Backstory – Filing
I’ve had careers that always involved administration. I had to keep files and pull files and make files available. It was one of the most difficult tasks for me to conquer. You would think that computerization would have solved my filing challenges. No way! They get lost in the computer as easily as they disappeared in the filing cabinet.
I envisioned that a major benefit of retirement would be – no more files. Then I found out about all the paper work involved with Medicare, IRAs, activities of grandchildren and keeping track of birthdays and other celebrations of relatives and friends.
Hear about my filing adventures and strategies in this week’s story.
Consider This Show – Filing
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Has anyone figured out a good way to file papers? I am very good at filing. Putting papers away. What I can’t seem to master is FINDING THEM AGAIN when I want to get them back out.
I remember a rule of filing. You eliminate everything that is redundant. For instance: If you were filing something for the US Department of the Interior. You would not file under U for US because you might have a lot of US stuff. You would not file under D for Department because you might have a lot of departments.
You would file under I for Interior and then add – US Department of. OK, that sounds simple.
Now where do I file the plumber’s invoice? In the house file? The plumber’s file? Alphabetically under his company name? His name?
Maybe I should just do what my guy does. One large box into which goes every paper that passes through his hands. Receipts, letters, solicitations, reunion notices, discount coupons. All in the box.
What do you think? Is it better to spend the time filing them away in an organized manner? Or spend the time finding them amongst a myriad of jumble when you need them?
If I had to keep score, I’d say that each method, for us anyway, takes the same amount of time. The only difference is that he does not get to have cool rules like – Interior, US Department of.
[Show # 334]