Author: Jodee Brydges

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the book talk of New York Times Bestselling Author, Gretchen Rubin. Gretchen just released her new book, Outer Order, Inner Calm and delivered a joyful discussion about decluttering a home to make room for happiness. There were 300 people in the room soaking up tips on how to get rid of everything from books to their child’s favorite art from kindergarten and from purging tools in the garage to donating clothes in a closet.

While driving home I started to think about this hot topic “decluttering” and wanted to understand how individuals have gotten so deep in clutter. There had to be a common source.  Within minutes of taking the time to dig a bit deeper, the root of the problem became vividly clear. Knowing the source of the problem is the only way to truly prevent repeating the habit of getting buried in clutter.

For many, Gretchen Rubin and Marie Kondo are carrying the best-selling torch in the world of decluttering, organizing, and purging. Decluttering a home is definitely a learned skill and I applaud these women for writing such incredible guides that are helping millions of people shed pounds of unwanted goods, organize homes, and learn to live with the concept of “less is more”.

But, one important step that was not discussed in either book, and in my opinion is the source of the problem, is SPENDING! Clutter goes hand in hand with poor spending habits and if spending habits are not kept in check, the clutter will slowly creep back into a home. How many times have you cleaned out the garage, a closet, or a desk only to find a few years (or months) later that the same decluttered space is packed full again with items that you a) don’t need and b) never use? This happens to all of us!

Regardless of which system you choose to use to purge unwanted items, adding the additional step of identifying which items are creating the most clutter and reviewing the spending habits behind purchasing the items, will help break the spending habits that led to clutter in the first place. It will also eliminate the buildup of clutter in the future and save you money. Every room, closet, box, or drawer presents an opportunity to identify where money is being spent on unneeded items. But before you just dump and donate, use the below tips to help break future clutter habits:

Take inventory–

As you clean out each closet, drawer, or room, take the time to look for duplicates, review the items that you are giving away or selling, and write down the quantity of each item. For example, while cleaning out a clothes closet stack the items into groups (e.g., shirts, pants, shoes, handbags, sweaters, jackets, etc.). Before you pop everything in a bag and donate the items, grab a notebook, review each stack, and write down which specific items make-up the largest portion of the donation. Once noted, immediately put the items in a donation bag.

Most donated awards –

Next, review your notebook and determine which items win the largest donation pile. This can be a fun game and learning lesson for each family member in the house. For ladies, most donated pile may be shoes or clothes. For the gentlemen, the pile may be tools from the garage or a coffee cup collection (random, but true). For kids, the list may range from clothing to puzzles or books to squishies. Each member of the family will have different varieties of clutter -including pets- and will win multiple awards for large donation stacks.

Recognize spending habits –  

Once the awards are noted, sit down as a family and review the quantity of items being donated. Determine the purpose of buying such a large quantity of each specific item and ask the following questions. Were the majority of the items purchased on impulse? Is there a pattern of buying in bulk? Were the items purchased a “need” or a “want”?

Knowing the above will help identify spending habits. If items were purchased on impulse, going forward, take the time to think about a purchase before buying. Go home, review what you already have, and decide if the item is a necessary purchase. If items were purchased in bulk, buy less the next time and see if you can make do with one versus several. Always ask if the item is a “need” or a “want”. We tend to always want new things, but seldom do we really need them.

Whether you have (or have not) joined the Rubin and Kondo cleaning club, spring cleaning is in the air, and with an extra hour of daylight, now is the perfect time to purge unwanted goods and refresh spending habits!

The year is off to a roaring start and time is not slowing down. January is in the books and here we are in February. Love is in the air and retailers have been gearing up since January 5th to share the love of more spending. Yes, you read that correctly. I was in a local store on January 5^th, wondering the aisles, looking for the deeply discounted holiday merchandise, hoping to stock up on wrapping paper and bows for next year and “poof” just like magic, the aisles had been transformed from a holiday wonderland to a sweet celebration with an endless supply of heart shaped boxes filled with tasty treats.

I stopped and thought, wow, the term “that’s a wrap” has taken on a whole new meaning! Folks are still trying to get over their holiday spending hangover and settle into their new year resolutions. You know the resolutions,to cut spending, start saving, get out of debt, and live a healthier lifestyle? Meanwhile, retailers are pulling at your heart strings by providing the perfect balance between temptation and impulse buying.

