Plan for 2015 - Finances/Bill Paying

If you've been following this month, I've hit the subject of Time Management pretty hard. But let's take a mental break from that. 

Let's do something quick and easy that will make almost any household run more efficiently . . . such as putting together a bill paying/finances center.   

By mutual agreement, I'm passing the torch of managing our finances over to Steve.  I am soooooo ready to let it go, and he will bring a new perspective to our budget and lifestyle. But since he will be doing this task at my desk, I want to set things up for him so that everything is at his fingertips.  

INCOMING BILLS
The mail comes in at the first level, but the office is on the 2nd floor.  There is no way we're making extra trips up the stairs that we could avoid. So we separate the bills from the rest of the mail, and put bills to be paid in a hanging wall organizer in the mudroom. Steve grabs the bills when he's ready to pay them. Separating them from the other mail is key: then you don't have to go through stacks of paper and chance misplacing one. Basically, late bills = bad.

EASIER BILL PAYMENT
We pay almost all of our bills online through our bank. For bills that don't fluctuate, such as mortgage, insurance and loans, we set up on auto pay. For bills that change month to month, we connect to one site, key in the amount and when it should be paid. Boom. Done.  It actually takes more time to open the paper envelope of the bill than to pay the bill. I must admit, I resisted online payments for a long time, but that's because I'm old school, and by nature, I tend to be overly cautious. Now I love it. When I have to write a paper check from time to time, the process feels outdated and archaic to me. 

GO PAPERLESS
We don't, but you can.  I run my business out of our home and need paper copies for taxes, and filing bills is faster than printing out receipts or requesting/printing spreadsheets from all the necessary companies at the end of the year. It would be bliss to give up filing and storing the paper, but perhaps you could enjoy this. It's fairly awesome for the environment, and lowers the overhead of the people you do business with. 

FILE YOUR STUFF
I used to have a complicated system of separating expenses into categories, but found it is much MUCH simpler to lump paid bills together by month, using a durable 13-slot separator for the year. If something big is going on such as a renovation, or a very large purchase such as a vehicle, I give it a separate file. But for the most part, the above works like a charm. The 13th slot can be used for income taxes. 

SUPPLIES AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
A letter opener, stapler and a box of envelopes are good things to have around. And there is always the occasional bill that requires a paper check.  In that case, I've provided a zippered plastic envelope that holds the checkbook/register, stamps, calculator, return address labels, and a pen.  

SOMETHING TO HOLD IT ALL
I use an open fabric covered container that has been around since the 90s - you can tell by the colors! But there are a myriad of ways to do this according to your own preference. Some clients like to use a hanging file in a bankers box or filing cabinet. Some like a hanging magnetic pocket on the side of the fridge. Some like a tray or a binder. It's all good. 

One of the great things about having it all together in one container is that the container is mobile - a nice benefit if you aren't tied to a PC. Bill payers that utilize smart phone/device, or people who write out all their checks, can enjoy the freedom of moving to any space, any time.

OTHER DOCUMENTS
We also choose to keep a few more files here that just seem to go with receipts, and this is mostly for the ease of filing, and tax preparation.  So along with the stuff mentioned, I have manilla folders for our 2015 and 2014 Health Service Account, our 2015 Investment Portfolio, as well as taxes from 2014. And because we will attack our budget soon, I'm temporarily keeping 2014 receipts at hand until we bite the bullet and become more in control of our income.  (Perhaps some day I'll  blog about that . . . )

PASSWORDS
Some kind of list or notebook is good to have around with your passwords, usernames and account numbers - all in one place. I used to keep it all in my head, but then I thought: what if I get amnesia or a rare form of mid-life Alzheimer's?  How will we have access to anything?  (See what I mean about myself - overly cautious.)  

You'll like how easy it is to quickly pay your bills and get back to something you'd rather be doing!

Plan for 2015 - Set Goals by Working Backwards

If you read yesterday's post, you can see where there are less busy times of the year to meet goals you have set for yourself. During the slower times of the year, will you have enough time to accomplish what you want? How do you find out find out? 

Today we'll talk about tackling large goals by working with a deadline. It requires planning ahead and some structure, but it's relatively painless. 

Hate deadlines? Then think of it as closing the deal. Defining an end to project is imperative, and you need to imagine a cut off point to see if you have time to finish what you've started.   

It's easiest to describe in a Case Study: 

Meet Richard. He's a Hotel Furniture Sales Rep and his top priority this year is CAREER GROWTH. 

