Instead of making a new grocery list each time you shop, make a Master Grocery List and save it on your computer. Organize it by grocery sections (dairy, dry goods, frozen) or arrange it by location in your favorite store. Include everything you might possibly need and then everytime you need to shop, print it out, cross off what you have and voila! Easy shopping list.

Do you keep catalogs piled up because there are several things you just KNOW you'll order from them? Instead of keeping the whole catalog make a binder! Tear out the page with the item you want, three hole punch it and put it in a binder for future reference. It's a quick way to organize and declutter. And you'll be surprised that when you review your binder, some of those items aren't so necessary after all.

Do you have a lot of sentimental items in your home (or basement, or attic) that are never used but you just can't bear to part with them? Years ago I began to collect those things around my house- childhood books, jewelry, charms, artwork, etc.  and began to think of people in my life who may appreciate them. I gifted most of those sentimental items to friends who would understand their value. It made it easier to part with them rather than selling them or donating them to charity. And they also turned out to be some of the best presents my friends have received.

I love books. I really, really love books and I love to have them all around me. But the books began to take over all my rooms. There are, of course, many books I'll always keep. But more often than not, I find myself enjoying the process of browsing through my titles- remembering what was happening in my life when I read a certain book or a twinge of happiness recalling how much I enjoyed a particular story. Chances are, I won't re-read those books. So I donated them to our local independent book store. But before I did, I took photographs of my bookshelves so that I could see all the titles. And then I framed the photographs and hung them over a bookcase. So now I can still browse, I've shared the books with other people and I have a lot more room!

I know you've seen them on TV. They really do work. But this isn't about advertising green bags.....I've started to keep a pile of green bags in my shopping bags I take to the grocery store. Instead of putting my produce into the flimsy plastic bags only to remove them one hour later and transfer them to the green bags, I save a  step and put them right into the green bag at the store. It saves time unpacking at home and it saves the environment by reducing your use of plastic.

This isn't so much a tip as a reminder to do something that could save you time, energy, and insanity should you ever lose your wallet. Suze Orman and every other financial tip-giver offers this: photocopy the contents of everything in your wallet, front and back and keep it in a safe place. If you lose your wallet, you'll have every card and phone number to call. It may sound tedious but trust me, if you need that information immediately, you'll be glad you made the effort.