Guest post from April of Power of Moms
We all have busy lives (four little boys are having a Nerf war in my living room as I type), which is why I love it that moms online can share their best ideas with one another!
Below are three incredibly simple calendar tips I use to help all of us stay on top of the tasks we need to accomplish — and believe it or not, these tips have helped me to save thousands of dollars in the process!
Tip #1: Create Calendar Triggers
I’d never heard of a “calendar trigger” before reading David Allen’s best-selling book, Getting Things Done®, but now they’re my best friends. Here’s an example why:
Last year I signed up for a discounted Internet plan through our local phone company. After locking in an incredible rate for 12 months, the customer service representative warned me, “If you want to keep this rate, you have to give us a phone call right before your first year is up. Otherwise, your bill will increase by $30 a month.”
Panic set in for a moment. What if I forget to call?
But then I remembered this calendar-trigger approach, and I simply went to my Google Calendar and created an event titled “Call Phone Company for Reduced Internet Rate” and added an email trigger for 11 months into the future. Sure enough, the trigger came through, I called and secured an even better rate, and now I’ve got a calendar trigger set up to remind me to call again next year.
This one simple trigger has already save us $780 — with no stress.
Tip #2: Keep Your Calendar Clean by Using Context-Based Lists
Have you ever cluttered up your calendar with undone tasks you keep forwarding from page to page to page? (You’re not alone.)
This idea, also from Getting Things Done®, has enabled me to group tasks by context, so instead of sighing over a super long list of random things to do, I can work on clusters of important responsibilities whenever the time is right.
Because I’m a paper planner girl, I just use a small card stock insert that is divided into the following sections:
- Home
- Errands
- To Discuss (usually with my husband)
- Phone
- Computer
A list like this could also be created on a phone or tablet’s notepad (I love the Evernote app).
Using context-based lists saves me tons of time and tons of money. I don’t waste gas because I can get all my errands done at once. I don’t forget to call the insurance company when they make a mistake on my bill, and I can easily keep up with basic home repairs, dental appointments, and hundreds of other little issues that would otherwise grow into time-consuming, expensive problems (like that time I ended up with $63 in library fines).
The point is that we clearly define these categories, collect our lists into one easily-accessible place, and keep them short and actionable so we are consistently getting things done efficiently and well.
Tip #3: Partner Your Calendar with Your Email Inbox
I used to work off of two different systems — my calendar/paper planner and my email inbox. Now I keep my emails to zero by shuttling action items onto my calendar (and filing or deleting the corresponding email messages).
Here are a few examples using the emails I receive from MoneySavingMom.com:
I recently saw Crystal’s offer for us to download a free copy of her Guide to Freezer Cooking. I quickly downloaded the PDF (because David Allen’s two-minute rule encourages us to “just do” any task that takes two minutes or less), and then I added “Review Freezer Cooking Guide” to my Computer list. Then I knew I wouldn’t forget to read it. (And I love it, by the way.)
When I find coupons for items I need to buy at my local store, I simply print the coupons, place them in my purse or car, and add the store name to my Errands list. If there are specific expiration dates I don’t want to miss, I note those on my actual calendar pages.
Other offers (like the online family job chart or the student loan repayment service) can go on my “To Discuss” list if I want to talk them over with my husband before moving forward.
Calendar triggers could be used here, as well, if the offers are open for a limited time.
Uniting our tasks into one seamless system gives us the brain space to more fully enjoy time with our children. It helps us to feel more in control of our lives. And yes, it helps us to wisely use our resources and save lots of money.
As a special gift to the Money Saving Mom community, I am excited to offer a free giveaway of our Mind Organization for Moms program, which regularly sells for $50 on our Power of Moms site. (No strings attached!)
It’s basically “Getting Things Done® for Moms,” and it’s is full of simple tips, photos, videos, PDFs, podcasts, and mom-created organization tips you’ll love. Signing up takes just two minutes (so you don’t even have to add this to your calendar!)
