Category: e-organizing

10 Professional Organizers To Follow On Twitter

Posted on by Denise Caron-Quinn

Social media makes it easy to keep up with your favorite shops, restaurants and news organizations all from the comfort of your own home. But what about keeping up with professional organizers? There are a ton of professional organizers on Twitter and they frequently share great tips for staying organized and productive. Here are 10 of In Order to Succeed‘s favorite Twitter  organizers.

The following list is in no particular order.

  1. C. Sgrott Wheedleton
  2. Lorie Marrero
  3. NAPO NY
  4. Julie Morgenstern
  5. Jen Tankersley
  6. The Inspired Office
  7. Lisa Zaslow
  8. Blissfully Organized
  9. Buttoned Up
  10. Organizing Tips

Tell Us: Who are some of you favorite organizers on Twitter?

Don’t forget to follow In Order to Succeed on Facebook and  Twitter

Tax Tip: Seven Things to Know About Filing a Tax Extension

Posted on by Denise Caron-Quinn

Many taxpayers may still need more time to file their tax return. If you need extra time, you can get an automatic six-month extension of time to file from the IRS.

Here are seven important things you need to know about filing a tax extension:

1. File on time even if you can’t pay If you completed your return but you are unable to pay the full amount of tax due, do not request an extension. File your return on time and pay as much as you can. To pay the balance, apply online for a payment plan using the Online Payment Agreement application at www.irs.gov or send Form 9465, Installment Agreement Request, with your return. If you are unable to make payments, call the IRS at 800-829-1040 to discuss your options.

2. Extra time to file An extension will give you extra time to get your paperwork to the IRS, but it does not extend the time you have to pay any tax due. You will owe interest on any amount not paid by the April 17 deadline, plus you may owe penalties.

3. Form to file Request an extension to file by submitting Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return to the IRS. It must be postmarked by April 15, 2013. You also can make an extension-related electronic credit card payment. For more information about extension-related credit card payments, see Form 4868.

4. E-file extension You can e-file an extension request using tax preparation software with your own computer or by going to a tax preparer who has the software. You must e-file the request by midnight on April 15, 2013. The IRS will acknowledge receipt of the extension request if you e-file your extension.

5. Traditional Free File and Free File Fillable Forms You can use both Free File options to file an extension. Access the Free File page at www.irs.gov.

6. Electronic funds withdrawal If you ask for an extension via one of the electronic methods, you can also pay any expected balance due by authorizing an electronic funds withdrawal from a checking or savings account. You will need the appropriate bank routing and account numbers. For information about these and other methods of payment, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov or call 800-TAX-1040 (800-829-1040).

7. How to get forms Form 4868 is available for download from the IRS website or you can pick up the form at your local IRS office.

The above information was provided in a press release from the Internal Revenue Service. For more help on preparing your taxes and organizing your files contact professional organizing firm In Order to Succeed at info@inorderotsucceed.com, on Facebook and on Twitter.

