How To: Conquer Lateness This Fall With Citi Simplicity (Giveaway!)

Hey you! Can you believe autumn is here? I feel like this year has flown by!  There are so many things I've yet to get accomplished this year. And thanks to my never-ending sickness, I feel more behind than ever.  The holidays will be here soon (I can't believe it either), and things can start to add up. Feeling overwhelmed and worried can cause unnecessary stress for the holidays. But I've got some tricks up my sleeve to help conquer lateness this fall. So before the craziness of the holidays begins,  start a new tradition. Check out my tips:

• Get Organized for Gifts--I have a huge family, so I keep a Gift Chart with everyone's name so no one gets left out. I also have spaces for clothing sizes (when applicable) and gift ideas. While I keep mine on a computer or tablet computer document, a paper list works just as well!
• Gift Closet (Or Box)--I'm the worst at forgetting where I put things, and I'm totally guilty of finding presents hidden somewhere way after Christmas. I've since learned to designate a space, like a box, or I actually use a spare closet, to store gifts.
• Get Organized for Decorations--I love decorating for the holidays, but simply labeling a box as "decorations" isn't helpful. Instead, I specifically label what is in each box, and where it goes (ex. mantel). I use containers designed for the types of decorations, like breakable items. 
• Wrap 'N Go--I can be the biggest procrastinator when it comes to wrapping gifts. How many times have you stayed until late Christmas Eve wrapping presents? Not fun, right? What I found that really works is to multi-task. For example, I'll wrap presents while watching tv. Working little by little gets it done, leaving me plenty of time to enjoy the holidays with my family.
• Sales--Sales and coupons are my best friends when it comes to getting gifts.  I shop year-round for gifts, leaving me done well before the holidays begin. I also purchase wrapping paper and other supplies only when on sale.
• Budget--I allot myself a certain amount to spend each year. I DIY many of my gifts. For kids in my family, I make them things or get them small stocking stuffers so they have something to unwrap. But the main gift is an experience. I'll make them a card for them to redeem for an experience of their choice, like a special dinner out, or a day where they get to decide everything (like what we eat, play, etc).

Speaking of budget, I also make sure I pay my bills on time to avoid those pesky late fees as that really deplete my budget. These fees typically start at $15 and can be as high as $35 per missed payment! But it doesn't have to be that way. Have you heard of the Citi Simplicity credit card? Citi Simplicity is the ONLY card that never has late fees, a penalty rate or an annual fee, ever.  Some other features I love:

Citi Easy Deals-- Citi Easy Deals offers access to great discounts on gift cards, travel, brand name merchandise and more, including offers for your favorite restaurants and shops. Visit citieasydeals.com at home or on your mobile phone to see how you can start saving with over 200,000 offers.

• Zero Liability on unauthorized charges--that means if someone uses your card without your consent – online or offline – you won’t be held responsible.
• Back to my point earlier about sales: Have you ever done all your back to school or holiday shopping, only to see the items you purchased on sale later? It can be frustrating and time-consuming to chase down price adjustments. Citi Price Rewind does the work for you, by searching retailers’ site for lower prices when you buy and register an eligible item with your Citi credit card. Save your credit card receipt each time you shop. If Citi finds your item at least $25 lower than what you paid within 30 calendar days, you can get the difference in price back, up to $250. The average refund is $80. To learn more visit www.citi.com/pricerewind for more information.

GIVEAWAY:

I want to know your tips and strategies for conquering lateness. To encourage you to do so, Citi Simplicity is giving away a 16gb mini tablet! See rules below:

Sweepstakes

Abbreviated Rules 

The Conquering Lateness Sweepstakes (“Sweepstakes”) is open to legal US Residents, age 18 or older. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes ends 5pm (PST) on October 24, 2013. The Official Rules are available here. No purchase necessary.

Only two entries per participating blog per household; if the same or substantially similar comment (as determined by the Sponsor in its sole discretion) is posted twice, it may only count as one Entry. Eligible persons may enter this Promotion by taking any of the following actions, each of which counts as one entry:
1.     Leave a comment in response to the Promotion prompt on this post.
2.     Tweet (public message) about this Promotion, including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that Tweet in a comment on this post.
3.     Blog about this Promotion (including a disclosure that you have received a sweepstakes entry in exchange for blogging about this Promotion), and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post.
4.     To enter without commenting, follow this link, and provide your email address and your response to the Promotion prompt.

Be sure to visit the Citi brand page on BlogHer.com where you can learn more about conquering lateness!

What are your tips for conquering lateness?