In the previous post I wrote about the Department of Homeland Security’s campaign to help America be prepared for disasters.  However there are also emergencies not linked to a natural disaster.  We are also experiencing an economic disaster in many areas at the moment.  Both of these require smoothly operating and organized systems  to give you control of your projects and plans. 

Good systems let you move key resources such as information, money, and personnel to wherever they do the most good at the moment.  Being in control of your resources is more important today than ever. Tough economic times affect everyone; but their impact is less severe if we can respond quickly and appropriately to unexpected strains.

Financial resources are a major concern for so many companies now, from solo entrepreneur to larger business structures.  Almost every financial expert recommends maintaining an emergency or rainy-day fund to help pay bills and meet commitments during lean times. How much to set aside and leave untouched for emergencies is up to you: it can be as little as $1000, or the equivalent of one or even two years’ income. How much you put into the fund should be based on a realistic evaluation of your current income and needs.

The more you know about your income and how much you’ll need, the more accurate your plan will be. This is another area where organized systems help.  You want to be able to quickly access income and expense reports as well as projections. 

Besides the obvious economic benefits of such a fund, there are psychic payoffs that will speed up your eventual recovery from tough times. Experts say the less worry and stress we feel, the more successful we’ll be. When we cover short-term expenses, we can be more relaxed and creative in making important life choices.

Being well-organized as well as resourceful can help you survive the ups and downs of the coming months.