2013 Tax Tip: 10 Ways to Get Help from IRS.gov

Posted on by Denise Caron-Quinn

When you’re looking for tax information, you want to find it as quickly and easily as possible. That’s why the IRS redesigned its website. It’s now even more user friendly. Here are the top 10 reasons to visit IRS.gov:
1.     Get 24/7 Access. Whether you do your taxes during the day or burn the midnight oil, IRS.gov has the tax forms and answers you need when you need them. It’s accessible all day, every day. The Interactive Tax Assistant is a helpful tool that will answer many of your tax law questions. Several tax forms, publications and information are also available in Spanish.
2.     Use Free File. Anyone can prepare and e-file their taxes for free with IRS Free File. Offered exclusively at IRS.gov, Free File’s brand name software or fillable forms do the work for you. If you made $57,000 or less, you qualify to use free tax software. If your income is more than $57,000 or you feel comfortable preparing your own tax return, use Free File Fillable Forms. This option provides the electronic versions of IRS paper forms.
3.     Try IRS e-file. Whether you do your own taxes or hire a preparer, IRS e-file is the safest, easiest and most popular way to file a complete and accurate tax return. Since 1990, taxpayers have e-filed more than one billion returns. If you owe taxes, e-file gives you options to file early and pay by the tax deadline. If you are due a refund, you should receive it in less than 21 days.
4.     Check Your Refund Status. You can track your refund using the enhanced “Where’s My Refund?” tool. It’s quick, easy and secure and has a new look this year. You can start checking on the status of your refund within 24 hours after the IRS has received your e-filed return. You can check your refund status four weeks after you mail a paper return. The tool includes a tracker that displays the progress of your return in three stages while it is processed. Once IRS approves your refund, “Where’s My Refund?” will give a date to expect your refund.
5.     Make Payments Electronically. E-payment options are a convenient, safe and secure way to pay taxes. You can authorize an electronic funds withdrawal, use a credit or debit card or enroll in the U.S. Treasury’s Electronic Federal Tax Payment System.
6.     Use the EITC Assistant. The Earned Income Tax Credit is a tax credit for working people who earned less than $50,270 in 2012. The credit can be worth as much as $5,891. Check your eligibility using the EITC Assistant tool. You may be among the millions of eligible workers who get the EITC this year.
7.     Get Tax Forms and Publications. You can view and download tax forms and publications any time. It’s the easiest way to get IRS forms and publications.
8.     Figure the Right Withholding. The IRS Withholding Calculator will help to ensure you don’t have too much or too little income tax withheld from your pay.
9.     Request a Payment Agreement. Paying all your taxes on time avoids penalties and interest. However, if you cannot pay your taxes in full you may be eligible to use the Online Payment Agreement Application to request an installment agreement.
10. Get the Latest Tax Law Changes. Learn about tax law changes that may affect your tax return. Special sections of the website highlight changes that affect individual and business taxpayers.
The address of the official IRS website is www.irs.gov. Don’t be misled by sites that claim to be the IRS but end in .com, .net, .org. Some thieves use phony websites to gain your personal and financial information. They then use this information to commit identity theft or steal your money.

The above information was provided in a press release from the Internal Revenue Service. For more help on preparing your taxes and organizing your files contact professional organizing firm In Order to Succeed at info@inorderotsucceed.com, on Facebook and on Twitter.

2013 Tax Tip: Important Facts about Dependent Exemption

Posted on by Denise Caron-Quinn

While each individual tax return is unique, there are some tax rules that affect every person who files a federal income tax return. These rules involve dependent exemption. The IRS has six important facts about dependents and exemptions that will help you file your 2012 tax return.

  1. Exemptions reduce taxable income.  There are two types of exemptions: personal exemptions and exemptions for dependents. You can deduct $3,800 for each exemption you claim on your 2012 tax return.
  2. Personal exemptions. You usually may claim one exemption for yourself on your tax return. You also can claim one for your spouse if you are married and file a joint return. If you and your spouse file separate returns, you may claim the exemption for your spouse only if he or she had no gross income, is not filing a joint return and was not the dependent of another taxpayer.
  3. Exemptions for dependents. Generally, you can claim an exemption for each of your dependents. A dependent is either your qualifying child or qualifying relative. If you are married, you may not claim your spouse as your dependent. You must list the Social Security Number of each dependent you claim on your return. See Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information, for information about dependents who do not have Social Security numbers.
  4. Some people do not qualify as dependents. While there are some exceptions, you generally may not claim a married person as a dependent if they file a joint return with their spouse.
  5. Dependents may have to file. If you can claim someone else as your dependent on your tax return, that person may still be required to file his or her own tax return. Whether they must file a return depends on several factors, including the amount of their gross income (both earned and unearned income), their marital status, and any special taxes they owe.
  6. Dependents can’t claim a personal exemption. If you can claim another person as a dependent on your tax return, that person may not claim a personal exemption on his or her own tax return. This is true even if you do not actually claim that person as your dependent on your tax return. The fact that you could claim that person disqualifies them from claiming a personal exemption.

