5 Things To Do Every Month

In an effort to stay organized and live intentionally, I have found five things that I need to do every month to help me keep in line with my goals.

#1 Check bank statements

Make sure all transactions were authorized transactions. Keep a lookout for monthly reoccurring debits and decide whether or not you are using those services or if it’s something you need to cancel. A $9.99 monthly charge totals $119.88 in a calendar year. Be sure you’re basic needs such as your mortgage payment, electricity, gas, and water are paid. Identify and track your tax-deductible expenses now, so they’re easier to identify at the end of the year for taxes to save your valuable time. Move the remainder of your money left from the month to your savings and start your budget for next month. After your review is completed, be sure you file the documents away in your designated spot.

#2 Create your budget

Plan for upcoming events. Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, etc. Are you planning a vacation? Start with your 10% giving fund. Whether it be for tithes, charity, or whatever cause that you choose to donate your gift. Most money advisors suggest living off of 50% of your income and saving 40% while giving 10%. This type of budgeting may take time, but it can be your goal. Besides your housing, and utility cost be sure you include haircuts, cost of sundries, transportation, groceries, entertainment, insurance, savings, etc. Tailor it to your needs.

#3 Check out your planner

Or your calendar, Trello Board, Evernote system, or whatever it is that keeps you organized to avoid surprises.  Be sure you write down any birthdays, anniversaries, and events you need to attend. Plan time for phone calls, note writing, and cleaning. Plan grocery trips, bill payments, and any other known destinations you need to make.

#4 Schedule your self-care and white space

White space will be the most critical thing in your planner. White space. Yes, we can fill in white space with a to-do list and events, but we must be sure to keep white space in our calendar just for us intentionally. Intentional white space allows us to say no we have plans. Plans for ourselves. Intentional white space is a promise to our selves that we are putting our bodies, minds, and spirits first. To do more, we need to be well-rested and in good health. Use your white space for prayer, reading, pampering, watching tv, listening to music, or whatever it is that you do for self- care.

#5 Gather gifts and cards for birthdays, anniversaries, etc.

Keep them in one location and be sure to plan when and how you will deliver them. Jot those plans on your calendar. Be sure to schedule time to fill out the cards and wrap the gifts.  Make this an enjoyable time and allow your thoughts to flow out to the pen. Fill up a glass with your choice of beverage, turn on some music or check out your favorite podcast and start writing or wrapping. Be creative and have fun. Planning will avoid the stress of last-minute gift shopping when you don’t have the time and embarrassing excuses for why you arrived at events giftless.