Clearing clutter and saving cash

Overlooked due dates, late fees and other penalties can tax our emotional and financial accounts with unnecessary charges. Other financial setbacks are bundled with lost opportunities. Therefore, better organization is one of many top frugal goals for 2010.

Set realistic targets, says Standolyn Robertson, past president of the National Association of Professional Organizers and owner of Things in Place. Robertson is a featured expert on the A&E Network show "Hoarders," and she offers these tips:

Avoid perfect traps - Perfectionism can defeat our efforts to be organized by luring us into all-or-nothing traps. Visions of a perfectly organized home can quickly yield to clutter and defeat when expectations are unrealistic. Perfectionists can also "hyper-focus" on an isolated area - a budget chart or linen closet - and lose the battle against disarray in other areas of a home or office.

Simplify - Be wary of complex organizational systems built on large investments in new closets, cabinets and containers. Establish small goals built on easy-to-follow solutions that are in step with your lifestyle, budget and thought patterns. Modest achievements can lead to gradual wholesale changes. For example, I have begun to toss away boxes of paper clutter by slowly reviewing old magazines, financial records and other documents. By purging and sorting for a few hours every weekend, I have established a manageable pace.

Find a partner - A buddy system creates accountability, which produces clutter-busting results, Robertson says. An "accountability partner" can be a friend, a neighbor or a professional organizer, and it's important to invest time and honesty into that partnership. Establish a timetable for exchanging progress reports over the phone, in person or through e-mail.

Identify roadblocks - Track the trail of clutter and locate the source of disarray. A lack of cabinet space, for example, can hamper efforts to unload clean dishes from a dishwasher, which in turn triggers a pile-up of dirty dishes in the kitchen sink, Robertson says. By purging kitchen cabinets of unused items, it's possible to create more storage space for clean dishes and less need for a full sink of plates. The hidden roots of clutter can steal time, money and self-esteem.

Sharon Harvey Rosenberg, McClatchy-Tribune Information Services

Splurge-Worthy

Whether it's a black tie event you're attending or a night out on the town, Love and Pride Jewelry is the perfect accessory for that special outfit. This ruby and silver sandblasted double ring will add sparkle. Inspired by the characters on HBO's "True Blood," this infinity shaped double ring is symbolic of the infinite lives the vampires lead. The ring features a sandblasted silver finish with 57 true rubies on one side totaling about 1.80 carat. The ring measures just under 5 millimeters in width. Also, 10 percent of your purchase goes to several organizations that support equal rights.

To buy • $295 at lovepeaceandhope.com and truebloodjewelry.com.

Shop site: Photojojo (photojojo.com/store)

Is taking better - or at the very least more - photos on your to-do list for 2010? Order some cool gear from Photojojo's store, or get inspiration in the form of Photojojo's book of the same name: "Photojojo: Insanely Great Photo Projects and DIY Ideas" (Potter Craft, $21.99).

Among the cooler things in the store:

• Jelly Camera Phone Filters ($15 for three) stick onto your phone around the camera lens to give you cool effects.

• Photo Hanger Clips ($10 for seven; back in stock this month) look like mini hangers and hold your photos without damaging them.

• White Balance Lens Cap ($45-$65, depending on lens size) makes it easy to white balance your photos.

• Re-Stickable Decal Photo Frames ($20 for eight) make it easy to change out your photos frequently and won't damage your walls.

• Polaroid Picture Frames ($20 for nine) turn any photo into a Polaroid look-alike, plus the snazzy frames have a dry-erase surface perfect for captions.

McClatchy-Tribune Information Services

DEAL OF THE WEEK

You'll find 60 percent off fall and winter clothing and accessories at Lusso, 165 Carondelet Plaza in Clayton. Here's the plan: 60 percent off until Friday and up to 80 percent off beginning Jan. 30. Designers include Nanette Lepore, Godis, Michael Stars, For Joseph, See Thru Soul, Bailey 44 and Johnny Was.

More information • 314-725-7205 or visit Lussohome.com

For great deals every day, go to our Steals & Deals blog at stltoday.com/steals

HIGH-LOW

High • OXO Good Grips 2-quart brushed stainless steel tea kettle ($69.99) at Macy's.

Low • OXO Soft Works 2-quart stainless steel finish tea kettle ($39.99) at Target.

JANUARY IS THE BEST TIME TO BUY ... TREADMILLS

Why • The market is bigger with more people starting their New Year's resolutions. That means fitness retailers are working harder to compete for your business.

Good deal • Fitness Showcase (with stores in Chesterfield, Des Peres, Creve Coeur and Shiloh) has the very popular True PS800 treadmill (right) for 20 percent off, so it's down from $3,699 to $2,959.

If you can't buy now ... • Consumer Reports says that if you can't buy in January, February is a good month to buy as well. The selection may not be as great, but the prices could be lower.

For great deals every day, go to our Steals & Deals blog at stltoday.com/steals