Remember that a person must meet several tests in order for you to claim them as your dependent. See Publication 501 for the tests you will use to determine if you can claim a person as your dependent.

You can view or download Publication 501 at IRS.gov or order it by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676). You can also use the Interactive Tax Assistant at IRS.gov to find out if a person qualifies as your dependent. The ITA is a helpful tool that can answer many of your tax law questions.

The above information was provided in a press release from the Internal Revenue Service. For more help on preparing your taxes and organizing your files contact professional organizing firm In Order to Succeed at info@inorderotsucceed.com, on Facebook and on Twitter.

10 iPhone Apps That Make Organizing Photos Easier

Posted on by Denise Caron-Quinn

By Guest Blogger: Debbie Denard of Nanny.net. 

The built-in camera on your iPhone is powerful enough to replace a small handheld digital camera, granting you the ability to take high-quality snapshots at a moment’s notice. Having this power at your fingertips usually results in a flood of photographs, which can be difficult to navigate and put in some semblance of order after a while. For the organization buffs among iPhone owners, here are 10 offerings that can be found in the App Store that will make the task of straightening those photos a snap.

  1. PhotoBook: Photos Organizer – For $0.99, PhotoBook will allow you to organize your photos either by the date they were taken or in a system of user-created albums. Intuitive and easy to navigate, this app is a great offering for photo organization on a relatively small budget. Because PhotoBook only organizes the existing snapshots in “Photos,” it won’t take up more storage space or present the risk of data loss in the event of an app bug.
  2. PhotoFolders – When you have photographs stored on your iPhone that you’d rather keep private from accidental viewing, this $1.99 app is a great choice. You can password protect separate albums to lock or hide them, sharing only the pictures you want.
  3. TravelPad: Travel Photo Album – Traveling presents a surfeit of photo-snapping opportunities, which can leave your Photos folder filled to the brim with scattered snapshots. This $1.99 app finds the location where photographs were taken and allows you to create a mapped route of pictures to retrace at your leisure. You also can share your journey with others by using the built-in slideshow feature.
  4. Stash – Keeping your photographs and other media downloads private is easy and secure with the $3.99 Stash app, which includes the ability to transfer your files to Dropbox, your computer or other mobile devices. The app also allows you to create an unlimited number of separate accounts with password or PIN protection, including hack attempt actions.
  5. Pics – Called “the essential photo management app for iOS” by AppAdvice.com, this $1.99 app allows you to view your photos in all of their full-resolution glory, never sacrificing quality for the sake of compression. You can also edit individual albums, moving and deleting as you see fit to best suit your organizational methods.
  6. Photo-Sort – Manage your albums by folder and sub-folder, maintain the original image quality, and share your photos easily within the $1.00 Photo-Sort app, which allows for Twitter and Facebook sharing as well as email. Exporting and importing is also simple and intuitive, making for an easy-to-use and functional app.
  7. Photo Org – Share images on Flickr, Twitter, Facebook and even MySpace, or keep them securely password protected for only $2.99 with Photo Org, which also has a built-in photo editing option that includes several different effects, cropping and retouching. Create your own organizational system and maintain it easily, including video diary entries and YouTube support.
  8. Sort Shots – Find specific photos by rating, category, type, favorites or date with this $2.99 app that also allows you to search images with custom terms. Share your photos to social networking sites and through email, or create a slideshow set to music from your library!
  9. PhotoTag – Tagging your pictures with this $1.99 makes searching for specific items based on those tags the work of a moment. You can even snap your photos from within the app for instant tagging, eliminating the need to run the app after taking a picture, searching and then tagging.
  10. Photo Manager Pro – Transfer via FTP or HTTP, as well as Peer-to-Peer or USB. Create, move and delete custom folders for sorting, then reorder by dragging and dropping. You can even customize the colors of folders and the background style with this $2.99 feature-packed app.

