For Women with ADHD ADD Who Want to Connect
Trying to find a pda to simplify my life
It's tax time again and I have to go through my paper date book and transfer info into a spreadsheet or something similar (ie doctor appointment, mileage, meals). I also need to update both my and my son's medication info (I have a word document that has what med, when started or stopped, effects of the med good or bad etc). What I want is some kind of device that I can enter that sort of information to and then have that device add the information to various files on my computer. I was thinking that if such a gadget does exist and doesn't break the bank or include a cell phone, next year we might be able to file our taxes on time instead of the usual 5-7 months late. And I wouldn't have to feel guilty/stupid/lazy when my dh says we need that money from the income tax returns.
I'm a little afraid of trying to make this change as the paper date book works very well for me. I just have trouble transferring all that information into something usable for taxes and med history. Unfortunately it wouldn't work having someone else going through my date book and transferring the info because I'd have to check it anyway just to be sure they got everything. I doubt anyone would understand the medical or my own abbreviations or who's med was changed etc. I always use my date book to write down questions for doctors/therapists, results of lab work, record mood, medication changes, when to re-order medications, record blood pressure and migraines, school inservice days etc.
Any ideas appreciated.
Thanks,
Lynn
I'm a little afraid of trying to make this change as the paper date book works very well for me. I just have trouble transferring all that information into something usable for taxes and med history. Unfortunately it wouldn't work having someone else going through my date book and transferring the info because I'd have to check it anyway just to be sure they got everything. I doubt anyone would understand the medical or my own abbreviations or who's med was changed etc. I always use my date book to write down questions for doctors/therapists, results of lab work, record mood, medication changes, when to re-order medications, record blood pressure and migraines, school inservice days etc.
Any ideas appreciated.
Thanks,
Lynn
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Karen L on -
If it ain't broke, don't fix it (okay, the one time I'll use the word ain't. lol)!
My suggestion would be to work on your taxes all year ahead of schedule.
PDAs are only as good as the information you enter into them. I had one for a while and it was nice having my address book and some games on it but I had a fairly basic model and couldn't store documents on it. I also find those small keypads difficult to operate and would much rather type on the computer.
You have to do what works for you. A PDA or similar device won't necessarily work for you. However, it could make your life more efficient. Check the office supply websites for research. :)
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Permalink Reply by Lynn on -
Thanks for your reply Karen. I have tried doing the taxes on a regular basis but forgot all about them sometime in June. My husband just went to bed smirking and shaking his head with the look that says, I just have to wait until she gets stuck on something else (and I will). He reminded me that the plan I had was to transfer info from the date book to the computer once a week. Sounds very simple... too simple and too logical. I have a post it note up on the wall to remind me to do this. This way God forbid, if I loose The Book I wont loose everything. I've never lost a datebook yet, I just think I may because so many other things get misplaced. I'll keep looking for a bit, but my guess is I won't be able to reinvent the wheel.
G'Night
Lynn
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Permalink Reply by Sue on
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I used to end up with pages of mileage to add up at the end of the year -- which made me procrastinate like crazy getting it done for taxes. After trying a million ideas, here is what I do. Maybe this will give you an idea. I handwrite all the info on a sheet/clipboard I keep in the car. I don't even try to get it into the computer as it happens. Didn't work. One day a month, when I'm doing my household bills anyway, I take 10 extra minutes and put all the mileage into my computer. That works. I still have gaps at tax time, but I don't have the whole thing to do. Progress, right.
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Permalink Reply by jen on -
Well, if all you really need is a reminder to enter stuff into the computer I would suggest setting up an email reminder through an email reminder service. I don't think I would do once a week though. Maybe twice a month. If I know I have to do something every week I will REVOLT, lol. Maybe have an email reminder sent to you on the 15th and 30th of each month. Also, make sure you use some type of code in your book where you have entered info so you don't enter something twice.
I would suggest for taxes making a spreadsheet that has tabs at the bottom for each thing you need to transfer. I always keep my laptop on, but in sleep mode. I keep my budget files open at all times. If I have to go search for the file I am less likely to do it. Just don't forget to save each time!!
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