How to make "life admin" easier?

[elliejjtiny]

I will admit I hate life admin and always put it off. And i am dyslexic which really doesn't help. However my year 7 child needs supervision to do his homework on the computer so I decided to bite the bullet and get the life admin done at the same time.

15 year old's dla form got finished last week after several weeks of tearjng my hair out, so onto the 17 year old's pip form. I had already done the interview to become his appointee but paying the money (that we don't even know he will get yet) into mine and dh's joint account is apparently unacceptable so I have to have an account in just my name.

I went to the bank a few weeks ago and they can't do that there, you have to ring this number. Fine. So yesterday I ring the number, get put on hold, press 1, press 3, press 8 etc. Go through all the security questions and then get cut off. I have so far wasted hours on this and got precisely nowhere.

On mumsnet everyone seems to find this stuff so easy. Is it because I'm dyslexic? Is it because I'm trying to fill in forms while listening to k pop demon hunters and trying to encourage an 11 year old to do maths or is there an easier way of doing this that I don't know about?

it because I'm trying to fill in forms while listening to k pop demon hunters and trying to encourage an 11 year old to do maths or is there an easier way of doing this that I don't know about?

well that won’t help

You can start an account on your own name online so do that 🤷‍♀️

I find the following works:

My number one rule is no clutter! everything has to have it's place, nothing is bought unless I know where to put it, if I am replacing something I dispose of it as soon as the new thing arrives. No clutter means it's quick to clean.

I use an online calendar for all reminders, never rely on memory! On here are reminders like "check credit card" just before the bill is due, or "book dentist check up" reminders for each person. It's full because it contains reminders to do stuff as well as booked appointments. Everyone has access to it.

I have a spreadsheet (protected) to track all pensions and savings and I check all accounts once a month (make sure no incorrect transactions, all in credit etc). I also keep a note of all the kids accounts too.

I use a password manager so I don't have to keep track of passwords and I can move between app and website easily.

We have a cleaner as it helps with the load, she also does the garden. I use Tesco to deliver all groceries, I also use a meal box service so I can easily cook from scratch (Hello Fresh or GreenChef). I do a load of washing a day to keep on top of it, as soon as it's tumble dried I fold it and put it in piles according to the wearer, each person is responsible for putting their own stuff away. When I leave the house I put on the robot vacuum cleaner to do a floor.

I try to handle everything as soon as it comes in. When I used to commute I often used to use that for admin time so never did it at home. Anything I can't handle I put on a list and then tick off when done, rarely is anything left more than 3 days.

The above sounds a bit prescriptive maybe, but I've done a really busy role in the city for years and honestly with 2 DC I have to be organised to get through life - otherwise things can get out of hand especially if I go away for work.

Set up in of the online app bank accounts like Chase, Starling or Monzo. Dead easy and it will be just in your name.