Welcome to 2010. As I contemplate the past year and think about my goals for 2010, I believe it is appropriate to talk about some New Year’s Resolutions or Promises. You decide which ones are appropriate. The only thing I ask is that you write down your resolutions or promises and review them at the end of the year. I will do the same. You do not have to show them to anyone, but ultimately you will be the judge.

I also invite anyone to send me ideas for resolutions that should be shared with everyone.

My resolutions:

I will clean up and get organized.I will review my assets and investments.I will set aside extra money in an emergency fund.I will review my insurance needs.I will pay down debt using the stacking idea.I will finish my estate planning.I will give back with greater purpose.

Resolution Number 1: I will clean up and get organized.

Ah! I just cleaned the desktop of my computer and it feels great. When I left work on New Year’s Eve I managed to clean my physical desktop and it felt great. I even ventured into my basement and cleaned up and organized boxes. What a great feeling.

I know what you are thinking. This guy is abnormal or maybe a bit obsessive compulsive. I agree, but I will give you three compelling reasons why you should take the time to do the same.

First, there is a metaphysical or spiritual element behind cleaning and organizing. It just makes you feel good. It allows your brain to revel in the simple purity of logical positioning. It allows you to remove unwanted items and either give them away or sell them. It is also provides a memory refresh for what you have, where it’s located and why.

Computer experts have told me that too many files on your computer’s desktop will slow its performance. I believe the same is true on your physical and metaphysical desktops. You cannot open too many “windows,” “projects” or “tasks” without suffering from mental exhaustion.

The second compelling reason that I alluded to is to free up resources or physical energy for others. I am willing to guess that nearly everyone reading this newsletter has more than enough in physical objects cluttering your house, apartment or office. Why not decide what you really need and either donate the rest or sell it?

Let’s start by selling first. Objects or collectables with enough value warrant a free ad on Craig’s List or a small paid listing on eBay. Books can be sold at a used bookstore or donated to libraries. Donate or give away the rest. Many charitable organizations, such as Salvation Army or Goodwill, have drop-off centers or even bins that are available 24 hours per day.

Now here is the final compelling reason. Charitable gifts are tax deductible in the U.S. Do not be scared about taking advantage of what is allowed by law. The important thing to remember is to keep good records, obtain receipts from the charitable organization and know the true values.

We are always looking for ways to be happier and get more out of life. Amazingly, it is often the simple, the pure and the free ideas that work the best.

All the best for 2010,

Michael Williams

1-913-381-4520

P.S. If you are looking for a great way to get organized, consider setting up a file box for important papers, tax receipts, investment accounts, etc. You can set up one box or you can have separate boxes for personal items, business, real estate, taxes or even investments. For living in a paperless world, I seem to continue accumulating a lot of paper each year. Here is an example of a financial box that my accountant developed: http://www.incometaxdirectory.com/my_tax_box.html.