monday madness...saving $200 on groceries

I often get questions regarding coupons and if it is really worth the time spent to cut coupons, file them...and then remember to use them each week.

While it does take a bit of organization and dedication, I can assure you that it IS worth it!

Each week, I spend about 2 hours on Sunday afternoon going through the ads, clipping, filing, and printing coupons, and making my grocery lists for each store. Then on Monday, I try to hit the stores. I like going on Monday because the stores are still stocked and they usually are less busy.

Here are some of the deals I got today; you tell me if it was worth my 2-hour investment.

Meijer

Spent: $22.45 -- Saved: $117.24

Here are a few of the things I purchased:

• 6 packs of Huggies wipes (all free)
• 6 boxes of cereal (nearly free after coupons and $4 off 4 boxes at Meijer)
• 3 loaves of bread
• 2 gallons of milk
• 4 boxes of crackers
• 2 packages of cookies (free when you "like" Nabisco on Facebook)
• 5 packages of sausage
• 5 packages of kraft cheese (all free w/ coupons from Kraft)
• DiGiorno frozen pizza (free coupon from Kraft)
• 2 gallons of milk
• Fruit and veggies (from the discount rack
• Dishwasher tabs and shower cleaner (all free)

Rite Aid

Spent: $0.88 -- Saved: $29.00

Walgreens

Spent: $1.82 -- Saved $39.83

Target

Spent: $0.43 -- Saved $12.27

Here are the totals after my morning shopping excursion.

TOTAL SPENT: $25.58

TOTAL SAVED: $198.34

I saved myself nearly $200 for a 2-hour investment cutting coupons and making my lists. I don't know about you, but I would say $100/hour is worth the effort!

What about you? Do you use coupons? Do you feel it is worth your time?

5 reasons people hate budgets

Do you have a budget? Yes a budget; a system that you put in place to monitor, and restrict how much money you save and spend each week, month, and year.

Personally, I’m a big believer in budgets. I’ve had one for as long as I can remember and I think they are an essential tool for reducing stress and creating a simple, more organized life.

I’m not sure why, but I come across more people who simply hate the thought of creating and maintaining a personal budget. On a list, I’m sure budgeting would rank up there with going to the dentist.

Why do some people hate the idea of living on a budget? I suspect it’s based on some past experience or just preconceived notions. The list below compiles a few reasons I have seen. And interestingly enough, these are some of the same reasons why people don’t get their homes and life more organized.

1. Accountability:

This is a biggie. Most people don’t like to be held accountable…for anything! And they certainly don’t want someone else telling them what they can and can’t do with their money (or lack of it). Accountability means limits…and those are never fun. Who wants to be limited as to how often they can go out to eat or how much they can spend on clothing each month? It’s easier just to swipe a plastic card and deal with the effects later, right?

2. Image:

Some people are just too proud to live on a budget; they feel it makes them look poor. However, I have found that the people who look rich, often don’t have a dime to their name. Look a little deeper and you’ll probably find a huge mortgage, car payments, sky-high credit card debt…and a lot of stress.

Scaling back your spending might make you look poor at first, but after a brief adjustment period, you’ll know it was the best thing you ever did for yourself and your family. Creating a budget will help you save more, build your net worth, make wise financial decisions, and get you on the path to real wealth.

3. Denial:

Without a budget, or any knowledge of how much money is available (or unavailable), it’s very easy to simply justify every dollar spent. A budget sheds light onto the true situation and forces people to take action.

Unfortunately, embracing denial only works until you lose your job, get sick, or get a foreclosure notice. Then the mess is unavoidable and undeniable.

4. Fear:

Starting a budget can be a bit intimidating if you’ve never done it before. But don’t let this stop you from getting started. It doesn’t have to be perfect. You’ll learn what you need to know along the way and in the process, you will begin to realize how you are spending your money and what needs to change

5. Laziness:

Yes, it takes effort to create and maintain a budget. However, if your budget is too much work, then you are doing something wrong. I only spend about 5 minutes a day updating my budget (yes I do it every day). It might take you a little longer when you first get started, but with all the technology available today, budgeting is very easy.

