It's almost over. 2007 is about to be history. How did you do? Was it a productive year? Is there much you'd like to change? We all get another chance. It's called 2008 -- a new page, another crack at perfection or at least another crack at improving.

Here are some thoughts on simplifying life. Consider, as I have, asking some hard questions about your hectic schedule and life pattern. The goal may be to achieve more balance in your life and it can only come from the decisions we make about how we live.

Let's start with our time. We all have the same amount, but we all spend it differently. When was the last time you just sat quietly and thought about it? Who are your time thieves? Who robs you of your most valuable asset -- time? If you're honest, you do. It's always your decision on how to spend your time.

If balance is the goal, then every major role in your life needs to be identified and each role needs to be given attention. The experts say that each role deserves at least weekly activity.

As you consider your activities in the name of simplification, you must ask yourself "Does this activity contribute to one of my roles or could it be eliminated this year?" Each morning, each appointment, each standing activity needs to be assessed for either elimination or change.

Most business people I know spend too much time in too many meetings that are often unnecessary. Saying no is the first step toward simplifying one's life. The way you say no is important. Having a higher priority is the best and most honest way to turn down so-called "must" activities.

As my life has become more complex, the need for careful thinking is critical.

The old KISS formula -- Keep It Simple, Stupid -- is no easy task. Saying it in one sentence is often harder than saying it in a paragraph. It takes time and thought to write simply and live simply.

I have found that asking some questions about my time and with people helps. Here are a few:

* Do I really need to do this?

* Does this activity really mean something to me or am I just being polite?

* Can I accomplish the task without holding a meeting?

* Who could handle this better than me?

* If I don't have a plan, can I really say no to a request?

If I am seeking balance and more tranquility or peace in my life then I must plan on balance and peacefulness.

It all really comes down to planning. Much of our lives are filled with clutter, with noise. We get noise from television, radio, traffic, and all over the workplace. No one makes us turn on the TV, or the radio, or drive all the time. The decisions belong to us.

Planning is essential to handling your money well. It's a new year for that also. This may be the year you assess the holes in your financial affairs, and set some savings goals.

This may be the year to set up a budget, get your will or estate plan in order.

This could be the year you simplify your financial life by charging less and maybe cutting up a few charge cards. You may want to resolve that if you can't pay for it in cash you don't need it. Part of the financial clutter is just trying to pay all those bills that come in each month.

Starting Jan. 1, we have another clean slate. We can keep it simple or we can continue to live at the 2007 frantic pace. We can stay home more. We can talk with or write to our friends and family more. We can quiet our home by turning off a few switches. We can walk instead of drive.

Peace and simplification only require a little change and the change starts with us.

Notable Quote: "Quiet minds cannot be perplexed or frightened, but go on in fortune or misfortune at their own private pace, like a clock in a thunderstorm." -- Robert Louis Stevenson

Mills is a Registered Investment Adviser and Certified Financial Planner. He can be reached at 1030 Seminary St. Suite D, Napa CA 94559 or 254-0155 or suntrm@aol.com.