These tricks will help you save time, money...and your sanity

Time is money—and we never seem to have enough of either! But unlike money, when you waste time, you can’t get it back. Learning what time-management tricks work for you can be just as valuable as getting a handle on your finances. On this week’s episode of “The Payoff,” we highlight some time-saving tricks for busy people on the go.

Prioritize your to-do list

Those who thrive on organization and order can’t live without their to-do lists. For me, there’s nothing more satisfying than checking items off my “ABC” list. For tasks that need my attention right away, I add them to my A-list and handle those to-dos that day. My B-list is for administrative tasks that I can batch together, such as returning phone calls or paying bills. And my C-list is for longer-term tasks that can wait to be completed. It might sound elementary, but it works for me and helps me focus my energy, without feeling too overwhelmed by a never-ending list.

Prep the night before

Unless you’re an extremely early riser, mornings can be very stressful. To avoid this, think of all the things you need to do each morning to get your family out the door, and try to do as many things as possible the night before. You can load up the car with sports gear, lay out clothes, pack lunches, set your table for breakfast and set the timer for your morning brew.

Clean in bulk

Disinfect all your toys at once by throwing them into an inflatable pool, bathtub or dishwasher (except, of course, plush toys or toys with an electronics component). It’s so much faster than wiping them down by hand. Plus, fewer germs means less time dealing with nasty colds.

Stock up on multi-purpose products

Forget 2-in-1 products and try all-natural 4- or 5-in-1 products instead. Did you know that witch hazel tones your skin, cools sunburn and relieves itchy skin and bug bites. Coconut oil is another wonder product. Its health benefits are endless for your skin, hair and digestion. It can be used to prevent aging, treat bruises, detangle hair, fight frizz and remove eye makeup. Want to cut down on cleaning products? A box of baking soda can help you clean just about anything around the house.

What are some of your time-saving hacks? Using the hashtag #WAYSTOSAVE, share them with us on Twitter, Facebook, or email them to us and we’ll feature some of your best tips at the end of the month and share them with our viewers.

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