So how do you create a budget?

I personally just use Excel to keep track of my finances and it has worked for me for years. Another great resource is www.Mint.com. It is free and pretty easy to download. If you want more options (and more cost) you might want to check out www.ynab.com. It is important to find the system works for you…even if it costs you a little money. It will well worth the investment!

Organizing your finances, simplifying your spending, and living debt free are excellent ways to begin creating your best life. Start today!

save money on insurance

Insurance is one of life’s necessary evils. We pay the premiums every year even if we don’t use any of the benefits; it’s something we do “just in case”. I often think of how much money we could save by not having health insurance, but then I quickly remind myself that there are very few things that can blow a budget like unexpected medical bills. Even if you save and invest, your finances can be torn apart by unforeseen health problems.

Even though medical insurance can be expensive, there are a few things you can (and should) do to make sure you’re not paying more than you have to:

1. Keep your Information Organized:

Of course, I would suggest this! But in all honesty, you can save a lot of time, money, and stress by organizing your insurance and medical information in one, easily accessible area.

2. Understand your Insurance Policy:

Insurance policies can be are confusing. Take the time to read, and re-read, your policy to be sure you understand what is covered and what you are responsible for. Know what your deductibles are and what doctors are included in your network. Know how your plan works in the case of emergencies and don’t be afraid to call your insurance provider with any questions.

3. Pay Attention to your Bills:

Don’t assume your medical bills are accurate. In the last year, I have personally been overcharge 3 times! Take the time to carefully read all your medical bills and make sure to ask questions if something seems wrong. Believe me; you care more about your money than your insurance company or your doctors, so take charge of the situation.

4. Always Look for a Deal:

You’ll never know unless you ask. Some places will offer you a deal and some won’t… so pack up your pride and just ask! Even if you have insurance, you may still be able to save big bucks by negotiating with your provider’s financial office. I recently had a filling at the dentist and negotiated a lesser fee base on the amount my insurance covered. I saved about $20.00 on just one filling!

5. Be Smart About your Prescriptions:

Don’t necessarily assume that brand name drugs are “better” than generic. You could save as much as 75% just by asking your doctor or pharmacist if your prescription comes in a generic form. Also, make sure you shop around for the best price and always look for coupons. Even if you do get the generic, prices can still vary. Call around to different pharmacies and see what their prices are and if they have any coupon offers for transferring a prescription to their store.

6. Stay Healthy:

This may seem obvious, but one of the best ways to save on insurance is to stay healthy. Regular exercise and a proper diet reduce the risk of many diseases and improve self-esteem, both of which will help with your pocketbook.

As with all things in life, spending a bit of time upfront can save you lots of time and money in the long run. Take a few moments this afternoon to get your insurance and medical papers in order and see how much money you can save.

free products from p&g everyday solutions

Have you signed up for P&G Everyday Solutions yet? If not, you’ll want to sign up soon. They are offering some great samples and coupons right now — including free Pampers and Pantene samples.

After you sign up, just log in to your account and click on “Samples and Coupons” to choose which samples you’d like to order. You can order new samples and coupons every quarter.

cut your grocery bill without cutting coupons

Many of you know that I am a huge advocate of cutting coupons to save on our weekly grocery bill. However, what if you don’t have access to coupons? Or what if you don’t want to put the effort into clipping coupons? That’s fine! It’s not for everyone…and even if coupons aren’t for you, there are still ways you can significantly reduce your grocery bill each week. Here are 4 to get you started.

1) Plan Ahead: yes, I often talk about planning ahead to save time, but planning your weekly menu in advance will also help you save significantly on your groceries each week. Even if this is the only thing you do, you’ll greatly reduce your grocery budget. If you have a moment to glance at the sale ads, plan your weekly meal around the meats and produce that are on sale that week…saving you even more.

