Is Your Identity Safe – Organizing Tip
Posted by Sue on Mar 13, 2007
Sigh! I still like to think of the world as a safe and kind place in
spite of news that would indicate otherwise. However when the email
below, which is NOT a hoax, was sent to me yet another time, I decided
I had better share it with you. Numbers 4 and 5 you can do immediately!
I have put a ** before them. Others actions are more time consuming
or may feel more worried than you choose to be. NOTE: I’ve added a
few comments of my own in parenthesis.
Here is the email:
1. The next time you order checks use only your initials for your
first name/s and then your last name on them. If someone takes your
checkbook, they will not know if you sign your checks with just your
initials or your first name, but your bank will know how you sign
your checks.
2. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone.
If you have a PO Box, use that instead of your home address. If you
do not have a PO Box, use your work address. Never have your SS#
printed on your checks. (I don’t think anyone does this any more!)
3. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put “PHOTO ID
REQUIRED”. (It’s annoying at the register but could be worth it!)
** 4. If you write checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO
NOT put the complete account number on the “For” line. Instead,
just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the
rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as
it passes through the channels won’t have access to the number.
** 5. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine.
Copy both sides of each license, credit card, etc. The you will
know what you had in your wallet and will have all of the account
numbers and phone numbers needed to call and cancel.
Keep the photocopy in a safe place. I also carry a photocopy of my
passport when I travel either here or abroad.
(NOTE: Be sure to get the cards etc back INTO your wallet right away
so you have them when you next want to use them!)
*********************************************************************
The writer of this email goes on to say:
Unfortunately, I, an attorney, have first hand knowledge because my
wallet was stolen last month. Within a week, the thieve(s) ordered
an expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit
card, had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received
a PIN number from DMV to change my driving record information online,
and more.
(FURTHER)
Here is some critical information to limit the damage in case this
happens to you or someone you know:
A. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately.
The key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy
so you know whom to call. Keep those numbers with the copies of your
cards so you can find them. (If you don’t want to cancel because
you are like me and know that you often misplace things, you can
call anyway and ask your card companies know to be on the alert
When I found the wallet I called them back.)
B. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your
credit cards, etc., disappeared. This proves to credit providers you
were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation, if
there ever is one. (Plus, sometimes the police keep their eyes out
for the wallet! Yes- mine has been returned intact but then, I live
in a small town in Vermont.)
But here’s what is perhaps most important of all:
C. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately
to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number.
I had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called
to tell me an application for credit was made over the Internet in
my name. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows
your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone
to authorize new credit.
By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the
theft, the damage had been done. There are records of all the credit
checks initiated by the thieves’ purchases, none of which I knew
about before placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage has
been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away. This weekend
someone turned it in.
Here are the numbers you always need to contact to say that your
wallet, etc., has been stolen:
1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
3.) Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271
Keep these numbers with the copies of your cards and you will
have them if you need them.
(I’m going to do what I preach- the minute I send this email to you.)
“Doing a Joanna?” – Organizing Tip
Posted by Sue on Feb 27, 2007
Yesterday I was thinking about which tip to send when one of my
clients phoned and said, “I wanted to tell you – I did a Joanna
this weekend on my bedroom. It’s the one space in the house that’s
all my mine – where I write and meditate. I’m so glad to have
it really nice again!”
Of course it was great to hear that and since her call I’ve been wondering
how FEW words it might take to tell you what she meant. When I wrote the
DECLUTTERING 101 mini-guide with my step-by-step process it seemed as brief
and to the point as I could get.
But, as an experiment, I’m thinking it would be fun to try to describe what
“doing a Joanna” means in it’s absolute bare bones and find out what
happens at your end.
I figure out individual systems for helping clients STAY organized
but the decluttering process is pretty much the same everywhere I go.
Want to try it?
********************************************************************
You have to set aside a bit of time…the process goes like this:
Choose a very small space (one shelf, one drawer) and dump everything
out of it onto an old sheet- clean the emptied space. Now put back
into that space only what you actually use and/or love. Put everything
else somewhere else: give away, trash, sell, to the treasure chest if
it has special meaning, or out and about where you can see and enjoy it.
***********************************************************************
Definitely there are lots of additional techniques that clear the runaway
and make all this easier but what if you only have that one paragraph?
You are invited to send me before/after photos or stories OR send a photo
or description of the strangest item you found during the process. The
first two space makers/declutters to report in get a free copy of
Decluttering 101- and a small box of Tom & Sally’s Vermont chocolates.
Can’t eat chocolate? let me know. End date – one week- March 6
Ready – set – go!
