​Are you having trouble gathering all of your tax documents from last year?  This is a common problem with many people because throughout the year they don’t keep a good record of their expenses.  Having a hanging file or three-ring binder with pockets is a good place to store year-round tax documents (this includes 1099’s, donations, estimated payment information, property taxes paid, etc.).  If you put these processes in place all year long, when January – April comes, it’s not such a chore trying to find everything!  It doesn’t take that much effort to get organized and in the long run, it will save you time, stress and aggravation!  Make it easier on your tax preparer by having everything in one place and less stressful on yourself by being prepared.  Oh, and just so you know…..you should generally keep five years of tax documents (actually seven years if anything tax related reflected a loss).  

​That’s right!  You can purchase a gift certificate for $150. (or more) for that person who has everything but maybe needs some help around the house with de-cluttering or organizing.  Just send us a note on the “Contact Us” page and we can make arrangements to meet and surprise your loved one with your purchase.  Don’t just buy an unwanted gift, buy something that is useful and practical.  We not only come in and help de-clutter/organize but we teach our clients how to “stay” organized with tips and tricks that work!

Funny, I was reading my devotions yesterday and I found it related to what many of my clients face.  I wanted to share the story, with all credit given to writer Carol Kuykendall (Guideposts, April 2, 2016) –

“I needed clothes and you clothed me…..” – Matthew 25:36

“Not that one!” my husband said as I pulled a well-worn, down filled blue parka out of the hallway closet.  We were trying to decide which of our many coats to give to the church clothing drive for the homeless in our community.  “Each of our kids has worn it to feed the horses in thirty-below weather!” he told me, as if I didn’t remember.  Our closet is not a museum,” I answered, not admitting that’s what I’d been telling myself as I went through my own closet.  The fact is I, too, felt sad at the thought of giving away “Big Blue.”  You know you’re in trouble when a coat has a name!
                “I’ll take a picture of it and send it to the kids to see if anyone wants it,” I decided.  First, our daughter Lindsay answered quickly. “You can’t give away Big Blue!” This is what her sister Kendall said:  “No way!  Big Blue is better tucked away in the back of your closet than keeping someone else warm.  Just kidding!  A little sad to part with it, but it has served us well and now can serve others.”
                So I cleaned up the coat and added it to our giveaway pile.
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Lord, you have so richly blessed us.  May we bless others with what You’ve given us.