1. Select a monthly or twice-monthly date for handling all paperwork, and to meet your financial obligations. You may find this works better if you select one day a week and stay on top of things that much better.

2 Gather all supplies and equipment before you sit down to deal with paperwork. Typical things include pens, file folders, checkbooks, stamps, labels, and calculator.

3. Sort all papers into five piles. These will eventually go into five financial folders: a. Banking b. Bills to pay c. Payment booklets for fixed obligations d. Sales slips and cash register slips e. All other statements, such as insurance and investment notices

4. Balance your bank statements with your checkbooks. Follow directions on back of statement if you are not sure how to balance account. Put reconciled statements in a file folder or binder labeled by name of account.

“Nature has given to men one tongue, but two ears, that we may hear from others twice as much as we speak.” Epictetus, Greek Philosopher

How well we listen determines quality of our connections with others whether at home or work. Yet, most of us did not master excellent communication skills in our family of origin. In fact, most of us haven’t taken any formal training in art of communication. And, as far as communication goes, listening is definitely key. Luckily, anyone can learn these skills. Excellence is developed with practice. The following steps will help you sharpen your listening skills.

1)Maintain good eye contact with person you are talking to. Eye contact is imperative in conversation, and makes it possible for you to sense underlying emotions as well as to assess facial expression and body language. Good eye contact says you are listening and are interested in person and conversation.

2)Empty your head of your own agenda, and listen to what speaker is saying. This is especially difficult if you disagree with what speaker is saying or have another opinion. Remember, you will have your turn to speak. Overcome temptation to jump in with your own opinion until you have truly explored what other person has to say. (This is particularly hard if you happen to be talking with your teenager!)