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By Geralin Thomas

If you’re losing the war on countertop clutter, try using "hot pockets," or separate file folders for specific items and tasks. Hot pockets that are critical in most family’s homes may be labeled like this:

• 2 Do (also known as "action" items: things to buy, people to call, etc.)
  
• Discuss
  
• Enter (data entry)
  
• Expenses
  
• File (taxes, insurance forms, statements)
• Menus (take out, pick up, catering)
  
• Pay (bills to be paid)
  
• Pending (tickets to events, invitations, rebates)
  
• Projects (renovations, landscaping)
  
• Travel (upcoming trips, maps around town and directions to events)

Here are some special hot pockets just for Uncle Sam:

• W-2s, 1099s
  
• Investments
  
• Interest Statements
  
• Charity & Donations
  
• Child Care & Education
  
• IRA & SEP Contributions

Learn more about Geralin Thomas at www.metropolitanorganizing.com.