Yes I'm ticklish, no I'm not laughing - but I am smiling...

I'm so happy with my new tickler file system.
<p style="text-align:center;"><a rel="attachment wp-att-101" href="http://anothernewseason.wordpress.com/2009/02/26/the-tickler-file/tickler-files-001/"><img class="size-full wp-image-101  aligncenter" title="Tickler file" src="http://anothernewseason.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/tickler-files-001.jpg" alt="Tickler file" width="500" height="375" /></a></p>
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Yes these things make me happy! Who named this a "tickler" system anyways - kind of silly-  in my opinion!

I had mentioned in the <a href="http://anothernewseason.wordpress.com/2009/02/17/filing-overhaul-part-2-finally/">File Overhaul post </a> that I wanted to try out a "tickler file". I had heard of them years ago when a co-worker who used to work in a lawyers office mentioned that she always used one. She was always very organized and never going crazy working on something at the last minute. I think the system helped her to be prepared. At the time I had no idea what she was talking about, and I quickly forgot all about it.

Well when I was working on our home files I realized that I really don't want to have to have a pile of bills sitting on my desk only for me to find the phone bill in the toy box a week after it was due. This happened - last week!! I also wanted a way to remember to RSVP to events, to send cards for birthdays, remember to return library books... you get the idea. I didn't want to clutter my calender with some of these reminders... so I looked in to the Tickler system.

I found some great ideas online some companies even sell a Tickler file all set up for you. I had no desire to spend $30+ on a bunch of file folders that I could make for myself.

What you need:
<ul>
	<li><strong>A file box or file drawer</strong> depending on your preference. (I like to have mine on the desk so I found a nice looking one for the desk.)</li>
	<li><strong>43 file folders</strong>-I would recommend using 5-tab file folders not the 3-tab one's that I used. It would just look nicer in my opinion</li>
	<li><strong>A Labeler or labels</strong>- I just saw a really great labeler at Staples last week for only $9.99.</li>
	<li><strong>Your pile of bills</strong>, appointment cards, birthday card you have to send, directions, travel plans, letters, reports,</li>
</ul>
All you have to do is label your file folders with #1-31(for each day of the month) and one for each month of the year. 

<img class="size-full wp-image-99 aligncenter" title="Day files" src="http://anothernewseason.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/tickler-files-0071.jpg" alt="Day files" width="500" height="375" />

 

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-100" title="Monthly Files" src="http://anothernewseason.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/tickler-files-012.jpg" alt="Monthly Files" width="500" height="375" />

And you're all set! Really it's that simple!

Take your pile of paperwork and start to fill up your system. For bills I usually put them in 7 days prior to their due date. If I have to RSVP I put it in about 3-4 days before the RSVP date ( I have major irritations with people who don't RSVP, more ranting on that later)

Some also include these other categories:

<strong>Read</strong>
<strong>Send</strong>—letters to write
<strong>Errands</strong>—a folder to hold shopping lists, claim receipts, etc.
<strong>Call</strong>—a place to store phone messages until you have time to return calls
<strong>Data</strong> <strong>Entry</strong>—addresses, phone numbers, business cards to enter into address book and/or contact management system
<strong>Calendars</strong>—calendars for classes, meal planning calender, etc.

I also have a <strong>TO FILE</strong>, <strong>COUPONS </strong>and <strong>DAD's FINANCES</strong> (I do my dads accounting). I may add more as I see a need for them, but so far this is working great. I think it's important to keep it simple!

If you have a hard time keeping track of all of the odd paperwork, forget to pay bills or just want a simple way to organize these papers - try it out! I think you'll like it!