Guests are gone, but the mess remains

One of the best aspects of the holidays is spending time with family and friends. But no one enjoys cleaning up the mess that remains after guests leave. 

Here are three tips from Good Housekeeping to help you clean up fast so you can relax.

1. Tackle the table.Cleaning off the table after a meal is often the quickest task to complete. Remove any remaining dishes, utensils and glasses from the table. Take the tablecloth outside to shake off crumbs, then put it in the washing machine to soak. Scan your hardwood floors for scratches or dents, and if you find any, make a note to call ServiceMaster Clean® in the morning. Deep cleaning your floors is one task we can take off your hands.
2. Don’t leave the leftovers. Food that is perishable shouldn’t be left on the table for more than a couple of hours. If it has been, toss it in the trash. Cover the remaining food with foil or plastic wrap; you can transfer it to storage containers the next day. Take out the trash out so it doesn’t stink up your home overnight.
3. Prep the pans.Skip dish duty by filling your dirty pots and pans with a bit of dishwashing liquid and hot water and letting them soak overnight. Put plates, glasses and utensils in the dishwasher, if they are dishwasher safe, and start the cycle. Otherwise, rinse the dishes and stack them in the sink, so you can deal with them the next day.

Source: http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning-organizing/cleaning-up-after-guests

Master Your Money This Year

Saving more money and reducing debt are two of the most popular New Year’s resolutions made each year. Creating a budget is a vital step to helping you accomplish both. When creating a budget, keep this 50/20/30 guideline in mind.

• Fixed costs– Expenses like utilities, rent or mortgage and car payments are fixed expenses that don’t change from month-to-month. Aim to keep fixed costs to a maximum of 50% of your take-home pay.
• Financial goals– Put 20% of your take-home pay toward building an emergency fund, paying down credit card debt and saving for retirement. This 20% can also include saving for a down payment on a home.
• Flexible spending– Budget a maximum of 30% of expenses for flexible or varying expenses such as groceries, dining out, shopping and entertainment.

Source: http://www.learnvest.com/knowledge-center/your-ultimate-budget-guideline-the-502030-rule/