2) Shop at Discount Stores: I’m not sure what stores are in your area, but there are stores by me, such as Aldi, that don’t take coupons and don’t have sales, they just have really low prices all the time. I don’t shop at Aldi all the time…just because I can get even better deals by using coupons, rebates, and shopping the sales; but if you don’t have the time to do that, Aldi will save you lots of money! Aldi usually carries a variety of non-brand-name foods that are very comparable to brand name products. They have great prices on produce, milk, tortilla chips, and baking products, to name a few.

3) Cook From Scratch: I know some of you are thinking that you don’t have time to cook from scratch, but I grantee it will save you both money…and calories! Processed food is usually very high in sodium, calories, and fat, so cooking from scratch will benefit your family in multiple ways. Look for simple, inexpensive recipes using easy-to-find ingredients. Also, make double and triple batches of your family’s favorites and store them in the freezer. I will often set aside a couple days each month for mass baking and freeze snack items for lunches, dessert, etc.

4) Shop Once Per Week: The more you go to the store, the more money you will spend. Even if you have a ridged grocery budget (which I highly recommend) it’s still easier to save when you don’t even enter the store…imagine that! So this goes back to planning ahead; because you will have to plan your shopping list for the entire week so you only have to go to the store once.

By implementing these simple concepts, you will be able to save your family hundreds of dollars each year…which is defiantly worth it if you ask me!

What about you; do you have any other ideas for saving money without using coupons?

my latest deal

I’ve been getting loads of e-mails with questions on how I keep my grocery budget so low each week. And this week was no exception…I managed to purchase over $98.00 worth of meat, dairy, fruits, veggies, bread, snacks, etc. for only $2.56!! That has to be some type of record!

And before you even ask… No, I don’t use Savings Angel; No I don’t buy multiple Sunday papers; No we don’t eat Ramen Noodles...ever!

So how do I do it?

1. I spend about 2 hours every Sunday afternoon cutting and organizing my coupons, looking through store ads, and creating my grocery list for the week.
2. I ONLY buy what is on sale…period! When things go on sale, I stock up, when they are not on sale, we eat something else.
3. I pair store coupons (Meijer, Target, Spartan Stores) with Manufacture coupons (Kraft, SaraLee, Aunt Millies). You usually can’t use more than one coupon per item, but you CAN do this when one is a store coupon and one is a manufacture coupon.
4. I use lots of rebates. These are often right in the Sunday paper ads…but sometimes they can be a bit trickier to find. Using rebates is a little work, but these are what can really save you money. Often I find that I can actually get paid for buying an item I was planning to buy anyway.

This might all seem a little overwhelming, but keep in mind I’ve been doing this for a long time…and it definitely get’s easier after time!

So how did I do it this week?

A few weeks ago, I participated in a Kraft Foods' promotion via an online survey from Kraft. Following the survey, I got to pick a handful of products that I would then get free coupons for.

Last week, my coupons arrived in the mail…accompanied by a $10.00 rebate when you spend $30.00 on Kraft Products.

This week, Meijer had a TON of Kraft products on sale and additional Mejier coupons for these Kraft products at MeijerMealBox.com

So, using the Meijer sales, my manufacture & store coupons, and the Kraft rebate I was able to purchase everything you see in this picture for only $2.56!!

Oh...and you can click here for Free Kraft Products at Target!

6 ways to SIMPLIFY (6 of 6)

his week is all about simplifying your home, office, possessions, routine...and most importantly, your life. Keep reading all week for more great tips.

Way to Simplify #6 = Banking

There are many easy ways to streamline and simplify your banking. First of all, take advantage of direct deposit if at all possible. This will alleviate the possibility of lost checks and the need to physically go to the bank which will in turn save you time and even gas money.

Avoid having too many different accounts at different financial institutions. Often, if you have your checking, savings and other accounts at one bank, you will be able to receive one statement which will cut down on the amount of paperwork you have to open and file.

For more SIMPLIFYING tips, visit my website: www.andreadekker.com

time is money

We've all heard the saying, "time is money" and to a certain degree, that is true. However, today I want to challenge you by saying that time is more important than money.