Richard knows that in order to grow his career he needs to support this goal with specific activities, such as expanding his sales line. He wants to do this in effectively within four months.  Can he do it?  He will work backwards to find out.

A simplified example of Richard's timeline might look something like this:

Supporting  Activity for CAREER GROWTH - Sell (1) New Line in Four Months

      *January and February - choose new line, meet with key contacts, sign contracts

      *March - learn the line, develop/practice sales pitch, order sample materials

      *April - create call list, set up appointments, arrange travel, appointments/follow up
To ensure his monthly goals are accomplished, he further breaks down his activities by the weeks of each month, taking into account other things that are going on in his schedule. 

January might look like this: 

     *Jan 1st week - decide most appropriate lines to pursue

     *Jan 2nd week - research three manufacturers of bedside tables and dressers

     *Jan 3rd week - (nothing assigned - too busy with NC project, family commitments)

     *Jan 4th week - research five manufacturers of headboards

He would then break down his weekly activities by days to ensure they happen. 

So yes, Richard can feasibly see this through in four months.   

By working backwards, it gives you a fairly good idea if you need more or less time to see your deadline through. Maybe there isn't enough time to stick with your original plan, but you can break your goals down into small tasks so that you're still moving forward with your goals.  

It's important that every step you need to support that deadline should be included on your calendar. Plan for the year, then the month, then the week, then daily.

You will also get a good idea of how much time you have for the other priorities in your life. We'll talk about compartmentalizing and multi-purposing another day. But for now, try tracking one or two long term activities backwards to see how they can become part of your year. 

Plan for 2015 - Fill in Your Calendar

So you've staked your claim on 2105 by defining your Priorities! Its a good feeling, isn't it?

And now the ENTIRE YEAR stretches before you to get it done.  There's nothing you cant do!

Except . . . not really. 

If you are exceptionally wealthy with no work, family life or obligations, okay - the year is yours. But the average person has a job, some kind of family, a home to care for, a social life and various obligations and commitments. 

Is this you? It is certainly me, and everyone I know.  

But there are pockets of time that are less demanding, and there are routines and old habits you can tweek to support your goals.  Therein lies your opportunity for growth. 

Grab your calendar, because this is where you take a linear look at how you spend your time. It doesnt matter what kind calendar you use (electronic, paper, etc) as long as you are committed to using it, and only it. If you need something temporary to get you through this exercise, click the link below the picture for a free printable calendar for 2015. 

http://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/create.html?year=2015

Using the Month At a Glance pages, fill in what time is already assigned. Some possible thoughts to consider: 

• Busy seasons at work (Example: for accountants January - May). If your spouse has a busy season, you will too, because you're more than likely picking up the slack.  

• Vacation(s) and other family events such as kids commitments (sports, dance, karate)

• Work and commute

• Celebrations (Anniversaries, Weddings, Showers, Birthdays, parties/gatherings, etc.)

• Holiday preparation

• Seasonal property work (Do you maintain a big lawn, or snow blow a long drive in the winter?)

• Home projects (taxes, home improvement, budget overhaul, etc)

• Work travel/events. Again, if this describes your spouse, it affects you as well. 

• Other commitments (religious meetings, PTA, professional groups, volunteering,etc.)

• Visits from friends and family

The more involved you are, the more time and energy it requires. This is a good time to ask: is my involvement THAT important?  It's okay to let go of some things, or take a break. Try seeing if you can:  

• Eliminate 
• Delegate or teach someone to do it
• Lower your standards (at least temporarily)
• Postpone it
• Hire someone to do it
• Simplify the process

If you were able to do any of the above, you just freed yourself up a bit to reach your goals. That deserves a pat on the back!

By now you should be see your true seasons of busyness.  Though you can still work on your goals, these blocks of time are not ideal to hyperfocus on them. Think of goals as a roller coaster - always moving forward, but still a series of peaks and valleys.  

Those other spaces of time though when you're not so crazy-busy, that's when you can put a big dent on your priorities. 

Also, you will see that some of the things you have scheduled will actually HELP you work on your goals, especially if you can tweek them a bit to fit. Vacations and holidays are an excellent time to put FAMILY first. Work travel and professional groups may offer a chance for CAREER GROWTH. Lawn work and house projects provide a form of exercise if your are focusing on HEALTH/Wellness.