Seeing all those tasty sweet treats provides the temptation to 1) get you shopping again (because the holiday season did not give us enough retail therapy). 2) Break your new year resolution to live a healthier lifestyle (one chocolate won’t make a difference). 3) Fill your mind with the FOMO (fear of missing out) symptom that if you don’t impulse buy today, the treats will be gone, and you won’t have a card, stuffed animal, or heart shaped box filled with candy for your loved one(s). Before your heart skips a beat from the stress of shopping for the loves in your life, take the time to review the goals you set in January and develop a plan to stay on track! Believe me, there are plenty of ways to share the love.

Valentine’s Day has become a multibillion-dollar day. According to the National Retail Federation, consumers will spend $19.6 billion. So how do you share the love without experiencing the spending rush followed by the sweet spending crash once the day is over and the bill arrives in the mail? I have mentioned these tips before but, repetition is the key to forming new and improved habits (especially when it comes to spending).

Start by making a list of the family members and friends that you want to buy for (e.g., spouse, children, siblings, grandparents, friends, coworkers, teachers, etc.). Write down the name of each and what you want to buy for each. List items like cards, candy, gift cards, and dining out. Then, review the list and determine if you “really need” to buy for everyone on the list. If you don’t, eliminate names from the list.

Next, set a budget of the maximum amount that you want to spend on everyone and divide the amount between those listed. For example, if the maximum amount you want to spend is $100 and you have four loved ones on your list, note $25 for each. Or, spend $40 on one person and $20 on the remaining three. If you plan on dining out that evening, be sure to include that figure in the budget too and then reduce the amount for each person on the list.

When you venture out or online to shop, take the time to search for deals and coupons online, stick to your list and your designated budget, and don’t waiver and buy additional items. Once you fill your cart (either online or in the store), review the total of all the goods to confirm that you are within your budget. If you are over, put items back and get creative. I know this sounds harsh, but the reality is, cards and candy add up quickly. Last year, I had four cards in a basket, when I added the price of the cards up, the total was $25! The cards went back on the shelf and I got creative.

Getting creative will help you stick to a budget, help avoid the temptation of spending, and could help the recipient with a new year resolution too! If you know that a loved one is trying to eat healthier or exercise more, give the gift of a coffee card and a walk together versus a box of chocolates. If a friend or relative is trying to get out of debt, support them by cooking a meal at home versus going out. If cards put you over your budget, make fun cards for your loved ones. If sweet treats are a must, take the time to bake festive brownies or cookies. Recipients will appreciate the time you invested in making a homemade goodie, card, meal, or joining them on a walk far more than a store-bought gift. Getting creative allows you to stick to your goals, help a loved one stick to their goals, and give gifts made from the heart. Isn’t that what this day is all about anyway?

Need additional ways to get to the “Heart of the Spending Matter? Visit my website, www.jodeebrydges.comwhere you can find blog posts and links to purchase my new book “Digging Out”. Digging Out has a wealth of tips to help you stay on track and meet your financial goals in 2019!

A new year is upon us which brings the gift of new beginnings, goals, and resolutions. It is the time of year when individuals reflect on the previous year and determine what specific goals and resolutions each wants to achieve in 2019. With each new year we strive to make this year better than the last. As mentioned in last month’s article, the top two resolutions and goals each year include: 1) Living a healthier lifestyle by eating well and exercising more and 2) improving financially by getting out of debt and saving for the future.

This month we are going to kick off 2019 with a goal to “Get Your Financial House in Order”!  For many, reviewing finances can be overwhelming and can leave you feeling like you are the only one not on the right financial track. I am here to tell you, you are not alone.

The National Retail Foundation expected retail sales in November and December to total between $717 to $720 billion in 2018! That retail sales figure, along with the outstanding credit card debt figure, have been rising consistently since 2009 when our economy suffered the greatest financial crisis since the Great Depression. Since the financial crisis, revolving debt has exceeded the all-time high set in 2008 and is now in excess of $1.023 trillion. An online survey by Nerdwallet found that almost 73% of respondents said the bulk of their holiday spending would be on credit card and found that over 39 million Americans haven’t yet paid off their holiday bills from 2017.

That said, it is no wonder that improving financially is one of the top resolutions. Millions have turned to credit cards to pay to deck the halls, make their list and check it twice, and ring in the new year in Rockstar style. Consumers nationwide are suffering from a holiday spending hangover that can’t magically go away with a dose of Alka-Seltzer.

Although it was the most wonderful time of the year, and everyone deserves to enjoy the holidays, the credit card statements are starting to arrive in the mail (or inbox) and Americans are going to need a little bit more than a little “plop, plop, fizz, fizz” to take this headache away. Having a solid plan in place is the only common cure that will start the year off with a financial bang!

