You’ve probably heard the saying “time is money.” The key to that phrase is in understanding that being organized saves time, thus being organized saves money. Being organized with your finances is no different. It can save you money too!

Here’s a little Cosmo-esque quiz to determine how organized you are! Instructions at the end will help you tally your score!

1. Turn on your favorite CD and see how long it takes you to gather your bank, credit card, investment, and other financial statements. TIP: Just pull out the paper documents for this year-to-date. How long did it take you?

  • a. 1 song
  • b. Â ½ a CD
  • c. The entire CD
  • d. You’ve played every song on your iPod and you’re still searching!

2. Where are your receipts right now?

  • a. Filed away in your system
  • b. Most are in your purse/tote bag/backpack, kitchen drawer, laundry basket, all over the house?
  • c. Some filed, some scattered
  • d. What receipts? I should be keeping them?

3. Where do you keep your cash?

  • a. My bills lay flat or are neatly folded in my wallet.
  • b. In my purse, on my dresser top, and possibly some change in the couch cushions.
  • c. I’ve got a wad of wrinkled cash in pocket, and there’s probably a bunch in the laundry hamper.
  • d. Cash? What cash?

4. Do you have mail that you haven’t opened yet?

  • a. No. I open my mail each day as I bring it in from the mailbox. Junk mail gets tossed out immediately!
  • b. Yes, but I usually put them in one spot an wait until I sit down to pay bills to open them.
  • c. Yes — current mail, and mail from last month, and the month before that….
  • d. Thanks for the reminder. I guess I should check my mailbox.

5. When do you file your tax returns?

  • a. April 15th and no later!
  • b. I file for an extension and submit my returns before the extended deadline.
  • c. At my leisure. I avoid all stress and just pay the penalties and interest.
  • d. The IRS is sending me notifications about past returns I haven’t filed!

6. Which experience best describes your grocery shopping style?

  • a. I don’t shop. The food would just rot in my refrigerator because I eat most of my meals out of the house.
  • b. I peruse every aisle and just grab what I want–at the moment. I stop by stores on my way home from work frequently. It seems I always need items that I don’t have.
  • c. I keep a list of absolute must-haves. I use it as a shopping guide and wing the rest of it.
  • d. I keep a list on the refrigerator and promptly write down items as I use them up. I shop regularly and consistently. While shopping, if it’s not on my list, I won’t buy it.

7. Are you currently saving for retirement, or do you have a financial plan for the future?

  • a. No. Are you saying I should be saving money?
  • b. I’ve got a few books on retiring rich”but I haven’t read them yet.
  • c. I have one retirement account, but don’t contribute money to it.
  • d. Yes. I have several diversified retirement accounts in place. I’m funding them regularly.

8. Do you use a calendar or system to schedule your time, both work and play?

  • a. I accept invitations from friends but don’t jot down the dates. I often forget events”fortunately sometimes I remember before it’s too late.
  • b. I have a calendar but don’t use it consistently. I use it to remind me to give the pets medication, but rarely use it for social events.
  • c. I keep a calendar for my work time but not for my personal time.
  • d. I live by my handheld device. The calendar feature is always on! I schedule work time and play time.

9. Do you pay your bills on or before the due date?

  • a. I rely on late fees! I can’t ever pay my bills on time. Why bother trying?
  • b. I fluctuate back and forth. Sometimes I get on a roll and pay my bills on time for a while. Then a few months later and I find myself lagging behind.
  • c. I pay then when I can. Sometimes they’re late, but they eventually all get paid.
  • d. I pay all my bills on time. I can’t remember the last late payment fee I incurred.

10. How long does it take you to find your keys?

  • a. more than 15 minutes
  • b. 6 — 15 minutes
  • c. 1 — 5 minutes
  • d. less than 1 minute

SCORING
For questions 1-5 each response receives the following:

a. 4 points
b. 3 points
c. 2 points
d. 1 point
For question 6-10 each response receives the following:
a. 1 point
b. 2 points
c. 3 points
d. 4 points

31-40 POINTS
You are highly organized. You manage your time wisely, and are probably very efficient. Keep up the good work. Modify your systems as you progress and keep them working for you. Perhaps you could pass it along. Help a friend or loved one with their goals to get more organized.

21-30 POINTS
You are generally well organized. Let’s consider you “in training”. You’re a professional organizers dream because you have the underlying desire to change. Your problems are most likely in maintaining your systems. With a little more effort, and a possible revamp of the systems you have in place, you’ll be more organized in no time! You’ll see how the benefits of your added energy will pay off quickly!


10-20 POINTS
You’ve probably never considered yourself an organized person. Now might be the time to consider a change. Switch it up and take a few small steps. You’ll experience how being organized can be freeing.

Follow a method that works for you. The internet offers several sites to help you get organized. A few of my favorites are:
Get Organized Now!
Life Organizers
eHow.com

Use free resources. Libraries often have large selections of books on getting organized. Or, you could also enlist the help of a professional organizer. (They often offer complimentary consultations in hopes of gaining clients.) Check the National Association of Professional Organizers, your yellow pages, or Craigslist for organizers near you.

Would you like more self-help quizes? Let us know! Queercents writers enjoy tailoring our content to you!