In dusting off things around here at The Frugal Bookworm, I've decided to breathe a little life into "Thinking Ahead Thursday" again. Now that I'm back to work (school starts in less than a week!), I'm trying to crank up my "thinking ahead" processes.  What helps me the most?  I'm a list-maker.  As I type that, I feel like I should say, "Hello, my name is Amy, and I'm a list-maker."

What are some of the benefits of list-making?

• List-making is not a fine art.  You can make as many lists as you want, or as few (I do suggest that if you're just starting out that you keep it on the few side).  
• You can make a list anywhere.  I've made lists while sitting in the cry room with the Princess waiting for Sunday services to start.  I keep a tiny little notebook and pen in the bathroom.  You never know when inspiration will strike!  :-)  If you're waiting in a doctor's office or at the salon, you can take that few minutes to make a list.
• You can make a list about anything.  I keep a running list of upcoming holidays, who I need to buy or make presents for, and gift ideas in a Microsoft Word file on my laptop. Grocery lists, lists of errands to run, or a "bucket list" are other options. 
• List-making is frugal.  You don't have to have fancy software to make a list.  You can write on a scrap sheet of paper, on the back of an envelope (a favorite technique of my mom's), the cardboard that comes inside pantyhose (another favorite of my mom's), or in a notebook.  My preference is a college-ruled composition notebook and a plain ol' pencil. 
• List making gives you a sense of accomplishment.  Use a red pen, or simply use the same pen or pencil you made the list with to cross off items as you accomplish them.  Something about that red pen (I guess it's the teacher talking) let's me know I've succeeded.  I used to keep lists in Microsoft Word and delete the items as I completed them, but that didn't show me how much I had accomplished.  There's a little ego boost that comes with seeing how much you've accomplished in one day.

What do you use to make lists?  What are your favorite lists to make?  Leave a comment, or if you have a post about "thinking ahead", please share it with us in the Mr. Linky box below.