Conquering the e-mail beast

Here are three ways to deal with the ever-expanding mountain of electronic mail.
OCT 28, 2013
I get so many e-mails, and I bet everyone reading this blog does too. Over time, the volume of e-mails has increased, so I had to develop ways of dealing with them. My methods are not high-tech and they might not be “best practices” but they seem to work for me – at least somewhat! Here are my three simple techniques: 1) Delete irrelevant emails immediately. These are from sources that you might want to read sometimes, just not all of them, all the time. For example, I get regular e-mails from the California Society of CPAs with daily informational tidbits. If the headings don't interest me, I delete the message. If something catches my eye, I will read it. 2) Delete junk e-mails — after unsubscribing. This might seem like a waste of time, but believe it or not, this really does cut down on the volume of unwanted e-mails. Just look for the fine print at the bottom of the e-mail and click on “unsubscribe.” 3) Move e-mails out of your inbox as soon as you've responded or taken the needed action. If I get an e-mail that I might need to refer to later, I move it to a self-created folder named “Save/Hold.” I know other people who have many self-created folders, such as “Travel”, “Clients,” “Employees,” etc. I know these strategies are not rocket science. But by following these rules, I cut down on junk, I see only e-mails that still need action in my inbox and I have a separate folder for items I need to keep (such as air confirmations, conferences agenda, etc.). It's a simple approach and it works for me. I'm always open to new ideas. What tricks do you have for managing your inbox? Sheryl Rowling is chief executive of Total Rebalance Expert and principal at Rowling & Associates. She considers herself a non-techie user of technology.

Latest News

Advisor moves: RBC swipes $1.7B UBS team, Baird duo departs for LPL's Linsco channel
Advisor moves: RBC swipes $1.7B UBS team, Baird duo departs for LPL's Linsco channel

RBC Wealth Management's latest move in New York adds an elite eight-member team to its recently opened Westchester office.

Stifel star broker, Chuck Roberts, leaves firm under cloud of investor complaints
Stifel star broker, Chuck Roberts, leaves firm under cloud of investor complaints

Stifel – so far - is on the hook for more than $166 million in damages, legal fees and settlements in investor complaints involving Roberts, a 35-year industry veteran.

iCapital secures $820M in latest funding, hits $7.5B
iCapital secures $820M in latest funding, hits $7.5B

The giant alt investments platform's latest financing led by T. Rowe Price and SurgoCap Partners, along with State Street, UBS, and BNY, will fuel additional growth on multiple fronts.

Merrill Lynch on the hook for $3.7M after clients claimed sale of unsuitable private equity
Merrill Lynch on the hook for $3.7M after clients claimed sale of unsuitable private equity

Some investors recently have seen million dollar plus decisions by FINRA arbitration panels involving complex products decisions go their way.

What does it take to feel 'financially comfortable' or 'wealthy' in 2025?
What does it take to feel 'financially comfortable' or 'wealthy' in 2025?

New report shines a light on how Americans view wealth today.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.