I have too many books. What should I do?

“What Should I Do With All The Books?”

Karen Caccavodecluttering, Financial Organizing

I grew up in a home full of books.  My parents —  avid collectors — took us to book fairs the way other kids are taken to the zoo. But my real education in the book world occurred when my mother moved into assisted living and eventually passed away, leaving thousands of books behind.  I was left to figure out …

Meet Steve

Meet SteveSteve developed his strong organizational, problem-solving and “people” skills during a career as a business owner / entrepreneur; a business organizer / advisor / coach; and as a certified Professional in Human Resources (emeritus). To jump-start his knowledge of seniors’ needs, he studied for and obtained the professional designation of Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® in 2010. He maintains this …

Saving vs Shredding -- Finding Memories on the Back of an Envelope

Finding Memories on the Back of an Envelope

Karen Caccavodecluttering, Life Lessons, Preserving Memories, Working with Clients

Clients expect me, as a financial organizer / daily money manager, to be all business, forging ahead with one goal in mind: to work with them and conquer their paperwork clutter.  But my work as a financial organizer is more nuanced.  After all, I am working with people, not just paper!  The key to success in my close-to-10-years in business …

Trash or Treasure? Downsizing a Lifetime of Stuff

Karen Caccavodecluttering, Memorabilia

My parents moved across the country several times over the years, with second homes along the way.  Each time they moved, they hauled not only the necessities, but also lots of “stuff,” which was … trash or treasure? One item left to us was a rusty and broken child’s bank in the shape of a bank building (see photo of …

Seeking Life’s Important Papers (Not the Ones You Might Think)

Karen CaccavoImportant Documents, Working with Clients

A fellow professional organizer brought me in to locate a client’s important papers during a whole-house packing and moving project. The client had bolted across the country (that’s the only way to explain the dirty dishes left in the sink) for a lucrative new position.  He was climbing the ladder in the financial industry at a speed that left him …

sample generic credit cards

Managing Your Credit Cards Wisely

Karen CaccavoCredit Cards, Paperwork Organizing

My Amex card turns 40 this year. I got it when I was suddenly promoted from admin to manager and had clients to entertain and business travel to book. My Lord & Taylor and Bloomingdale’s credit cards were not going to do the job. I had gotten them to 1) start building a credit history, and 2) make me feel …

Code of Ethics

Code of EthicsThe American Association of Daily Money Managers is committed to promoting high standards of client services provided by its members. As Daily Money Managers (DMMs), we provide assistance to clients who have difficulty managing their personal monetary and/or business affairs. As DMMs, we are not acting as accountants, financial advisors, or attorneys. Unless separately educated and properly licensed …

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say”Thank you for everything you do for me. I was so worried and discouraged, but now that I have you in my life, I have hope.”CTP, Westchester County, NY “I was referred to Karen by the Office of the Aging and the Association for the Visually Impaired. One of my sons had been helping me with my …

Client Stories

Client StoriesBarb and Ben Bringing Clarity and OrderBarb and Ben were overwhelmed. He was in and out of the hospital. And, while Barb had worked full time and raised four children (now busy professionals with children of their own), she had never handled the family finances or paperwork. With the added stress and time commitment of caring for Ben, their …

Services for Seniors

Services for Seniors”Who is Karen? She is my lifesaver.”JTH, age 80Did you know you can have friendly, capable, and confidential assistance with your paperwork? Or have some someone trustworthy take on your paperwork and financial tasks? Are you hesitant about asking for help with tasks you’ve always handled yourself? Personal Money Manager™ understands. If you are like our clients, you …