Question: What's the most important thing I can do to help me with organizing my finances now?

Answer: I think the most important thing you can do today is to get a box and an envelope... and a pen!

I actually gave this as gifts this year (along with a real gift). At first my friends and family thought I was really weird... but now they get it. This is so easy but for the beginning budgeter or the un-organized it really helps and works.

Large Envelope- The type that can hold an 8x10 piece of paper. Write TAXES on the front. This is the time of year when all of your important tax papers are mailed... your CPA will send your planner (if you use a CPA) your mortgage company will send your interest paid statement, your bank will send your interest earned statement and you'll get any 1099's from any independent contractor work and your employer will send your earning statement. You should receive all by the first week of February, if you don't call! You don't have to do anything with all this right now, just having a place to put all of this will help tremendously when it's time to do your taxes.

Box- I don't care if you use a fancy plastic box or a card board box, as long as it holds papers, a large amount of paper... your good to go! You'll need to put every important paper and all receipts into this box. Even if you have no time to file or do anything else... you'll be set when you do have time to do more because everything will be in one spot when you do.

So those are the 2 most important steps to take now. All you old budgeting pros I'm sure have already done this, but for you beginners this is a good place to start!