Save on Your Time

In previous posts I dealt with how to save money. This is getting off that theme indirectly. It is a fast paced world in which we live, and sometimes we need to catch our breath. Here are some tips to save you some time in your day to day today life. After all, time is money, so they say.

• Reduce the time you watch television. Many of us are couch potato's. If you love TV, as I do, try to watch only the programs you love. If you have Tivo or a similar DVD technology try that so commercials will be eliminated. I hate commercials.
• If you have children make them help. Depending on their age depends on their tasks. By this I mean it could be from taking out the garbage, folding clothes, loading/unloading dishwasher, sweeping, cleaning bathroom, or picking up toys if they are younger. This should be instilled in them anyways in becoming an adult.
• Put things in there proper place. Everything has a place, don't waste time looking for things. Keys or cell phone for example. don't drive yourself crazy in the morning looking for items you will need in the day. If you forget where you parked your car, well that's another topic. Anyways, get in the habit of to put certain items in the same place all the time.
• When you are cooking move the garbage where you are preparing. If you don't like to do that then grab a bowl and put discarded things in that. Walling back and forth to garbage is a hassle
• Buy Online. Do as much shopping online as possible, it will save you time and gas. Another bonus is that you won't be able to buy things on impulse.
• Keep a running grocery list on the fridge. Make a list and buy to the list.
• Do as much as you can the night before. Making your life easy in the morning relieves stress. Make your lunch, select your clothes, and any other things you need to do, the night before.
• Make a checklist when traveling. I'm not talking about leaving your kid behind, as in Home Alone. Things that you will need. Making a checklist will give you piece of mind that nothing is forgotten. It could be hand written or stored on your computer in a Word or Excel document.
• If you should find a useful number in the phone book, high lite it , so it is easily found the next time you need it.
• Put store receipts where you can find easily. If you have to make a return you will want to be able to find it easily. Can't tell you how many times this drove me nuts.
• If you are flying print your boarding pass from home ahead of time. Why wait in yet another line.
• Do your banking online. It is safe and why waste the gas.
• Stay off the phone. When you are doing a task don't get side tracked in answering the phone. You will end up talking and not doing. Use the caller ID and call back when done.
• Don't procrastinate. This will only build up tasks which need to be done

If you have anymore suggestions on this topic please add comments.
I hope these tips are helpful.