5 Things You Can Do with Your Computer to Save Time

1. Make a grocery shopping list.

Using a spreadsheet program such as Excel, make a basic shopping list. Leave column one blank, list the grocery item in column two, the item type (veggie, frozen food, canned good, health and beauty, etc.) in column three, the brand name you commonly buy in column four and the grocery store aisle number where you always find this product in the last column.

When you need a particular grocery, just put an X in the first column next to that item. When you're ready to go shopping, just use the sort feature to sort all of the items marked with an X to the top of the list. Print only those items out and go shopping.

To make it easier to find items when you're marking what you need, you can use the find feature. You can also sort alphabetically by grocery item or grocery type.

2. Set up address labels or pre-addressed envelopes.

If you have to write out envelopes each month for certain bills like your landlord or your water bill, save time by making pre-addressed envelopes on your computer. Just use a word processing program, such as Word, to set up an envelope. Print enough out for the year and keep them in the area where you normally write out your bill payments.

You can also apply the same idea, but use address labels instead. You can easily create these using a word processing program such as Word. There is also label software you can purchase if you'd prefer. When the address labels are made, just stick them on envelopes.

In addition, having address labels for holiday cards sure beats having to address dozens of cards by hand each year. I update any addresses in my holiday labels database throughout the year. Then I just print my labels out in November when I'm ready to send out my holiday cards.

3. Balance your checkbook.

Rather than having to add deposits, subtract payments, and balance your checkbook constantly, you may opt to use software such as Quicken instead. We simply type our deposits, payments and withdrawals into the Quicken software and everything is calculated automatically. There's never a mathematical error and when we receive our bank statement each month, we're able to reconcile in a snap.

With financial software, you can usually do many other things too such as budgeting, online bill paying, managing investments and much more.

4. Make a home inventory.

Using a word processing program or a spreadsheet, type up a list of your valuable possessions, such as your television set, your jewelry, your computer, etc. Next to each item, indicate the item value, any serial numbers and any other pertinent information.

As you buy new items, update your inventory to include them. If you get rid of any items currently on your inventory list, delete them.

An inventory list is a wonderful resource if you need it for insurance purposes or if you plan on selling any of your possessions in the future.

It's a good idea to make a backup copy of this inventory and give it to a trusted relative or friend, or keep it in a safety deposit box, in case of loss.

5. Keep a family wish list.

Using a spreadsheet, make a separate column with each family member's name. Under that person's name, list any items that he or she may like when birthdays, holidays or other special occasions pop up. Have family members help fill in their columns throughout the year, and don't forget one for yourself.

When someone buys or makes one of the gifts listed, simply delete it. In doing this, it makes it so much easier and less stressful to shop for gifts.