I didn’t start the year with a concrete number for how many items I wanted to declutter. I was invited to do a few different challenges. The most dramatic one promised to part ways with 1,000 items. I didn’t accept. Because honestly? It seemed too easy. For a house that generally abides by the clean … [Read more…]
Even though the polar vortex has passed, we’re still deep in the throes of winter here. And for whatever reason (OK, we all know the reason – it’s the never-ending gray and cold), time seems to drag. But we’re already a month into the new year, and one of my biggest priorities for this year … [Read more…]
In the past week, I decluttered 9 things from my house. Three items were sold and the rest were Freecycled. Here’s how things unfolded. I sold: One pair of Ugg boots (They’re cozy but oh-so-slippery!), One pair of Nikes (I only realized I actually should have sized up after wearing the wrong size for…weeks), and … [Read more…]
It’s Friday! And it’s the first Friday of the month. A long month. If you’re like me, that means there is an automatic money win built into this magical month. (If you’re retired, well, that’s a whole different money win, isn’t it?) It’s a three-paycheck month for me! Woohoo! With back-to-school time just around the … [Read more…]
How much clutter do you have in your house? Be honest. It’s hard to say, isn’t it? Unless you are one of those outstanding individuals who lives with 13, 37, or 42 things. Then, I’m going to do the math for you. Zero. The answer is zero. You have no clutter. But if you are … [Read more…]
Chocolate or vanilla? Cake or ice cream? Beach or mountains? Either/or questions might have their place when it comes to icebreakers or dating profiles, but they have also become incredibly pervasive in personal finance. Pay down debt or invest? Grow your income or cut expenses? Donate time or donate money? Focus on little leaks or … [Read more…]
It’s no secret that I have too much stuff. Though, since I last posted, I have parted with a considerable about of clutter. Coupons and discount cards from months ago? Gone. A $1 winning lotto scratch off ticket from Christmas? Cashed in. Dozens of books? Listed for sale or donated. My progress is more slow … [Read more…]
Minimalism lite served me well this year. I’m no longer living out the latte effect. My shoes almost all fit into my organizers. There is hope that one day, my husband’s clothes and mine will be able to live side by side in one closet. That’s to say nothing of the money that I’ve made … [Read more…]
Earlier in the week, I penned a call to giving. Of course, volunteering time and talent makes a difference. I’d like to think that Mr. P and I both know that well from firsthand experience. But charitable giving matters just as much–maybe, in some ways, even more. As a result, Mr. P and I work … [Read more…]
The oxygen mask on an airplane analogy is a cornerstone in life lessons. It essentially boils down to the notion that we need to help ourselves before we can effectively help anyone else. I get it. What I don’t understand, though, is the fact that so many people feel that they not only have to … [Read more…]