Another day, we'll discuss daily and weekly schedules.  Why? because if there is anyplace that "time keeps on slippin' slippin' slippin'"** - it's there. 

But tomorrow, we'll talk about how to set a goal and meet it within a reasonable time frame. Most people can't do it willy nilly. 


*Photo credit - timeanddate.com
**Who said that?  Why, The Steve Miller Band, of course! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnlTrq6wLf0

Plan for 2015 - Define Your Priorities

2015 has arrived!  Regardless of how you rang in the New Year, this is a great day for solidifying what you want to accomplish from the 6 - 12 months ahead. 

Think BIG. The marrow of life, what it's all about. It's what drives you, keeps you motivated, helps you grow.  Sometimes it's helpful to think of this exercise as defining the things you will not have regrets about later. Or perhaps there are big changes for you this year, and it will demand resources, such as time and energy.  

Here are some popular GOALS/PRIORITIES: 

FAMILY

MARRIAGE/RELATIONSHIP

EDUCATION

CAREER GROWTH

HEALTH/WELLNESS

SPIRITUALITY

COMMUNITY SERVICE

VERY LARGE CHANGE/PROJECT

How many goals to choose? They're all look important, and are.  But just keep in mind you aren't eschewing the other goals by choosing a focus, and that you can change your goals if needed. 

Most Time Management experts agree that picking 3-5 priorities or goals is optimal. This allows you zero in, and not become spread so thin in your endeavors.  

If you are married, talk it over with your spouse so that you can support each other. Perhaps your spouse is getting a degree, so you may want to lower your number of goals.  Perhaps you're both now retired and looking for ways to enjoy this time of life. Perhaps you had a baby and the change was more of an adjustment then you thought . . .then this would be a good time to lower the amount of priorities you're working on until life balances out.

I've chosen FAMILY, CAREER GROWTH, and HEALTH/WELLNESS as priorities for the next few months.  By necessity I must also focus on a VERY LARGE PROJECT, because more than likely we will move to another home, and our current house must be prepared to sell. There are other areas of life that will still get attention, but they are moving along quite well as is, and at this time don't need constant vigilance. 

Whew.  The challenge is on, and I've thrown down the gauntlet - to myself!  You can do the same if you really want to make this YOUR year!  Stop by tomorrow for tips on managing your schedule so that you make time to fit in what is most important to you for 2015!

Plan for 2015 - It's Your Life

Tomorrow is the first day of the new year.  You've probably been thinking about what 2015 has in store for you, what will happen, and how will things be the same . . . . how they will be different.

A lot could just "happen" during the next 365 days. After all, if you do absolutely nothing, life still happens, right?

But I propose we stop waiting for things to happen. At the risk of stating empty platitudes, I say: Let's take the year by storm!  

How? Well, I'm glad you asked.  The following topics are just a few that I will delve into this year. 

*Define your goals into something concrete.

*Develop and action plan to support those goals.

*Simplify all areas of life that don't directly contribute to your goals.

*Work with your schedule so that you are not a 'victim' of it.

*Boost your confidence by honing skills, increasing knowledge and changing habits. 

*Recover from set backs.

*Plan things to look forward to.

*Recognize and overcome distractions.

*Organize your stuff, and let go of emotional ties to physical things.

*Think ahead to avoid crisis management.

Realistically, you won't implement, or even find interesting, all of the above.  But you can make much of it work for you.  

January is GO month: 31 days to get kick start the year.  Every day for the next month there will be a post on this blog with tips and articles to assure this is the year that is DIFFERENT. So, take the advice of Star Trek's Jean Luc Picard and: "Make it so."



*Photo credit: This photo had no credit, but it nostalgically reminded me of one of those motivational posters I used to see hanging on office walls in '90s!

What Deserves Your Time?

What is the value of your personal time? 

When we're working, we pretty much get that time equals money. If we have any concept of time management, we will regularly ask: "what is the most productive and valuable use of my time?"

But what about after hours, our personal time, when we don't have to account to a boss or a bottom line? Is time any less valuable?  Most of us would probably answer that is time is MORE valuable, more precious when it is our own.  And yet, a lot of it is frittered away. There is a reason the phrase "time suck" has entered our vernacular.   