In addition to these great organizational apps, there are a wide variety of high-quality photo editing applications available in the App Store that will allow you to turn out artist-quality pictures right from your handheld device. Snapping, editing and organizing photographs that capture all the memorable moments of your life has never been so easy!

Useful Links: Pocket Memory

The Effectiveness of Business Marketing

Posted on by Denise Caron-Quinn

Business marketing is a very important in a company. This is one of the elements that can help you become successful for the longest time.

Every businessman should be aware about the importance of every element that can make his company a better one. A businessman should know that there are different business marketing strategies that can effectively bring you to the peak of your industry. You just have to make sure that you have chosen the best one that can perfectly work for your products and company.

Here are the different explanations that can help you understand the effectiveness of business marketing:

 

  • It makes your business less dependent on your efforts.
    If you are the owner of a certain business, you have to do everything in order to make sure that you are not missing a certain point. Having business marketing and a group that will be working on it, you do not have to work very hard and exert effort; all you need to do is to lead your company. Business marketing will help you make the production work for your benefit.
  • It helps you narrow down your market focus.

    There are different markets that are available in the industry where you are in. What you need to do is to be sure that the group that you are catering to is the one that really needs it. If you have a narrow market focus, you will be able to gain more income. Remember that you will only gain more income when you have the right client. So you need to have a strategic marketing technique.

  • It helps you increase the leads for your business.
    If you are going to advertise and use a good marketing strategy, you will be able to make people remember you regularly. If the people are constantly informed about your business, they will always go for you when they need your product or service. The leads for your business are very important when you are looking forward to getting more income.

  • It helps you build multiple streams of revenues.

    A good marketing strategy is very helpful when you want to increase your revenue. If you are selling a certain product in a traditional way, you will not expect that you will be able to get more income. If you have a marketing group that will be able to work for your company, you will be able to create different streams of revenues. If you are going to ask the most successful businessmen, you will know that a marketing strategies change all the time and you have to be updated about it. If you will just stick to a certain technique, you may not be able to succeed when time comes that the traditional tools and strategies will not be effective anymore.

Business marketing is indeed effective not only to large corporations but also to small companies. This is something that a businessman should know in order for him to become successful.

 

Author Bio:

Victor McNamara works at Vending World. Vending World is a leading distributor of used vending machines. They have been selling vending machines since 1968 and can fill almost all of your general vending machine needs.

Ten Strategies For Taming Your Email Inbox

Posted on by Denise Caron-Quinn

If you are like most people, your email inbox is always overflowing. Sorting through your email can be a time-consuming and frustrating task. But you can remedy this by following these ten strategies for taming your email inbox.

1. Spam filters

Every email program has spam filters. It is up to you to make them work for you. Check your email settings and play around with the spam filters until you get it set to the level of privacy you desire. Less spam will mean fewer emails you have to wade through.

2. Unsubscribe

Unsubscribe to those newsletters that you no longer need. Get rid of the ones that just don’t provide useful information. There should be an unsubscribe button or link at the bottom of the email or newsletter.

3. Organize

You organize your paper files at home so why not organize your email? You can create files for your emails such as work mail, personal mail, receipts, etc. Place the appropriate emails in the appropriate files. A lot of email programs will even allow you to label emails from specific addresses according to their purpose. For example, emails coming from your work address will be labeled as work in your inbox. You can even color code your emails for higher efficiency.

4. Dedicated Email Time

Set aside a specific time each day in which you will check your email. It could be the first thing in the morning, or it may be the last thing you do in the evening. If you want to remain productive you have got to stop checking your email periodically throughout the day.

5. Short Responses

When you answer your emails, keep your replies short and to the point. This saves time for you and the person receiving your emails.

6. Spring Cleaning

Once a month or even once a week, set aside time for a little email spring cleaning.  Go through all your saved emails and purge what you don’t need. You want to try to get your email inbox down to 0. This may not be possible every day, but you can significantly reduce the number of items in your inbox and your outbox.

