Filing: Combined with spouse's?

  • Thread starter Thread starter stokini
  • Start date Start date
S

stokini

Guest
I'm just implementing the GTD system this weekend, and it feels great. I have a question about filing, though.

My wife and I have kept a usable filing system for a while now, but it's messy. I would like to start my own filing system for reference and important documents, but I don't know if it's a good idea to have it separate from my wife's. A lot of our stuff is jointly owned, of course (e.g., utilities, home info, etc.) and will need to be kept in the joint system. Is it a good idea to have my own separate system with things that are only of use to me (e.g., my separate bank account and credit cards, contracts & employment info, etc.)? Or is that too complicated?

I'd love to hear other people's experiences on this issue.

Thanks!
Darrell
 
Re: Filing: Combined with spouse's?

stokini said:
My wife and I have kept a usable filing system for a while now, but it's messy. I would like to start my own filing system for reference and important documents, but I don't know if it's a good idea to have it separate from my wife's.
Click to expand...

This is exactly how Jodi and I do it. She's got an entire file drawer, built in the A-Z fashion we teach, for "Home and Garden." The other one (three full drawers) holds everything else; and yes, we both go into both of them on occasion. Typically, tho, I tend to manage most of the household reference, documentation, and all my travel and client files.

http://jasonwomack.typepad.com/photos/office_productivity/filed_papers.html
 
Personal file system

What is jointly owned is jointly owned but your life is not jointly owned. Don't you have some personal secrets - for example anniversary surprise for your wife? So - in my opinion - some kind of separate personal file system is necessary for any independent human being.
TesTeq
 
Confusion Chaos and Commitment

IMHO the ONE accountable person rule works here.

If you are say accountable for making sure utilities bills are processed and filed then you put them into your system. If she is accountable then they go in her system.

That why there is never any confusion because you know who is committed to what!

If you have a joint project (say building an extension) then one person must play the lead role in processing and filing the papers. The alternative is chaos.

I apply the same principle at work. People hate being held accountable - but its the only thing I've found that truely works over time.

good luck.
 
One accountable person rule.

Guest,
I like your approach and I agree with it totally.
TesTeq

One accountable person rule.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top