I'm neither proposing that every minute needs an accounting, nor that it must be so "amazing" that it's social media fodder. It's more about knowing what the big picture is, whatever that big picture is to each of us. It's the marrow of life, what we'll regret or be satisfied with at the end of the day, the year, or at the end of life. Even more so, it's not only about knowing what the big picture is, but living accordingly. Why? Because in the world as we know it, time is a finite and limited commodity. There are only so many personal hours we're going to get in a lifetime, and the clock is ticking . . . faithfully . . . relentlessly on. 

So how do you live the life you want? Let's look at Bill.  

He's a single father, and after some consideration he says his priorities are Career Advancement, Family and Health. Eventually he would like to remarry, but not until he reaches his professional goals and his family life is more settled.  He exercises regularly and watches his diet.  He does well at his job but probably will not get a promotion until he finishes his Masters.  His relationship with his kids is good but stressful at times, and the kids are asking for more attention . . . . attention that he cant seem to find between chores, meal preparation and general household hubbub.  With all this on his mind, he looks forward to each evening to when he can shake off the day to play his favorite video game - sometimes until he collapses into bed for the night.

What Bill is going through is normal, and so is his response.  He's overwhelmed and he turns to entertainment to forget about things for while.  So while there is nothing wrong with video games (or doing absolutely nothing), his current actions don't line up with what he believes his priorities to be.  Gaming makes him feel in control. It's a means of escaping the pressures and chaos of the day, and helps him forget he is not exactly where he wants to be in his career, family life or potential relationship. So gaming for Bill is a Band-aid, not a solution. Does Bill want to add Gaming as one of his priorities (because the time he devotes to it qualifies it as a Priority.) Not really. Bill truly wants his Masters, and he wants a more fulfilling family and professional life. He just doesn't know how to go about it with so few hours in the day.

What can Bill do?  He can examine how he currently spends his time.  He does not have to give up gaming. But the amount of time he dedicates to it must change until he achieves the balance he wants. Also, he can tweak activities so that they support two more of his priorities at the same time (multi-purposing.) Simplified, his activities might look something like this:

PRIORITIES: Family and Health.
ACTIVITIES: Menu plan with kids. Take kids to farmers market and grocery store. Make meals and clean up with kids. Plan and participate in physical activities with kids. Purchase the roller blades kids have asked for (and get a pair for himself). Sign up for locally sponsored family run at the end of summer. Go for a walk around the block or toss a ball with kids after supper/clean up.

PRIORITY: Career and Education
ACTIVITIES: Prepare better for meetings. Re-enroll in one 3 credit online class. Attend classes/do homework after kids go to bed or on mornings he doesn't jog. Listen to 1 CD/month regarding his trade on the commute to work. Read two pertinent articles a week regarding his work or education. Try to incorporate work into homework.

PRIORITY: Family
ACTIVITIES: Slowly replace screen time with healthier with quality activities. Strive to be in the moment with kids. Read up on developmental stage of each child.  Research suggestions of how to introduce chores to kids (Bill originally thought about hiring a cleaning service, but he has decided to try to tackle this as a family.) Discuss together with ex-wife, then kids, how many extra-curricular activities the kids should be involved in at one time, perhaps cutting back.

PRIORITY: Entertainment
ACTIVITY: Use gaming as a reward for completed tasks. Look into new (and more effective) forms of relaxation. Invite kids to participate if appropriate.

Bill may not be able to make all of these suggestions work, nor will he be able to incorporate them all at the same time.  But he has a plan of action of his own choosing that fits what he currently wants out of life. For the first time in a while, he's excited about the challenges ahead.

The absolute beauty of adjusting our activities to line up with our goals, is that our lives tend to go from stagnant and middle-of-the-road, to exciting and purpose-driven.  With a little bit of self-examination and effort, we can meet a challenge head on, or make a much anticipated dream a reality. In addition, it keeps things flexible as wants and needs change - and they always do!

So . . . what deserves your time? Tick . . .tick . . . tick . . .

Find Your Own Theme Song!

Music gives you the opportunity to feel something .  . . something that turns the mundane into extra ordinary.

Remember the days of your misspent youth. . . when that song came on the radio? Remember how it seemed as if everything was sooooooo right?  And even now, that same song can transport you back to those halcyon summer days - as if H.G. Wells himself put you in a time machine?  That's the power of music.

If like most people you are inundated with life's To Dos, exploring new music may never enter your mind. You might even forget to crank up the old tunes you loved from a decade or more ago.  But if music has the ability to motivate, to elate, to empower . . . . why not use it to your advantage?  Have fun while busting through your chores, or exercising, or any activity that could use a bit more excitement!

