L ife is like a never-ending tornado. It is naive to think we can stop the constant swirl of tasks, crises, etc. -- but uncluttering our daily existence is a big help.

SIMPLER FINANCES

Consumer debt is at record levels. Focus on your finances...

Spend time -- not money -- with your family. It can be so difficult to get everyone together these days that there is a tendency to plan elaborate vacations and other splurges. But is a family trip to Europe that much more enjoyable than a weekend car trip? Is a trip to the mall really better than a picnic?

There are plenty of inexpensive ways to spend time together. If you are stumped, look for ideas at the nearest visitors' center.

Get out of debt. Paying just the required minimum on credit card bills each month is a very expensive habit.

Helpful: Pay more than the minimum on your highest-rate debt each month. Even $20 extra per month can help. When that debt is paid off, take the monthly amount you had been paying and apply it to another monthly payment... and on down the line.

Get out of the spending habit. Shopping is the number-one form of entertainment in the US. People often buy things because acquiring something makes them feel good for a moment. This wastes time and money. Instead...

Buy only to replace things. Unless something you own is broken, you don't need to replace it with something new -- even if it is on sale.

Evaluate price tags in terms of hours worked. If you make $15 an hour, a $100 expenditure represents more than a day's work, after taxes. Is that sweater worth a day's pay?

SIMPLER SCHEDULE

Most of us make time for other people's priorities -- but leave our own needs for whatever time is left.

Instead: Block off at least 15 minutes every day for your priorities -- a quick workout, reading, a hobby.

Cross one thing off your to-do list without doing it. The average person's to-do list is full of things that are worthwhile -- but hardly emergencies.

If a task is really important, it eventually will work its way back onto your list. Meanwhile, you will have more time for yourself and loved ones.

Focus on the present. Worrying about the future and fretting about the past waste precious time. When you feel anxious, remind yourself that the past is gone and the future is out of reach. As long as you're doing your best at this moment, there is no cause for worry.

Rid yourself of everyday time wasters. Buy only wash-and-wear clothing. With so many companies adopting casual dress codes, this is really a no-brainer. Remove "special care" items from your regular wardrobe.

Choose a no-fuss hairstyle -- and save up to 10 minutes each day.

Remember that it's okay to drop the ball. If you are overwhelmed by responsibilities to community, friends, family, housework and job, don't continue juggling them all. Let a ball drop. With only a few exceptions, it will bounce back. But choose carefully. You can't drop the ball on your family, and it might be a mistake to drop the ball on your career. But friends will forgive you... housework will always be waiting... and other commitments are rarely necessary.

Ask for help. Coworkers, family members and friends can assist you when your schedule is at its worst.

SIMPLER HOME

Purge your wardrobe. Throw out, give away or donate anything you do not use. The typical person wears only 20% of his/her wardrobe. The other 80% just makes it hard to find the stuff you do wear.

Go through closets, shelves and drawers. Ask yourself, "What's the worst thing that could happen if I got rid of this?" Keep only those items you use or love. Unclutter one section at a time, or set a timer for 15 minutes.

Revamp clutter zones. Create a work center with everything you need for handling mail and paying bills. Clear your kitchen counters completely... then put back only what you use every day. Use stackable crates in coat closets for storing shoes, hats and gloves.