Why? Because you can always do something to make more money but you can never get time back…NEVER.

Once you fritter away your time on unimportant things, you can never get that time back.An email made its way around about a year ago about a man who gave his son two jars, one empty and one with marbles.

There were enough marbles for the weeks he had left to live (assuming a man's average mortality). He told his son to move one marble to the empty jar every Saturday so that he'd realize that he could never, ever get that time back.

Yes, the story is a bit hokey but it does have a point. I'm practical so I like to think of it like this…

Divide your weekly salary by the number of hours you usually work per week. That's your HOURLY rate.Now, when you spend an hour surfing the internet, watching TV, reading blogs when you should be working, visualize yourself throwing that money in the trash!

If you're very frugal like me, it'll shock you and make you realize the value of your time!

organizing on a budget

Containers represent one of the biggest investments in getting organized. But containers don’t have to be expensive. Use these strategies to save money on containers, while adding a bit of creative flair to your projects.

Use storage containers you already have:

If you are in the declutter mode, you will inevitably free up storage containers that can be repurposed for your new organizing projects. When working with clients, I commonly find that they don’t need to purchase any containers at all. They have plenty already in their homes, just waiting to be reused!

If you can’t come up with any storage containers but still don’t want to spend the money, you can easily improvise with items commonly found in most homes. Here are some ideas.

Bowls
Plastic cups or coffee mugs
Tin cans

Baby food jars
Ceramic flower pots
Glass canning jars, or jars from your recycle bin

Mini galvanized buckets
Your child’s pottery projects
Shoe boxes from your closet and copy paper boxes from the office.
Extra food storage containers

Use your imagination to find lots of different uses for the above items…and let us know what you’ve done!

Use what you have…and then buy on sale. Using containers you already have on hand can be a permanent solution or a temporary one—it gives you a chance to live with your new organizing system and work out the bugs before shelling out cash for new containers. The process of trying before you buy will help you purchase containers with confidence and stretch your organizing dollar, too!

All in all, getting organized does not have to be an expensive proposition; instead, it can actually save you money. When you know what you have and can easily find it, you avoid overspending on items you already have or don’t really need. Plus, when you get creative with container solutions, it won’t require the upfront investment you may be imagining.

Fore more organizing ideas, visit my website: www.andreadekker.com

save money by getting organized

So many people I talk to have made the comment that they can’t afford to be organized. They view organization as an expensive luxury that only TV programs and the wealthy can afford.

The way that I look at it is quite different…I look at organization as a way to SAVE money. Here’s why…

The organizing process involves decluttering—letting go of items you no longer use, need, or love. One side effect of the “letting go” process is that you become aware of what’s leaving your home and what remains with you. This awareness inevitably turns you into a more intentional shopper. You become aware of and intentional about what you bring into your home. For example; when you know you just donated fifteen shirts which had never been worn, the next time you see t-shirts on sale, you’ll let them sit on the store shelves. Intentional shopping saves money.

In addition to filtering out impulse purchases, when you have organizing systems in place, you no longer buy extra items because you can’t find the one you know you already have somewhere. Additionally, when your home is organized, you’re more likely to use shopping lists, both because you have the time to create them, and because you have systems in place that make it simple to do so. Shopping lists help save money. When you stick to your list you buy only that which you need. Plus, lists preclude the need for last-minute trips to the store. The less often you shop, the fewer chances you have to make impulse purchases. With shopping lists, and freed-up storage space in your home, you can also stock up on household necessities when they go on sale.

So if you are looking for a way to save a little extra money (and who isn't) make the time to get a little more organized. You may have to spend a little money up front but the savings that come from it will far outweigh the costs!

For more organizing tips, visit my website: www.andreadekker.com

turn your clutter into cash

If you watch the NEWS, read a paper or check your e-mail, you've probably been hearing a lot of talk about the "horrible" economic conditions we are currentl facing. Things are getting tight...but who says you can't do anything about it?