(ALMOST) Anything – in tiny steps – Organizing Tip
Posted by Sue on Feb 19, 2007
A very brief tip for you–This morning when I was in the throes of
final packing for vacation (I’m leaving in moments) I called a dear
friend for moral support.
She reminded me of my advice about organizing — DO ONE SMALL AREA!
She talked about her decision recently to deal with a mountain of
mail-one of the challenging areas in her life. She decided that she could
and WOULD deal with JUST THREE pieces of mail.She knew she could tackle
THREE.
She did! By dealing with three pieces only- and then the next three
she handled the WHOLE MOUNTAIN! So I started with my socks.
Yesterday when I did a virtual consultation (the cooolest thing!)
(see the new page on my website)for details- I recommended the same
thing – do just that one table area!
I’m packed and heading out for a weeks vacation– with this wonderful AWEBER
sending you a tip WHILE I’m away.
Tip– tackle a tiny area!!!
HAPPY ORGANIZING!
How Venus Became Fred …an Organizing Tip
Posted by Sue on Feb 13, 2007
Not long ago while decluttering with a client, she outlined her
overabundance of commitments! Among them was Venus the turtle. A
beloved pet during the childhoods of first a nephew and then a son,
Venus was now basically forgotten by everyone except my client.
Splashing around in her tank Venus didn’t demand much. But for my
client, turtle care often felt like the last straw.
***
I confess, clients are used to having me suggest “re-homing” when
something is no longer used or loved. I make regular trips to the Hospice
thrift store – dropping off boxes of give-away items for clients who don’t
don’t have time to make the trip. I love the win-win! My clients get more
space and a donation receipt; the purchaser gets good stuff at a low cost,
and Hospice gets much needed funds.
Occasionally, when a client tosses an item which I know someone
specifically needs, I’ll ask permission to deliver it if my
client doesn’t want to. A very snazzy dog leash is still being
gratefully used in it’s second home. However, last week when Venus
became Fred it topped all else (so far).
***
My client and I finished working. On my way out the door I mentioned
a friend who loves turtles and is the regional expert on them. I
was given the go-ahead to ask if he knew of anyone who might like to
offer Venus her next loving home.
Well- the timing was miraculous! The best friend, of the daughter
of a neighbor, had been asking for a water turtle for months and her
birthday was the following Saturday! My friend had been on the search
but the parents had almost given up hope that they would be able to
produce a turtle in time.
The email I received the other day was as good as it gets. You
guessed it … my friend discovered that Venus was EXACTLY what
had been wished for – a BOY turtle who could be named Fred! That’s
what happens when you have a turtle expert. Fred’s new family is
thrilled.
I thought I’d share this story as a Valentine to you, hoping
that you too will have some perfect re-homing adventures in the
months ahead. HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!
Keeping it for the IRS? – Organizing Tip
Posted by Sue on Feb 6, 2007
Most likely those of you outside the US have an agency making sure
that you pay your taxes correctly. In the US, it’s the IRS.
Last month a reader asked, “I have an attic full of old checks,how
long do I have to keep them?”
For quite a while my answer has been, ” Three years is the least
conservative amount of time; 7 years if you are super cautious, and
forever if the data is business related.” I would follow that up
with, “But I’m NOT an accountant; if you have one, do check with
him or her as this is NOT my area of expertise.”
Well, this time, I decided I would double check. I remembered
vaguely that someone told me I was having people save stuff longer
they need to. Whoa!
I decided to look at the official IRS site; hmmm not totally clear
to me. I wanted to hear it live. So I called one CPA who explained
that you should keep copies of your completed tax forms as reference
forever,but are only required to keep the back-up material for
three years. A second said basically the same thing,adding that he
has his more cautious folks keep back up material for 5-7 years.
My colleague, who does tax returns for his clients, said much the
same. He pointed out that you may want a paper trail for other
reasons but three years is the IRS requirement. Checks that are not
backing up tax related expenses are simply not needed for the IRS.
So here’s my revised response. Regarding the IRS: A)Please check
your particular circumstances with your accountant if you have one
B)Keep tax related back-up materials for a minimum of three years -
seven max, and C) Keep your completed tax forms themselves forever.
Serious Thoughts – Organizing Tip
Posted by Sue on Jan 16, 2007
Last Thursday I was at a Hospice training and found myself
saying yet again, “EVERYONE should have one- not just the elderly.” We were talking about wills and living wills.
I have long promised myself that I would bring this up with
my Breathing Space readers. So here it is.
When sorting with clients I have run into slips of paper saying,
” WRITE MY WILL”,and have found wills written but not signed. Sometimes
there are notes about what to do “in case” but with no signatures that
make it official.
********************************************************************************
Do you have a current will? Do your family and friends know
what your wishes are for your care?