Perhaps the answer to tackling that pile in the basement or the mess in your garage is adopting your very own theme song . . .  Ally McBeal-style. Why not make a compilation CD of songs that make you feel UNSTOPPABLE!

Where to begin?  Start here! Below is an extensive list of songs from various genres.  Some are old, some are new. But every song has something special about it. Prepare to feel upbeat, hopeful, bright, happy or even slightly intoxicated by a great combination of lyrics, melody and beat. (This is perfect time to open your mind to something new - give it at least until the chorus before you move on!)

There is SO MUCH MORE music out there . . . . . But I had to stop and call it "good enough."  :)

Now go find your theme song, and be FIERCE!

32 Flavors – Ani Difranco (folk/alternative)
Accidentally in Love – Counting Crows (pop/alternative)
Bamboleo – Gypsy Kings (rumba/flamenca/pop)
Becoming - American Authors (modern indie rock)
Believer - American Authors  (modern indie rock)
Best Day of My Life - American Authors  (modern indie rock)
Boom Clap - Charli XCX (from "The Fault in Our Stars" soundtrack)
Born This Way - Lady Gaga (pop/dance)
Brave – Sara Bareilles (pop)
Breakaway - Kelly Clarkson (pop)
Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison (folk/blues/classic rock)
Build a Levee – Natalie Merchant (alternative/pop/folk)
Bulletproof – La Roux (synth, bit pop)
Champion – RuPaul (dance pop)
The Climb - Miley Cyrus (pop)
Defying Gravity – from "Wicked"  Idina Menzel & Kristen Chenoweth, or Glee (Broadway)
Do My Thing – Estelle (R&B, soul, hiphop, reggae) 
Do You Love Me? - The Contours (Motown)
Don’t Stop Believing – Journey (80's hairband rock)
Epie – Royksopp  (instrumental)
Feeling Good – Nina Simone, or Jennifer Hudson, or Carly Rose Sonenclar, or Michael Buble (jazz/soul)
Fighter – Christina Aguilera (pop)
Firework – Katy Perry (pop)
Gang of Rhythm - Walk Off the Earth (Indie/alternative)
Get Up – Superchick (Christian/alternative/pop)
Girl On Fire – Alicia Keys (R&B, pop)
Good Life – OneRepublic (pop, alternative)
Good Mother – Jann Arden (pop)
Good Time – Owl City, Carly Rae Jepsen (pop, electronic)
Groove Is In the Heart – Deee-lite (dance, pop, house)
Happy – Pharrell Williams (pop, dance)
Headstrong – 10,000 Maniacs (alt)
Hey Hey - Superchick (Christian/alternative/pop)
Hey Soul Sister – Train (pop)
Hey Ya! - Outkast (hip hop)
Hit The Lights – Selena Gomez & The Scene (electrical pop)
Hold On – Wilson Phillips (pop)
Hot Topic – Le Tigre (electroclash, synthropop)
Human - The Killers (alternative/indie rock)
I Am Not My Hair - India Arie (R&B, neo soul)
I Am Woman – Helen Reddy (70s AC, EZ listening)
I Am Woman – Jordin Sparks (pop, dance, R&B)
I Can See Clearly Now - Jimmy Cliff (reggae, R&B)
I Feel Like a Woman - Shania Twain (country)
I Got A Feeling – Black Eyed Peas (alternative hip hop, dance)
I Got You (I Feel Good) – James Brown (soul)
I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor (70's R&B, disco)
Independent Women - from "Charlie's Angels" Destiny's Child (contemporary R&B)
Intuition - Jewel (pop rock, folk, AC)
I'm Coming Out - Diana Ross (80s pop rock, R&B)
I’m Every Woman – Whitney Houston & Chaka Khan (pop, R&B)
I’m Too Sexy – Right Said Fred (British pop)
I Won - The Sundays (alternative, dream/indie pop)
Istanbul (not Constantinople) – They Might Be Giants (alt rock)
It’s Amazing – Jem (soft electronic)
Joy - The Sundays (alternative, dream/indie pop)
Just a Girl - No Doubt (rock, pop, alternative)
Just the Way You Are – Bruno Mars ((pop, soul, rock, R&B)
Least Complicated - Indigo Girls (folk)
Laisser Tomber Les Filles - Frances Gall (ye' ye')
