The Discretionary Dollar

We all email. But we don’t all use email filters. Let’s see how filters may make your digital life much easier.

What is a Filter
A filter is a set procedure or action that happens when a trigger occurs. In this case emails will be our triggers. Some email clients call these rules (outlook) while other call them filters (gmail). They do the same thing in most cases.

Why you Should use Filters
They will save you time and help you organize your inbox. It can also help reduce spam if that is a problem.

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As an aspiring do it yourself-er I tend to hear a few common responses when sharing new projects or ideas with friends and family. One such phrase comes in many forms but usually sounds like:

• That’s not worth my time
• You are losing money if you factor in your time
• Time is money

So let’s explore this notion of your time and its value. Think of time in two categories, working and non-working time.

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Rewards points are certainly not new. Nearly every major credit card, bank or airline has their own form of currency called miles, rewards, points or something else. Companies “reward” you to build customer loyalty and return business for simply using their company’s credit card or purchasing their company’s product.  However, with some forethought and a few minor changes in your habits, you can convert your rewards points into cash.

Spend a Dollar to Save a Penny
Let’s be clear here. Spending a dollar to make a fraction of a dollar isn’t usually a good strategy. However, if you already must purchase a product why not benefit a little from it.

We do our best to maximize our rewards and usually end up with about $1000 a year in cash.  We put this bonus in our replacement fund which we use each year for trips and vacations.  Not a bad starting point.

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1. Paperless: Reducing the Stream
2. Paperless: Getting Started
3. Paperless: Managing the Digital Files
4. Paperless: Organizing/Backup/Sync
5. Paperless: Other Creative Ideas

Benefits of Paperless

• More Secure – Files are secured and can be remotely wiped if a machine is compromised. If our house, car and office burnt to the ground, we’d have full versioned copies of all our files.
• Less Money – Bottom line paper gets expensive to buy, print on, and store. Also if you need less square footage to store your file cabinets, you can lease a smaller office.
• Quicker Access – If you want a file the traditional way this means you need to get up, and locate where it is in a file drawer, folder etc. In a paperless office, I (or employees with access) can do a quick search and view all files. Windows Vista and up have a built-in search that makes this a breeze.

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Paper litters nearly every aspect of our life. Not only is paper a nuisance, but for every piece of paper you decide to keep, you have to organize, store and manage it. What a waste of time and resources.

Is your desk covered with neat (or messy) stacks of paper? Do you find it frustrating to find documents in a file cabinet? Tired of having stacks of mail and paper clutter your life? Are you interested in simplifying your life and spending more time doing the things you love?

Here are just a few reasons to work towards eliminating the endless stream of paper.

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Why do we buy? Do we buy because we need to use or do we buy because we want to have?

This simple question not always has a simple answer.

Are you spending extra time and money purchasing things you could be borrowing instead? Here are a few things to consider before you hit the store next time.

Benefits of Borrowing:

Test Drive Products for Free
Would you dream of buying a car without a test drive? I know I wouldn’t. A major benefit of borrowing is that you get to try before you buy. And if you do end up needing to purchase this item (perhaps rarer than you may think), you will be informed with hands on experiences on what features you like or don’t like.

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Short Synopsis
This book is about Warren Buffett’s life as an investor and citizen. It details his large deals with background and insight. The book’s focus is mainly on his road to wealth but also gives good insight on Buffett’s character and personal relations.

Purchase on Amazon: Buffett: The Making of an American Capitalist

After reading this well written book I feel to I have a good idea of Warren Buffett’s investment strategy and character. Here are the main points I gleaned from the 400+ pages.

Develop Creative Ways of Generating Income
As a boy Warren developed many small business ideas and ventures. These ventures were essential to allow Warren to save up his bankroll. In 1945 (at age 15) Warren was making $175 per month (about $2,100 in 2009 dollars). Some of his ideas/jobs included:

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So you have now identified a few items to sell for your replacement fund. But how do you turn those items into cash and grow your replacement fund? Here are some ideas.

• Part 1: What is a Replacement Fund?
• Part 2: Funding Your Fund
• Part 3: Cash for Clutter

Pick The Best First
Set yourself up for success and sell your best items first. This means items with the highest profit and that are the easiest to ship or transport. These are usually books, electronics and other consumer goods.

Price to Sell Fast
You have already decided you wouldn’t mind shedding these items, so don’t let price get in the way. It’s easy to get hung up on what a “deal” the buyer is getting. After all, you paid -insert your price here- and it has the -insert some feature here-. The past is the past, so don’t get hung up on the other guy. (Yes, he is probably getting a good deal). Good deals are what drive sales. The fact is, if it wasn’t such a good deal the buyer wouldn’t be knocking at your door. Make your item a great deal and don’t look back.

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Balancing your personal checkbook is not as necessary as it once was. In fact it’s not necessary at all. Ten years ago you’d have to wait for a statement showing what checks cleared. Times have changed. Here are a few ways for you to get rid of the checkbook and the balancing chore that goes with it.

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