Read a great article on yahoo yesterday, that I just had to share. Saving money really is in the things we take for granted everyday. I hope this inspires many of you to get busy and start saving.

I am overjoyed that the 5 minute room rescue is helping so many of you. Here's a new one to add to your schedule. I call it, the 5 minute good giving. Grab a plastic grocery bag, set your timer for 5 minutes, walk through your house and collect things you know you need to giveaway. This works great for the kids toys (beware: do it when they go to bed & they won't even miss 'em). If you  are really feeling bold, walk into your closet and pull down a few shirts you never bothered to put on this season.

The trick to the 5 minute good giving is to tie up the bag when the 5 minutes is complete and put it in your car. No looking back. This way, when you are out and about  you can go ahead and drop it off to be donated. Otherwise, you run the risk of creating a new pile of  items that need to be rescued. Not only do you clean out the house is a  way that is not overwhelming or stressful, you also make several tax deductible donations. Bonus!!!

Try it out and let me know how it works out for you. Once a week is all you need.

Ask anyone for a moment of their time and most will spare at least 5 minutes, sometimes minimum, most of the time maximum. My goal is to find the best ways to spend that spare time when it comes to cleaning my home. Hence, today's bright idea...The 5 Minute Rescue.

Here's what you do:
Set your timer (stove,microwave or kitchen) for 5 minutes. Put away as many items in one room, area, or space as you can. It's that simple.

Yes, it sounds crazy. But I'm telling you it works. Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning a 5 minute rescue into your schedule:

*This technique works best when everything has a place. So labeling bins and designating areas for items such as toys, blankets, books/magazines, remotes, mail, etc., help clean up to be more productive in a shorter amount of time. I recommend making sure everything has a place before implementing the rescue technique.  It will keep you from being frustrated when more tasks aren't completed when the timer goes off.

*The 5 Minute Rescue is a great way to involve family (especially your kids) in the clean-up process. We even have a song we sing while we try to beat the clock.

*I use my 5 Minute Rescue most for the man child's play areas and keeping the living room tidy, especially at the end of the day and/or just before company comes.

*When the timer goes off, what's done is done. It's no fun, when a 5 Minute Room Rescue turns into 30 minute overhaul. It's just to help you stay on top of areas that tend to get out of control.

Try it! And enjoy loosening the shackles of being a slave to your home. The house will be tidy allowing you to have an exhale moment and choose to spend more time doing the things you enjoy...or maybe even nothing at all.

Hope this Bright Idea helps your week run a little smoother.