As you ponder ideas of what you really want to achieve in 2019, make your financial goals a top priority. Start by gathering each and every statement that arrives in the mail (or in your inbox) and face your current financial facts. When each statement arrives, whether it is a credit card or student loan statement, take the time to review the statement in detail, document the findings, and set financial goals. Here are a few steps to get you started on the right path:

Step 1 – Review Each Statement– As statements arrive in mail, don’t just tear off the coupon with the amount due and shred the evidence. Grab your highlighter, take the time to review each statement, and highlight the following findings:

-Creditor/Loan (e.g., Macy’s, Visa, Target, Nordstrom, etc.)

-Total Balance

-Interest rate

-Minimum Payment Due

-Actual Payment

Step 2 – Document the Findings– Once you have highlighted the above items for credit cards/loans, document each on one page using the following chart:

THE FACTS
Card / Loan	Balance	Interest Rate%	Min. Payment	Actual Payment
Total

Step 3 – Face the Facts– Total and review the amount that you owe on all credit cards/loans and make a commitment to pay all, or a portion of, the debt in 2019. For example, if you owe a total of $10,000 in credit cards, write down an amount you want to pay off in 2019.

Step 4 – Breakdown the Goal– Once you have determined the payoff amount, take the amount, divide by 12 and set your monthly goal. For example, if the goal is to payoff $5,000 in 2019. Take the $5,000, divide by 12, and set a goal to payoff $416 per month. Breaking the goal down into monthly bite size chunks will give you monthly results that will help build the momentum needed to achieve the annual goal.

The hardest step is always the first step. Take that step today and use the above steps to make 2019 your best financial year yet! By getting your financial house in order in January, all of your other goals will fall into place.

For these and many more financial ideas, be sure to visit my website www.jodeebrydges.com and pick up a copy of my new book “Digging Out”, which is full of practical advice to help you obtain your financial goals in 2019! Wishing you a new year filled with a wealth of financial success!

The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals. ~ Melody Beattie

It is so hard to believe that we are in the final month of 2018! This month is typically the busiest month of the year filled with shopping, festive parties, family, friends, and loads of memorable moments. Before we know it, the gifts will all be unwrapped, the parties will be over, and we will be welcoming the New Year. The chance that many refer to as “Out With the Old and In With the New” – an opportunity to set goals, make resolutions, and improve specific areas of our lives.

Once the gifts are all unwrapped and the holiday craze is over, there is usually a lovely lull the week before New Year’s Eve. Typically, this week provides a calmer, quieter pace, both at home and at the office. Don’t wait for the calendar to change, use this week to get a jumpstart on setting your New Year goals and resolutions. Here are a few tips to help get started.

The most popular New Year’s resolutions year over year include, health and fitness (exercising more, losing weight, and eating healthier), getting out of debt, and saving money. Set aside the time to sit down, grab a notebook, and write down what you want to accomplish in 2019 and break the goals into categories: Health and fitness, financial, travel, career, and major purchases. Under each category set an annual goal and then break each goal into monthly goals.

For example, if your goal is to pay down debt. Grab your statements, tally your total debt, and determine the pay down amount. If your goal is to pay down $5,000, write $5,000 for the annual goal and $417 for the monthly goal. The same goes for building a savings account or saving for a major purchase. If your goal is to save $12,000, write the annual goal of $12,000 and the monthly goal of $1,000. If your goal is to lose weight, travel, or change careers. Set a goal of when you want to achieve the goal and break it down to monthly steps you need to take to accomplish the goal. Breaking the goal into bitesize chunks allows you to focus on smaller, more achievable, steps to reach the overall goal.

Next, create a vision board with charts to track and monitor your monthly and annual progress, and include photos of items you want to save for, purchase, or reward yourself with when you meet specific milestones. Vision boards should include short-term and long-term goals and dreams. There are loads of tips and ideas for creating a vision board on Pinterest and there are Apps available for creating vision boards on your mobile device.

Once January hits, be sure to review your written plan and vision board weekly, update your progress, and adjust as needed. Having a written and visual plan and reviewing your progress weekly, will provide the focus and momentum needed to more easily accomplish every goal you set in 2019!

For more tips on setting and achieving financial goals in 2019, be sure to check out my new book “Digging Out” – available for purchase on www.jodeebrydges.com.  The book has everything you need to get your financial house in order and make 2019 your best financial year yet!

Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a New Year filled with accomplishments both big and small!

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