You could be forgiven for not having sorting life admin as the top of your list of fun things to do. However, with socialising on hold and Working From Home, there is light at the end of the tunnel as a temporary situation. Now more than ever might be the right time to take a closer look and make some solid progress that our future selves will thank us for.
Checking off the to-do list whilst in lockdown is a great way to stay productive and on top of life goals, and we’re likely to make good use of our time at home. In fact, data from this year shows 77% of people working from home have reported higher productivity.
Here are four tasks for you to tackle while in isolation:
Sort your finances
It might feel like a mighty challenge to get on top of – and not a particularly exciting – but sorting your bills and insurance claims will help you get on top of where your money is going and even how to cut down on it.
New research shows Australians are paying approximately $8 million more for financial products than they should be, simply by staying with the same provider. Shopping around to compare and find the best options for your home loan, credit cards could save you up to $8496.
Now more than ever is the time to be discerning: consolidate your superannuation if you have multiple accounts open; and check up on your health insurance claims to make sure you are getting the most out of what you are paying for.
Write your Will
It isn’t the most pleasant thing to think about, but did you know that 70% of Australians do not have a will? Many are guilty of believing this is a complicated and costly affair, but the average Australian can easily create their will online.
Aussie start-up Safewill lets you create a fully bespoke will document online, and it usually takes just 20 minutes. For only $190 for singles and $285 for couples, you can write your own personalised will and have it reviewed and finalised by a qualified Australian solicitor within just two days – that’s a lot cheaper and faster than a traditional visit to your lawyer.
Declutter your Inbox
It’s less physical than organising the paperwork, but rest assured you can still ‘spark joy’ when doing a digital cleanout.
This is a great one to do when you’re feeling that slump in the afternoon, simply filing important emails in a folder so they are easy to find and responding to any outstanding personal emails. It is also a great way to clear up storage on your phone and computer and there are some great apps out there that will easily delete unwanted subscription emails, such as Unroll Me.
Maximise your savings
Anyone else got three different bank accounts and you don’t know why? Now is the time to also worth look into what your bank invests in, does it align with you values? Maybe it’s time for a change?
Recent data reveals that Aussies typically have $29,270 in savings and on average save $660 each month. Safe to say this is not a reality for many Australians in recent times, however the average Australian does stand to make an extra $2346 in interest over a three- year period by moving from a traditional savings account to a digital bank, that typically have the best rates on the market.
These tasks can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re stuck inside and the wine isn’t far from reach. Set yourself time limits for each of your tasks, and stick to them. Tackling admin is no easy feat, take a break in between tasks to give your mind a rest, and be sure to book in that remedial massage you are owed from your health insurance when quarantine is up!
