Articles By Clarie McFee

This didn't put me off at least calling Target Customer Service to see if anything could be done. The trick was firstly noticing the discrepancy in the first place by checking my receipts, taking action immediately by calling directory to get the relevant phone number, and then calling right then and there. I've learnt my lesson not to get slack with checking receipts as I check them to prevent this sort of thing from happening again.

It comes down to good organization with money, a good attitude to money and good role models –that’s you! This allows children to experience paying for something and receiving change. Give your kids money to spend occasionally at the news agency. When shopping, get your child to help to pick out the items needed at the best prices. Encourage your kids to do odd jobs for others to gradually earn their own money and learn to be accountable for it.

Here are some tips that I have found to help when working from home. It’s important not to underestimate what a difference home organization can make, particularly if it is also your work place. Work at the time of the day when you are most productive. If you are a night owl then arrange your work time around this and get other things done during the day. Where possible, take care of things via email if you can as opposed to time-consuming meetings/phone calls.

Aside from the usual condition report, it can be extremely beneficial to take photos both as a landlord/property owner and as a tenant of the premises, indoors and out. It will also serve as a good record of items you have purchased in order to maintain the house and this will only help in sustaining an excellent relationship with the landlord/property owner in relation to the care and maintenance of their property. As a property owner, it’s important to take all requests very seriously and consider the experiences of your tenants.

You may have de-cluttering down pat, but feel that your family are not doing their bit to help the cause. Happier family life all round!! More than anything else, this will influence your family’s response to your new commitment to a clutter free house. Remember that the habits your family have formed didn’t happen overnight and you won’t be able to change them overnight.

Gradually ask your partner for help. Be prepared to help your partner go through their things with them and remember to help them be ruthless in the filing and/or binning of it all. Tick off the jobs for both of you as you go - (if your partner hasn't done theirs already.) Write down a time-line for the jobs on your lists. Be clear about your intentions and when you think the time is right, ask for your partner’s help.