Saving Money | List Producer

Making Your To-Do List “Stick”

September 3, 2013/2 Comments/in Benefits of List Making, Increase Productivity, List Making, Saving Money, Saving Time, Tool for Success/by Paula Rizzo

Sunday is my day for catching up on things I missed during the week, getting a head start on tasks for the week ahead, and getting to zero inbox

With a limited number of hours in the day, there is only so much that can be accomplished. I’m someone who hates to go to bed with a task left unfinished, but sometimes with a big empty Sunday ahead of me I can get a little ambitious. I’ve found though that if you set yourself up for small wins by limiting your to-do list you’ll feel more accomplished at the end of the day. It’s much easier to get 3 things done than 30. It’s just simple math – and I’m terrible at math but trust me, it’s true!

This method can be used to increase productivity at work, plan social events, and even limit overspending at the grocery store!

Not convinced? Here’s a list of reasons to limit your to-do list to a post-it: Read more

Outsourcing Your Life

August 20, 2013/1 Comment/in Increase Productivity, Reduce Stress, Saving Money, Saving Time/by Paula Rizzo

Help Wanted? (Photo credit: brizzle born and bred)

I’ve written a lot about how important it is to remember that you are just one person. Give yourself a break sometimes! It’s not always possible to get everything done on your own, which is why sometimes, you have to ask for help. I finally took my own advice and enlisted the help of some interns — wow has my life gotten better. It’s really amazing what giving up a little control can do.

I haven’t always found it easy to let someone else help me out, but when I went to the BlogHer ’13 convention in Chicago, I sat in on a session, run by Meagan Francis, about outsourcing and why you should do it…and I’m so glad I did. There are major benefits that come from having an extra set of hands: Read more

How to be Ultra Organized

August 13, 2013/0 Comments/in Benefits of List Making, Increase Productivity, Reduce Stress, Saving Money, Saving Time, Technology, Tool for Success/by Paula Rizzo

A few days ago, I found an infographic to help you to become “The Most Organized Person in the World.” Well, I wouldn’t go so far as to say that aspiring to be the most organized person in the WORLD is the best goal — you’d probably go a bit nuts along the way. But trying for something more attainable, like just being MORE organized, is a great idea. I’m always looking for new, better ways to stay on my game!

Reasons to Take a Staycation

August 6, 2013/2 Comments/in Benefits of List Making, Books, Decision Making, Food, Health, Home, Increase Productivity, Learning With a List, List Making, Reduce Stress, Saving Money, Saving Time, Tool for Success, Travel/by Paula Rizzo

For the whole summer, everyone is daydreaming about jetting off for a beach getaway. I bet very few of you dream of staying near home for your vacation, but don’t sell it short! In hindsight, it’s easy to overlook all the bad parts of a taking a trip – the delayed flights, missed connections and lost luggage.

So next time you think you need a break, consider taking a “staycation” instead. This could mean that you stay in a hotel just down the road, or it could mean that you look to buy a “holiday home” near you. This way you’ve always got a place to go on the weekends or somewhere to use if you have guests staying with you.

How To: Writing a Packing List

July 28, 2013/13 Comments/in Benefits of List Making, Reduce Stress, Saving Money, Saving Time, Tool for Success, Travel/by Paula Rizzo

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I always make a brand new packing list for every trip. Some people keep a template of items they use often but for me I like to start from scratch and really customize my list. Having the list helps to make my trip less stressful.

Here’s my packing list making technique:

1. Write an Itinerary: Let’s say we’re going somewhere warm from Friday to Monday. We are arriving late on Friday and then Saturday and Sunday will be carbon copies of each other. Breakfast, Beach, Snack, Lunch, Beach, Snack, Dinner. Fabulous! When you make your list think of all the activities you might be doing. If you’re museum hopping — you won’t want to forget your camera and comfy shoes. Read more