You're wondering if you can afford to take that leap out of the corporate world and into self-employment.  Or you're in your 50's and trying to figure out when/if/how you can retire, and what that so-called retirement looks like from a financial perspective.  Or you're divorced and wondering how to handle your net worth, now that you're on your own.  Great questions.  And you've decided that now is the time to nail down some solid answers.

Yes, that's right - I'm talking about paperwork.  I don't know anyone, other than organizers, who loves dealing with paper and piles.  They represent so much more than just paper, and are therefore difficult to deal with.  Maybe you don't really understand the financial status of your life yet.  Or you sense you don't live within your means.  Or it was never something you paid attention to; your spouse did that. 

Where to Start 

Instead of looking for papers, reframe it to be more motivating:

You're looking for and organizing the information so that...

• you can prove to yourself that you can manage your own financial situation, since you're now widowed or divorced
• you can pass along key information to your kids, as you move into later stages of life
• next year's taxes will be far easier and less painful to get done.

Practical Steps 

1. Set aside time - an appointment with yourself. This means choosing to make this a priority.
2. Given how busy we are these days, my suggestion is to break this up into small chunks of time to fit into your regular, already busy schedule.
3. Create a deadline: If working with a tax person, financial planner or money coach, set up a date first, before you begin assembling papers. This gives you a deadline.  
4. Decide who in your household is best at finding and organizing these papers. Turn on the music or TV to make it easier.
5. Find or purchase a portable product to keep your papers organized. You'll quickly know what you have and what you don't.
6. Print each form your financial planner or tax advisor sends  - or create your own checklist. In the margin, check off the information you HAVE.
7. Keep a separate list of which documents you'll need to locate. You'll locate these later.
8. Make a papers "to do" list: What do I need - Where is it - Do I have to call for a new copy - Do I have to make a copy or scan it. This is useful because you'll be efficient.  You'll make all the copies at once, saving time and legwork. 
9. As you're looking for papers, use your keep/toss chart -- keeping in mind that the list may need to be modified for the particulars of your situation. Always take your expert's opinion over a generic checklist.

If you've tried several systems and none seems to work for you, it may be time to hire an organizing coach. Successful systems are about the products, the process and the people, or how we are wired. The way I organize my papers is different from how a friend organizes hers. Both systems are successful because we find what we need - and takes minimal time to get started - to help us move on!