********************************************************************************
Of course the hope is that no one will need this information for a
long time – that you will be healthy and busy living for years hence!But if something were to happen so that you couldn’t communicate,
would the people close to you know that the decisions being made were
in accordance with your beliefs?
Wills are one of those things on the TO DO list that get lost in the
bustle of daily life. The Terry Schiavo case may have made you think
about all this temporarily but did you actually complete the action?
In Vermont there is a Living Will form available at hospitals and
other agencies that simplifies this process. But no matter where you
live nor what your wishes are, they need to be written and known.
Luckily there are tons of other organizing tips that are easier to
deal with, but if this isn’t done you could be leaving difficult
and painful decisions to loved ones. You simply never know. Whether
you are 21 or 101 or somewhere in between,find out what the local
laws are and make sure your wishes are up to date. Please.
Say Yes to Mess – Organizing Tip
Posted by Sue on Jan 1, 2007
Minus the question mark, this was the title of an article in the New York
Times Home & Garden Section on Dec 21st 2006. A good friend sent me the link
http://www.nytimes.com2006/12/21/garden/21mess.html? and a number of people have
mentioned the article to me.
It quotes David Freedman, who with co-author Eric Abrahamson has written
“A Perfect Mess: The Hidden Benefits of Disorder” which should be available
now. I will read it with interest as my own stance seems to be neither with
the “clutter busters buy containers group” nor with these authors.
To me the bottom line is whether or not your space is helping you be and do
what you want. If you are happy in your space, and your household can deal,
AND the fire department can get to you if need be, then super! Let it be!
No matter what it looks like.
It all depends on what YOU need. I’m very visual – happier if things look
beautiful to me. I like looking at the spaces I occupy, somehow
cherishing what I see. When things get too cluttered I can’t think.
On the other hand- my husband is very content in his study where he
effectively watches TV, works at his computer, or meditates, happily
surrounded by what I consider clutter. Like the folks mentioned in
the article – he can find what he wants and is very creative amidst
the chaos. More power to him.
I agree that if you work well in a mess- you should say YES to it and
carry onward! There are tons more important things in the world that
need attention.
And even if you need more order to function well – don’t run out to
buy containers before you sort the stuff out and find out what truly
is deserving of a home in your space.
For the year of 2007 if you can SAY YES TO MESS by all means do.
If you need a different look and feel to your space say yes to that!
_____________________________________________________________________
ANNOUNCEMENT:
I want to give you who get my E-Tips first dibs on my Decluttering 101
Tele-Class. As of January 6 I will announce it to others.
This class will help whether you are coming for a tune-up or are a
first-timer. It will be like my workshops, only given over the phone.
Class sessions will be Tuesdays January 16, January 23 and February 6
7-8 pm. Eastern Standard Time. Class size – limited to 9.
Fee is $90.
All you need is a phone,the desire to change something in your space,
and the willingness to share some information about your struggles with
classmates.
My mini-guide,Decluttering 101 (available on my website)is helpful but
not required. Participants who wish can email me “BEFORE” photos so I can
“see” your space.
I am including this guarantee: If you attend all three classes and do the homework
assignments but are not happy with your results – your full tuition will be
returned just as soon as I have had a chance to ask you about what didn’t
work for you. This way I will learn more and it’s a win-win for us both.
Email/call/or use my web contact form for more information or to
request an e-application. Reminder: Class space is limited to 9 so
don’t miss out by waiting to apply.
Your favorite things – December Tip
Posted by Sue on Dec 15, 2006
Surprisingly, in the midst of all the scurrying you are quite
likely doing, this can be an easier time than usual to clear a
bunch of clutter!
How can that be?
Well – right now you are probably moving things around to decorate
or make room for company. Just naturally you are re-creating your
space.
Letting go of things that are not used or loved is somehow easier
when lots of belongings are in motion. The fact that is the holiday
season can help you say YES or NO faster as far as whether an item
is really something you really cherish.
Plus, knowing that more stuff is likely to come in to your life in
the next few weeks, it can be easier to put your hands on something
and quickly consider its place in your life. Do you use it
regularly? Does it earn its keep? Is it a favorite?
This is a super time to put the stuff that really doesn’t belong
in your life anymore into the hands of others who will give it
a new home and new life.
If you just can’t you can’t put your mind to this now- let it simmer
on the back burner. January as you rearrange things again will be
another good time.
No matter what – absolutely keep the favorites – the things that give
you “warm fuzzy feelings” – please if possible give them a place
of honor. Shine them up…use them… display them so you can see them
and tell their story … share your enjoyment with people you love.
This comes wishing you time and space for your favorite things,