7. Establish Alternate Email Addresses

To cut down on the email clutter it is a good idea to set up several email addresses. You can use one for emails between family members, another for personal emails between friends and yet another address for business-related emails.

8. Learn More About Your System

Did you know that most individuals use less than 20% of the programs found on their system? Take some time to learn more about your system and what it can do. You may be missing out on some program features that could save you a lot of time.

9. Determine Your Next Action

Every time you open an email, make a decision on what your next action will be. Are you going to file it, answer it, or delete it? Make a decision and commit to it. This will reduce the amount of emails found in your email folder.

10. Don’t Forget Sent Mail

It is true email can really clog up your inbox, but you should not neglect your sent mail. Organize your sent messages in folders for each client or job. This makes it easy for you to find the email again if you should need it for reference.

How to Organize Your Email

Posted on by Denise Caron-Quinn

If you are like most people, your email inbox is always overflowing. Sorting through your email can be a time-consuming and frustrating task. But you can remedy this by following these ten strategies on how to organize your email.

1. Spam filters

Every email program has spam filters. It is up to you to make them work for you. Check your email settings and play around with the spam filters until you get it set to the level of privacy you desire. Less spam will mean fewer emails you have to wade through.

2. Unsubscribe

Unsubscribe to those newsletters that you no longer need. Get rid of the ones that just don’t provide useful information. There should be an unsubscribe button or link at the bottom of the email or newsletter.

3. Organize

You organize your paper files at home so why not organize your email? You can create files for your emails such as work mail, personal mail, receipts, etc. Place the appropriate emails in the appropriate files. A lot of email programs will even allow you to label emails from specific addresses according to their purpose. For example, emails coming from your work address will be labeled as work in your inbox. You can even color code your emails for higher efficiency.

4. Dedicated Email Time

Set aside a specific time each day in which you will check your email. It could be the first thing in the morning, or it may be the last thing you do in the evening. If you want to remain productive you have got to stop checking your email periodically throughout the day.

5. Short Responses

When you answer your emails, keep your replies short and to the point. This saves time for you and the person receiving your emails.

6. Spring Cleaning

Once a month or even once a week, set aside time for a little email spring cleaning.  Go through all your saved emails and purge what you don’t need. You want to try to get your email inbox down to 0. This may not be possible every day, but you can significantly reduce the number of items in your inbox and your outbox.

7. Establish Alternate Email Addresses

To cut down on the email clutter, it is a good idea to set up several email addresses. You can use one for emails between family members, another for personal emails between friends and yet another address for business-related emails.

8. Learn More About Your System

Did you know that most individuals use less than 20% of the programs found on their system? Take some time to learn more about your system and what it can do. You may be missing out on some program features that could save you a lot of time.

9. Determine Your Next Action

Every time you open an email, make a decision on what your next action will be. Are you going to file it, answer it, or delete it? Make a decision and commit to it. This will reduce the amount of emails found in your email folder.

10. Don’t Forget Sent Mail

It is true email can really clog up your inbox, but you should not neglect your sent mail. Organize your sent messages in folders for each client or job. This makes it easy for you to find the email again if you should need it for reference.

Recommended Amounts For Holiday Tipping

Posted on by Denise Caron-Quinn

Holiday tipping is a way to show others how much you appreciate their services. In this tough economy, many individuals are struggling to make ends meet. If you have been blessed this past year, share it with others by giving them a proper tip.

Here is a list of recommended amounts for holiday tipping:

1. Housekeeper

If you have a housekeeper who works hard to keep your home clean it is customary to show your appreciation for their hard work around the holidays. The suggested tip amount would be one week’s pay.

2. Newspaper Carrier

These individuals work hard to get your newspapers to you. They brave the dark and the cold to deliver your paper in the wee hours of the morning. The suggested amount to tip your newspaper carrier is $20. However, if you can afford to give more, it would be a great way to show your appreciation.

