Steps to the simpler (financial) life

Source: Consumer Reports

1) CONSOLIDATE
- Checking & savings accounts
- Credit cards
- Investment accounts (include retirement and education)
- Insurances

2) AUTOPILOT
- Direct depositing your paycheck
- Pay yourself first (include retirement and education)
- Automate paying bills
- Buy and hold --> invest in index funds

3) COMPUTERIZE
- Receive bank, brokerage, and credit card statements online.
- Pay bills online or by credit card. (Avoid writing checks as much as possible)
- Prepare and e-filing your tax returns
- Track expenses <-- Quicken or Money - Track portfolio <-- Quicken or Money

4) HIRE PROFESSIONAL
(To save time and to reduce mistakes)
- Financial planning
- Investment (include retirement and education)
- Tax planning
- Preparation of tax returns

5) TOSS NEEDLESS PAPERS, BUT SAFEGUARD YOUR FINANCIAL IDENTITY

6) DRAW UP WILLS AND DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY