Organising finances and filing system

Citygirl1

Hi, I am looking for new ideas of keeping on top of my finances and paperwork at home. I am currently using a concertina type folder with a section for each category - ie phone/rent/council tax/utlity bills etc but I also have my passport, birth certificate and things to keep permanently in the same folder. I find it a bit fiddly to access paperwork and feel that things other than bills and receipts should probably be stored separately.

What kind of filing system can you suggest that works best? I live in a small flat so don't have a lot of storage space so don't want a filing cabinet or numerous different files.

I also work out my budget each month by keeping a list of my direct debits in my diary and just working out my payments each month on scrap paper and chucking it. I'd like to use a cash book or computer document as some direct debits change by month so I'd like to be more organised. I have an online bank statement which I access regularly but still need to be able to work out my monthly budget.

Any suggestions please?

mum2one

what about doing a spreadsheet, for the budget each month and keeping a note book, with the figures handy.
Also with bills, how about using the filing system as jan, feb, mar etc, and then when the next bill has come in shred the other one. xx

burnsy89

I just use a lever arch file and some dividers. It's fantastic because everything is in one place and I can write notes on my statements if I ever need to ring and query something, so I am always clear on the actions agreed over the telephone, the name of the advisor and the date/time of the call.

It's very handy

burnsy89

as for the budgeting you can't do much better than a spreadsheet

Citygirl1

Thanks for your replies. Where do you keep things like passports, birth certificates etc.

david_hellier

Citygirl1 wrote: »

Hi, I am looking for new ideas of keeping on top of my finances and paperwork at home. I am currently using a concertina type folder with a section for each category - ie phone/rent/council tax/utlity bills etc but I also have my passport, birth certificate and things to keep permanently in the same folder. I find it a bit fiddly to access paperwork and feel that things other than bills and receipts should probably be stored separately.

What kind of filing system can you suggest that works best? I live in a small flat so don't have a lot of storage space so don't want a filing cabinet or numerous different files.

I also work out my budget each month by keeping a list of my direct debits in my diary and just working out my payments each month on scrap paper and chucking it. I'd like to use a cash book or computer document as some direct debits change by month so I'd like to be more organised. I have an online bank statement which I access regularly but still need to be able to work out my monthly budget.

Any suggestions please?

Hi, I have an Excel sheet with a budget on one tab and and an 84 page spending diary on the other. If you (or anyone) PM me with an email address, I'll attach it

hcb42

concertina file seems the most sensible if you have a lack of space.

i have a room fully kitted out as an office and have a set of drawers with suspended filing, packed...even though I sort it once a year or so.

~Beanie~

Citygirl1 wrote: »

Thanks for your replies. Where do you keep things like passports, birth certificates etc.

My passport and birth certificate are in th concertina file along with everything else. I would never remember where I put them if they were anywhere else!

rockitup

I just keep the current bill and the rest I scan on to the computer hard drive, with a backup on an external hard drive. This saves a lot of space and keeps things tidy.

opinions4u

Citygirl1 wrote: »

Where do you keep things like passports, birth certificates etc.

Lockable fireproof box.

grizzly1911

Bills and stuff e.g. Insurance in soft coloured plastic labelled wallets in cupboard.

All utilities via DDR.

All variable bills and insurance via credit card.

I apportion pay in blocks, bills, spending, saving and special projects(slush). At the start of the year I fix amount to cover each including things like clothes. I use a monthly spreadsheet to record, monitor and track variance. Bills is rigid but the other three can be moved around, if need be and anything left is carried forward. Spending cash is taken out monthly and additional funds drawn when thought about.

Passports and such in the sock draw.:)