. I am a SAHM and my kids are constantly interrupting me in whatever I'm doing. The only time that I can concentrate to work (Blogging and am doing research assistant work on campus) is when they're all asleep. Do you have any tip on how to get things done for SAHM with kids that constantly interrupt? Trent I think you’re really lucky to be able to segregate time for work and time for family. I am a SAHM and my kids are constantly interrupting me in whatever I’m doing. The only time that I can concentrate to work (Blogging and am doing research assistant work on campus) is when they’re all asleep. Do you have any tip on how to get things done for SAHM with kids that constantly interrupt?

]]> By: Oleg K. http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/comment-page-1/#comment-164608 Oleg K. Sat, 26 Jan 2008 08:41:02 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/#comment-164608 Though the whole post is excellent, I particularly like the ideas of spreading meals out and creatively using the "lunch" period. They are useful suggestions and I will try them. Thank you, Trent. Though the whole post is excellent, I particularly like the ideas of spreading meals out and creatively using the “lunch” period. They are useful suggestions and I will try them.

Thank you, Trent.

]]> By: Simple Tam http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/comment-page-1/#comment-164517 Simple Tam Sat, 26 Jan 2008 06:00:38 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/25/twelve-invaluable-life-and-money-hacks-little-daily-steps-for-finding-the-money-and-time-to-get-things-done/#comment-164517 Trent, I appreciate the fact that you have included a take home with each sub-topic. It helps put things in perspective and try to look at the situation from a personal point of view for people who sometimes have just enough time to skim through the blogs. Thanks. Trent, I appreciate the fact that you have included a take home with each sub-topic. It helps put things in perspective and try to look at the situation from a personal point of view for people who sometimes have just enough time to skim through the blogs. Thanks.

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