3. Child’s Teacher

Your child’s teacher has the immense responsibility of educating your child. There are very few jobs that are this important. Many individuals feel that gift cards are more appropriate for the teacher than money. One or two gift cards in the amount of $25 to the local book store or office supply store is a great tip for that special teacher.

4. Hairstylist

It is customary to tip your hairstylist with each session. So a random holiday tip may not be necessary. However, if you call your hairstylist and beg her to fit you in for that last minute holiday party, you should expect to tip her at least 50% over the amount you normally would.

5.  Dog Walker

If you have a good dog walker who always shows up on time and never complains about walking your dog during the rain and snow, you should reward them handsomely for their dedication.  A good tip amount for a dedicated dog walker would be the equivalent of what you would normally pay for three dog walking sessions.

6. Trash Collectors.

These guys have a rough job. Imagine getting up before dawn to collect other people’s stinky trash. The customary tip amount for trash collectors is $10 to $30.

7. Personal Trainer

If you have a good rapport with your personal trainer and have been thrilled with his or her services over the past year then a holiday tip is necessary. The normal tip would be $50 or the cost of one session.

8. Letter Carrier

Keep in mind, the U.S. Post Office forbids mail carriers from accepting cash. Any gifts that are given must be worth less than $20. But you can still your letter carrier how much you appreciate him or her by giving them a basket of fruit or a box of chocolates.

When you are out and about this holiday, spread a little holiday cheer by tipping your waiters and waitresses a little extra. You have the power to make someone else’s life a little easier through the simple act of tipping.

Useful Links: The Sweet Team

Tipping Etiquette Recommendations for the Holidays

Posted on by Denise Caron-Quinn

Holiday tipping is a way to show others how much you appreciate their services. In this tough economy, many individuals are struggling to make ends meet. If you have been blessed this past year, share it with others by giving them a proper tip.

Here are the details on tipping etiquette and recommends for holiday tipping:

1. Housekeeper

If you have a housekeeper who works hard to keep your home clean it is customary to show your appreciation for their hard work around the holidays. The suggested tip amount would be one week’s pay.

2. Newspaper Carrier

These individuals work hard to get your newspapers to you. They brave the dark and the cold to deliver your paper in the wee hours of the morning. The suggested amount to tip your newspaper carrier is $20. However, if you can afford to give more, it would be a great way to show your appreciation.

3. Child’s Teacher

Your child’s teacher has the immense responsibility of educating your child. There are very few jobs that are this important. Many individuals feel that gift cards are more appropriate for the teacher than money. One or two gift cards in the amount of $25 to the local bookstore or office supply store is a great tip for that special teacher.

4. Hairstylist

It is customary to tip your hairstylist with each session. So a random holiday tip may not be necessary. However, if you call your hairstylist and beg her to fit you in for that last minute holiday party, you should expect to tip her at least 50% over the amount you normally would.

5. Dog Walker

If you have a good dog walker who always shows up on time and never complains about walking your dog during the rain and snow, you should reward them handsomely for their dedication.  A good tip amount for a dedicated dog walker would be the equivalent of what you would normally pay for three dog walking sessions.

6. Trash Collectors.

These guys have a rough job. Imagine getting up before dawn to collect other people’s stinky trash. The customary tip amount for trash collectors is $10 to $30.

7. Personal Trainer

If you have a good rapport with your personal trainer and have been thrilled with his or her services over the past year then a holiday tip is necessary. The normal tip would be $50 or the cost of one session.

8. Letter Carrier

Keep in mind, the U.S. Post Office forbids mail carriers from accepting cash. Any gifts that are given must be worth less than $20. But you can still your letter carrier how much you appreciate him or her by giving them a basket of fruit or a box of chocolates.

When you are out and about this holiday, spread a little holiday cheer by tipping your waiters and waitresses a little extra. You have the power to make someone else’s life a little easier through the simple act of tipping.

Useful Links: The Sweet Team