Wednesday, June 29, 2011

20 Reader Space: Cassie's Monthly Budget Bliss

You read that title and wonder how budgeting or bills could ever be bliss?  Maybe not ever.  But by putting an effective action into place, that totally rocks, is a GIANT step in the right direction!  It can be all the difference in getting bills paid on time, knowing what's coming and going and maintaining a successful budget!

My girl Cassie, is someone I actually met through this blog.  And for that, I must give giant thank you hugs to blog of mine for bringing us together.  Well, we haven't met face to face, YET, however, she is one of my most dearest virtual BFF's. 

Aside from being a totally awesome person {and photographer} in general, she is amazing at coming up with creative inexpensive organized solutions!  And today, I get to share one that I know anyone can easily adapt to and implement in their own lives {you can check out the full details and story on her blog here}! 

She had once found a calendar that actually would hold their monthly bills for them:



Cassie would write down the bill that needed to be paid, along with the amount due, on the specific day of the month.  Once the bill was paid, a check was marked next to it.  Once it came out of their account, another check went by it.  Pretty smart and streamlined right?!


The system was actually very functional for her and her man, since it was out in plain site, right on their bedroom wall.

However, that was part of the problem.  It was on her bedroom wall and she wasn't thrilled with that ultra bulky, unappealing calendar.

That's when she went to Target and the rest is streamlined beautification history!


Seriously, could IHeart Real Simple products any more than I do?  Nope.  They are the best!  And this is the perfect example as to why!

Cassie found an old frame she already owned, popped a calendar inside and paired it with her new Target find!


Ultimately, she is still using the same system, but now it has style AND functionality!

Cassie actually put the glass behind the frame so she can still write directly on to her calendar printout.  She uses the two pockets below for current month, and next.  After that, the bills are filed away!


The best part {I think we all agree, is no more accordion sticking out of the bedroom wall!}.  Let's compare shall we?

Before:


After:


Before:


After:



Thanks Cassie for letting me share your awesome solution and system today!

What's your favorite part?  Anyone going to tackle something similar or adapt any ideas from today's space?  Leave some love, for my love, Cassie, for a job fantastically done! 

Oh, and if you have a spare second, not only can you check out her personal blog here, you can see ton's of her great photography skills here on her facebook page!


ATTENTION!!  Want to be featured in a Reader Space edition?  Have an awesome organizing story to share?  I am looking for projects that have made a positive impact to your life.  Please send your story and photos to iheartorganizing@gmail.com and I would heart to feature them right here, on the blog!!  Photos should be high resolution and un-editted.  Please include a description of the project, including any costs, inspiration, and how it has changed your life and routine for the better!  Oh, and no worries my friends, we will NEVER judge "before" pictures because that just wouldn't be nice!  Only love goes on at this blog!  More Info HERE.

20 comments:

  1. That's such a great idea!! I just might have to try this myself! :) thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love this! I have a new project to do now :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I need to get my bills organized and get my budget under control, this was the perfect post for me to read today! Thank you!! I heart your genius ideas! :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. The real simple system is so cute and soooo barely there! I didn't know they made burlap-y accessories in neutrals. My credit card just ran and hid =) haha!

    xoXOxo
    Jenn @ Peas & Crayons

    ReplyDelete
  5. I NEED to start doing this!! Thanks for posting!

    www.whatyoumakeit-coley.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. This could not have come at a more perfect time as my DH just presented me with this month's budget and we were talking about organizing our bills and such. Headed to Target NOW!

    ReplyDelete
  7. That is a really cute idea...never would have thought of it. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I have a very similar system, but my bills that are waiting to be paid are in a folder in a step file on my desk right next to the calendar. Similar idea, the calendar alerts me to what needs to be paid and I know where to find the bills. Works for me! I do love those burlap pockets though . . . should think up a use for that somewhere . . . LOL.

    ReplyDelete
  9. very clever and looks great too, can't beat that!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Yes!!! Just what I have been looking for so I dont forget to pay the bills and I can stay on target! THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing! We are for sure doing this!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh gosh! I'm so using this in my workplace to help me track what jobs are due for completion for this and next month! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Love this idea!! Not sure how I feel about keeping bills in the bedroom LOL I think I'd have nightmares about them all night or just stay up thinking about how to pay them!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I'm a long time lurker and I've come out to comment. I pay bills on line and get most of them on line too. The only problem for me is 'out of sight', 'out of mind'. I'm thinking that one of those picture frames with a list of monthly bills and a square to check it off as being set up would be very handy.

    I love all your organizing ideas. Although I consider myself well organized, there is always someone out there with a better idea and I am ready to steal it.

    Barbara

    ReplyDelete
  14. This is such a cute idea, I've been looking for a way to keep track of all of my bills! Thanks for the post.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I like the idea of putting the glass behind the calendar page.

    ReplyDelete
  16. This is such a great way to keep track of the bills! Ah! Love it!

    adventuresofoldandnew.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. This is just the motivation I needed to get moving on my paperwork mess. Thanks for the inspiration~Eileen

    ReplyDelete
  18. love this idea just built my version today.. thanks for sharing this super easy idea that me and my husband can both use..

    ReplyDelete
  19. I realize that this was posted last year, but I was so excited about making this a reality in my own home. I traveled to my local Taget, and they had no idea what I was talking about "real simple" line of products. So I went to the web page linked with your page here and there is nothing listed for the pocket organizer. I just wanted to let you know. Totally bummed, but I am a woman on a mission and I want to find this product! :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. This is a great simple idea. I am a visual person so being able to see what bills are due and a neat place to keep them organized will be very helpful.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for taking a moment to join in on the conversation! I read and appreciate each and every comment, however, I will remove any comment that I believe to be inappropriate, malicious, or spam-like. I would love for this comment section to be used as a place to engage in purposeful dialogue, I only ask that everyone remains constructive and considerate.

All comments will be moderated and may take a moment to appear.