I’ve just emerged from three months of pure chaos. Beautiful, loud, dusty, decision-filled chaos.

Our home renovation is officially complete—and while I’m beyond grateful for the end result, I won’t sugarcoat it: it tested every ounce of my patience and brainpower.

We didn’t add a single square foot to the house. Instead, we reimagined how we use the space we already had. We added two new bedrooms, installed a gas fireplace (a dream!), created a real master bedroom and ensuite, and—believe it or not—I now have a closet bigger than my son’s.

But for six full weeks, my husband, two kids, our dog, and I were crammed into our 700-square-foot basement. Living in a maze of boxes, bins, and dust.

Clothes were scattered between rooms. Dust settled in places I didn’t even know existed. I couldn’t find half our stuff, and I felt like my brain had been hijacked.

There was no order, no predictability, and definitely no mental space left by the end of each day.

And honestly? This chaos reminded me of what financial disorganization feels like.

The Hidden Cost of Clutter: Decision Fatigue

Between the renovation chaos, parenting, and serving my clients, I was done.

I was experiencing the very definition of decision fatigue—and right in the middle of it all, something clicked:

Disorganization is the death of productivity and effectiveness.

When everything is everywhere—physically or financially—it drains your energy. 

Your brain is constantly trying to track what needs to be done, what’s missing, and where things are. I found it nearly impossible to focus on anything important until the clutter was cleared.

Financial disorganization works the same way. I see it all the time with clients.

Why Financial Disorganization Is More Common Than You Think

If I look back at my 15+ years working with clients, I’d say at least 80% come to me with some level of financial disorganization. And it’s not because they’re “bad with money.”

It’s just that life is busy.

You’re juggling careers, kids, businesses, aging parents, appointments, endless emails and that never-ending to-do list. Financial clarity often gets pushed to “someday.”

Here’s what I often see:

• Bank accounts that are no longer used or needed

• Forgotten investments

• Old workplace pensions or insurance policies sitting idle

• Budgets that don’t reflect their current lifestyle

• Important documents scattered in inboxes, drawers, or cloud folders

And here’s the truth:

When your financial life is disorganized, you are missing out. It’s costing you:

• Your peace of mind

• Opportunities to optimize your money

• Clarity and confidence in decision making

Financial Clutter Creates Mental Weight

Even if it’s  invisible on the surface, that financial clutter is quietly weighing on you in the background—just like my post-renovation obsession with getting every item back in its place.

And let me tell you: the relief my clients feel when they finally get organized? It’s just as powerful.

This isn’t about retirement planning or complex strategies yet. This is about the basics—asking the foundational questions:

• What do you have?
  
• Why do you have it?
  
• What is the purpose of each account or policy?

When you answer those questions, everything starts to shift.

You begin to see your money differently. Every dollar has a job. Every account has a reason for existing. You go from reacting to taking the lead in your financial life.

And from that place? Decision-making becomes easier. Simpler. Lighter.

It’s like mental white space opens up.

5 Simple Steps to Financial Organization

Ready to reclaim your clarity and stop spinning? Start here:

1. List Every Account and Asset

Include all checking/savings accounts, credit cards, investments, workplace pensions, insurance policies—everything. No detail is too small.

2. Ask: What’s the Purpose of Each?

If you can’t answer why you have it, or if it no longer fits your goals, flag it for review, consolidation, or simply get rid of it.

3. Track Your Net Worth

Knowing where you stand financially is both empowering and motivating. This is your baseline.

4. Create a budget or spending plan that aligns with your life today

Don’t rely on a budget from five years ago or one that’s “aspirational.” Use the numbers that reflect your life right now, make it realistic and sustainable.

5. Choose a Storage System for Important Info

Whether it’s a spreadsheet, a secure cloud folder, or a binder—just pick a system that makes your financial information easily accessible and manageable.

Why Financial Organization Matters

You don’t have to be rich or nearing retirement to get organized. And you’re not too “successful” to need it either.

No matter where you are on your financial journey, whether your income is steady or still growing, getting financially organized changes everything.

When your finances are aligned with your life: It makes life easier. 

• Decisions are clearer
  
• Goals feel achievable
  
• Mental space opens up
  
• Stress decreases
  
• Confidence grows

Every dollar has a purpose. Every account has a reason. And finally, you stop spinning and start making intentional progress toward your goals.

Ready to Take Control of Your Finances—Without the Overwhelm?

You’ve seen what financial disorganization can cost you—mentally, emotionally, and financially. The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Download My Free Financial Organization Kit

Get instant access to two powerful tools:
✔️ Net Worth Tracker
✔️ Monthly Budget Template
These will help you see exactly where you stand, what you have, and what to do next.