A filing system is only effective, if you can find everything you need, when you need it--without a struggle. And all good filing systems have different categories of papers. Your papers are either going to fall into a MAIN category, or a SUB-category.

For example, a main category might be FINANCIAL. Some sub-categories within Financial, may be:

• Savings Account

• Checking Account

• Money Market Account

In your filing cabinet, your main categories should always be hanging file folders with a labeled tab. Your sub-categories should be labeled manila file folders inside the appropriate main category hanging folder.

For the most part, people choose to use one, or a combination of, these basic filing systems:

• Alphabetical (A, B, C, D, etc.)

• Numerical (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.)

• Chronological (Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, etc.)

The one you use, depends on what you're using it for. For example, if you need to keep files for all of your customers (or associates, friends, etc.), alphabetical by last name usually will work best.

For sequential case numbers or projects that are numbered, a numerical system would probably work best.

If it is necessary for you to find things by date, then chronological may be your choice.

Some people get really creative and use a combination of these systems. For example, you may want your main categories to be chronological, but the sub-categories inside to be alphabetical.

If a file isn't labeled properly, it's not going to be quick and easy to find:

• Always write your subject on the tab of the file folder, close to the top of the tab, so you can easily see it when you're looking through your files.

• Use a medium point, black marker to label your files. Print; don't use script.

• Use as few words as possible on the tab.

About The Author

Maria Gracia, owner of www.getorganizednow.com and author of the book, 'Finally Organized, Finally Free' can help you organize your home, your office and your life.

Get Organized Now! FREE Idea-Pak and E-zine filled with tips, ideas, articles and more to help you organize your home, your office and your life at the Get Organized Now! Web site!

getorgnow@wi.rr.com

Images revealed during NASA's Juno mission have captivated the internet.

An extremely rare U.S. currency note from the late 19th century is expected to sell for up to $3 million when it is auctioned next year.

It's now beyond official: Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, pose a danger to public health and welfare, according to an exhaustive review that looked at 275 scientific studies published over the past nine years.

An Indiana officer got a stunning view of the Geminid meteor shower — known as one of the best meteor shows of the year — from his patrol car late Wednesday.

The shape of your brain may say a lot about the Neanderthal in you.

WASHINGTON — A historic Transylvanian castle that may have once imprisoned Vlad the Impaler — likely inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula — still stands today.

A polar bear cub no bigger than a guinea pig was caught on video at the Berlin Zoo snuggling with its mother.

In an effort to better grasp the sun's past, present and future, Colombian and Spanish researchers made visualizations that meld the last 400 years of recorded solar observations.

The oldest giraffe living in North America died Thursday at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado at age 32.

Stargazers, get ready to bundle up as you catch one of the best meteor shows of the year — the Geminid meteor shower.