Learn to Fly - Foo Fighters (alt rock, post grunge)
Let It Go – from "Frozen" by Idina Menzel or Demi Lovato (Disney soundtrack)
Let Your Heart Sing – Tinkerbell (Disney soundrack)
Life is a Highway – Tom Cochrane, or Rascal Flatts (rock, country)
The Long Way Around – Dixie Chicks (country)
Love Shack – The B-52s (dance, pop)
Love Song – Sara Bareilles (pop)
A Little Less Conversation – Elvis Presley w/JXL remix (dance)
Mean Girls – Rachel Crow (pop)
The Middle – Jimmy Eat World (emo, alt, indie, pop punk)
Mmmbop – Hanson (pop)
Mr. Blue Sky – ELO (British rock)
Moving on Up - MPeople (dance, pop)
My Boogie Shoes – KC & The Sunshine Band (70s top 40)
My Finest Hour - The Sundays (alternative, dream/indie pop)
New Attitude - Patti Labelle (80s pop)
New Slang - The Shins (indie rock)
A New Day Has Come – Celine Dion (pop, AC, EZ listening)
One and Only – Superchick (Christian/alternative/pop)
Overrated – Ashley Tisdale (pop, dance)
Paradise - Coldplay (alt/piano rock)
Part of Me – Katy Perry (pop)
People like Us – Kelly Clarkson (pop)
Perfect - Pink (original or cleaned up version) (pop)
Pork and Beans – Weezer (alt, power pop, pop punk, emo, indie)
Proud – Heather Small (dance, pop)
Raise Your Glass – Pink (pop)
Red Rubber Ball – The Cyrcle (60s rock)
RESPECT - Aretha Franklin (Motown)
Roar – Katy Perry (pop)
Rock What You Got – Superchick (Christian/alternative/pop)
Rolling in the Deep – Adele (pop, soul)
Royal - Lourde (pop, indie, art pop)
Shake it Out – Florence + The Machine (rock, soul)
She’s Not Just a Pretty Face – Shania Twain (country)
Simply The Best – Tina Turner (60s/70s R&B, pop)
Sir Duke – Stevie Wonder (Motown)
Sisters are Doing It for Themselves – Eurythmics (British new wave, pop)
So What – Pink (pop)
A Sorta Fairy Tale - Tori Amos (alt, pop, piano rock)
Stand in the Rain – Superchick (Christian/alternative/pop)
Staying Alive - BeeGees (70s pop, disco)
Strip Me – Natasha Bedingfield (pop)
Strong Women – Meg Braun (urban folk)
Stronger – Kelly Clarkson (pop)
Stupid Girls – Pink (pop)
Summer of ’69 – Bryan Adams (80s pop)
Summertime – The Sundays (indie, pop, jangle)
Summertime – Will Smith (pop, dance)
Supersonic - Oasis (alt, British alt pop)
Survivor - Destiny's Child (R&B girl group)
Take Your Mama – Scissor Sisters (glam rock)
Tell It Like It Is – Tracy Chapman (folk)
That's Really Super, Supergirl - XTC (alt rock/new wave/psych pop)
This One’s For The Girls – Martina McBride (country)
Three Little Birds – Bob Marley and the Wailers (reggae)
The Time of My Life – from "Dirty Dancing" Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes  (80s pop)
Think About It - American Authors (Modern indie rock)
Titanium – David Guetta & Sia (dance, house)
Touch the Sky – Brave (Disney soundrack)
Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield (pop)
Uptown Top Ranking – Althea and Donna (reggae)
Video – India Arie  (R&B, neo soul)
Viva la Vida - Coldplay (alt/piano rock)
Waiting for Something to Happen - Veronica Falls (English Indie Rock)
Walking on Sunshine – Katrina and the Waves (English rock, pop)
We Are the Champions - Queen (progressive rock)
We are Young - Fun & Janelle Monae
We Can – LeAnn Rimes (country)
We Will Rock You - Queen (progressive rock)
What I Am – Edie Brickel (alt rock)
What a Wonderful World - Luis Armstrong (60s, jazz)
When You're Good to Mama - from "Chicago" Queen Latifa (Broadway)
Who I Am – Jessica Andrews (country)
Who Says – Selena Gomez (electro pop, dance, teen)
Wild One – Faith Hill (country)
Wishing Well - Bob Mould
You Gotta Be – Des’ree (90s British R&B)
You Know I’m No Good – Amy Winehouse (blue-eyed R&B/jazz/soul)