insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 23 - January 2017 | Page 61

GET MORE ORGANISED SPEND LESS, SAVE MORE Be honest; how many hours (days? weeks?) did you spend in 2016 looking for lost stuff or wondering whether you were meant to be somewhere? Now, what could you have done with those lost hours? Make 2017 the year in which you get more organised, and you’ll find you have a lot more time to do much more fun and interesting things. Get a diary – a proper, old fashioned paper diary – and use it. Write down all appointments and reminders in it and check it every day. As for lost stuff, one basket could be all you need. Called a ‘bits basket’ (there is a less polite name but we won’t print it here), anything that is found around the house is put into it. So, when you lose something, that’s the first place to look – chances are it’ll be there. If it felt as though your money just kept flowing away from you last year, it’s time to take stock. Apart from food and other essentials, what did you buy? Where is it all? Was it worth it? If you can’t even remember what it was you spent all that money on, then it’s unlikely it was anything particularly useful or important. This year, saving is the name of the game. Don’t set a particular amount to save, but instead focus on the present (not the presents, that’s part of the problem). Every time you think you want to buy this book, that gadget, those whatevers, stop. Put the amount you would have spent into a savings account. At the end of the month, add it up, and you’ll be surprised – if not a little horrified – at how much is in there. Afternoon Tea at Eastwell Manor Relax by a crackling log fire whilst enjoying Eastwell Manor’s renowned afternoon tea. Choose from our Classic afternoon tea at £23.50 or upgrade to Pimm’s at £25.00 or Champagne at £29.50. Afternoon tea is served from 1.00 p.m. All our confections are homemade, using the finest, locally sourced ingredients. Dietary requirements lo catered for. Tel: [phone] | Email: [email protected] | www.eastwellmanor.co.uk 61