How about some digital decluttering to start the week? It’s National Clean Your Virtual Desktop Day! Here are some thoughts and tips to get started:

A recent report noted that Americans devote more than 10 hours a day to screen time. So not only do you need to clean scattered papers off your desk, but taking the time to clean your virtual desktop on your computer, tablet, and smartphone is necessary!

• At first, it is so easy to save files to your desktop, however your screen will quickly become covered in icons and you’re left to sort out the mess. To reclaim your desktop go through each file and either delete those that are no longer needed, or move them within your computer storage to a designated folder. Remember, when you are downloading your eStatements from Bruning Bank, don’t automatically save them to the desktop. Create a folder that is secure, and organize by dates to make sure they are accessible when needed.
• Evaluate your shortcuts on the desktop. You can easily pin many of your frequent icons to the Taskbar (Windows) or Dock (Mac). If you have any shortcuts that haven’t been used within two weeks, they can be deleted so they aren’t taking up room on your screen. When are you ready to download your Bruning Bank banking transactions into QuickBooks or Excel, remember the program can be pinned to the bottom of the desktop or a quick click away from the Start (Windows) or Launch Pad (Mac) Menu.
• Tablets and smartphones need decluttering too! Look through the main screen and remove any apps you don’t use. This will help free up storage space and organize your screen for what is used most. There are a few apps you’ll want to be sure to keep to help track your finances – that is the Bruning Bank app, CardValet, and your mobile wallet app. These will help simplify your on-the-go life as you can check your balances, complete transfers, make mobile deposits, and pay bills all from your smart phone! And don’t forget you can take control of your debit card by setting alerts based on use, turn your debit card off if you misplaced it (and on, once it is secure), and load your Bruning Bank debit card in your selected mobile wallet (Apple Pay, Android Pay, or Samsung Pay) to pay in stores and within apps that is easy and secure.

Clutter is nothing more than postponed decisions…so join in and take the time to become organized with your virtual workspace!