Click here to learn more about the Mind Organization for Moms giveaway (and please feel free to share it with your friends!).
April Perry is married to her best friend, Eric, and is the mother of Alia, Grace, Ethan, and Spencer. She co-directs Power of Moms, blogs at Power of a Family, and satisfies her insatiable love for organization through her GTD®-based Mind Organization for Moms program.
DeShieka says
I am back in my own place and I have until Sept 25, 2013 to get my house in order. I am so discourage because I do not have the organize gene at all. I am going to check out this book. Right now I am working on my closet and my sons closet. WISH ME LUCK!
Jackie Johnson says
I am interested in the Mind Organization for Moms program but I don’t see the link. Help please
April Perry says
Hi Jackie!
The link is right at the end of my post above. Or you can copy and paste this into your browser. Enjoy!
http://powerofmoms.com/promotionwelcome-money-saving-moms/
a terrible husband... says
If it wasn’t for calendar triggers I would almost forget to put my pants on in the morning…
I use Siri so often to set reminders (and do other things on the phone) that my 4-year-old son actually said to me: “Daddy, can you ask your girlfriend to open up your flashlight app” when he was looking for something!
I wonder how long he’s thought Siri was my girlfriend… or how many people he’s told that I have a girlfriend who I talk to on the phone and helps me open things and set appointments…
I haven’t done the context-based lists before… interesting. I’ll have to pick up a copy of the book. Hadn’t heard of it before. Awesome sauce.
April Perry says
Made me laugh…
Rachel says
I went and signed up but I don’t see the program on the free downloads.
Leigh says
Same here. Entered my email and then registered with the site as directed, but the item is not showing up in My Programs…?
April Perry says
So sorry about that, Rachel! If you email [email protected] with your username/login, our assistant Koni will get you all set up. Thanks!
Michelle @ My Gluten-free Kitchen says
Same here. Just going round and round the process, but the option to add that program never comes up! I’ll email the address you posted.
Meg @ Snap Happy Mom says
I can totally vouch for the Mind Organization for Moms program. I LOVE it, and it’s helped me so much. My favorite quote she uses is “Piles bring paralysis.” If you feel paralyzed by all the paper and piles in your house, then I’d encourage you to try April’s program!
April Perry says
Thanks so much, Meg! I’m thrilled to hear how the program has helped you. It’s honestly the only way I can manage all the projects and responsibilities that come with motherhood, and I just love to be able to share it with others. Glad you’re with us! xo
Amy says
An iPhone with Siri makes #1 really easy. I just tell her to “Remind me in three months to change my air filters” or “Remind me in a year to discontinue my ___ service.” So, so helpful when that reminder pops up!
Loved this post!
April Perry says
Amy, I love that tip! Thank you! (Siri and I are just starting to get to know one another…)
Have a wonderful day!
a terrible husband... says
Siri took me a day or two to get used to but I love her (which is probably why my son thought she was my “girlfriend” – see my comment below).
A good tip for Siri is to ask her what she can do for you. She’ll give you a list of a bunch of stuff. You just need to get used to her trigger words. So “schedule a meeting to go over the sales agreement with David Jones for next Thursday at 11am” should actually set a meeting and invite David Jones with that subject.
It’s pretty impressive once you get used to it, but takes a little while to learn.
April Perry says
I’m feeling so excited! Thanks so much!
Annie says
“Very helpful for someone who has a type B- personality with type A responsibilities”
describes me!
Jen says
I LOVE the “Getting Things Done” book! The system of dividing up things by tasks has helped me tremendously. Also the rule of doing things right away that take 2 minutes or less. The other great tip that I loved was taking some time to write down EVERYTHING you can possibly think of that is on your “to do” list and coming up with a plan to get things done. It feels so much less stressful to have everything down on paper and have a plan for things. Very helpful for someone who has a type B- personality with type A responsibilities. Great post!
April Perry says
Jen, your “type B/type A” comment made me smile. Such a perfect way to explain the benefits of GTD. So happy you’ve found it helpful too. Thanks for your comment!