We all have stuff (clutter) that we never use or don't need lying around our homes, taking up valuable space and robbing us of an organized home. So, how can you turn this clutter into cash?

No, don't worry, I'm not going to tell you to have a garage sale!

Sell it on Craig's List.

For those of you who don't know what Craig's List is, it is a website that you can go to and either buy or sell nearly everything imaginable. It is very cool because you to sell your unused items to people that live in your town so you don't need to worry about shipping...but the best part is that Craig's List is FREE!! Yes, there is no cost for you to sell things on this website!

I've done a fair amount of selling myself and am encouraging clients to do the same. Some have actually made several thousand dollars in a matter of months!!

So how can you be sucessful on Craig's List?

1. Take digital pictures of all the items you want to sell and load them onto your computer
2. Accurately measure any large items and make sure to list them with your post
3. Sell only one item per post...this makes it easier to track and you should get more view this way
4. Put a reasonable price tag on your items and let people know that you are willing to negotiate...after all, you do want to get rid of the stuff.
5. Don't include personal information like your address or phone number in the post. You can give that out latter once you have an interested buyer.
6. Don't sell to anyone from out of the state or the country...only deal locally with people who can pick it up in person.
7. It is wise to only accept cash for your items. This is safer than checks.
8. Make sure you check your e-mail regularly after you post items for sale. You will be surprised how quickly people might contact you!

It is not difficult to turn a bunch of clutter into cash....you just need to be proactive!! Visit www.CraigsList.com today!

For more organizing tips visit my website: www.andreadekker.com

figure out your finances

Did you know that the average American family carries over $9,000 in credit card debt? Ten years ago it was only about $4,000.

Did you know that only half of all Americans have a retirement account?

A recent survey showed that over 70% of American consumers said that debt makes their home life unhappy! It also showed that many Americans are only one paycheck away from financial disaster.

Does this describe you?

If it does, don't despair. You're not alone. Some people get behind financially due to circumstances beyond their control, like a divorce, illness or job loss.

Not to mention the fact bankers and credit card companies make credit easier to get by focusing on minimum payments and delayed payments, but playing around with interest rates and fees. Also, the cost of carrying debt has tripled in recent years--that means it costs you a lot more to borrow money now, than it did decades ago.

The fact is, you can’t change what has already happen but you CAN take control of your debt today, own your paycheck once again, and start yourself down the road to debt freedom.

I’ve said this before…but I will say it again; organizing your finances is one of the most important things you can do for your sanity and for your family’s future.

Make it a goal this week or this month to get your finances more organized. This could be as simple as balancing your checkbook or looking for a way to increase your retirement fund, or something a little more complex like setting up a will, creating a debt reduction plan, or even seeking professional help to get back on track.

Just like getting your home organized, it is a series of small steps that will get you to your destination! Oh, and you won’t get anywhere until you take the first step! Take it this week!

keep your children organized!

It's that time of year again...the time where all mothers are going crazying thinking of what they are going to do with their children once school is out!!

How can we keep them occupied and save our sanity at the same time??

Here's a great idea from Real Simple Magazine:

Every week, have your kids reach into a jar to pick a household chore. Each job yields a different amount of money, depending on the degree of difficulty.

They can pull out multiple chores if they want additional income...but for that week, they should be responsible to complete whatever chores they pull out. (example: dust, vacuum, dishes, mow the lawn, fold laundry, etc.)

They keep their stashes piggy banks and it is theirs to save, spend, or donate as they choose... but hopeful they will get some guidance from parents!!

Good news: the chores are done and your kids have something to keep them busy and out of your hair for a few moments!

organizing your finances

If you are going to be organized in any one aspect of your life, the number one most important place to be organized would be your finances. Not being organized in your finances can literally cost you money, jeopardize your credit score.

1) Keep all of your financial records and files together in one place….period.

2) Set yourself a schedule to pay bills and stick to it. Pick a time that is convenient for you and when you can have some peace and quiet without being interrupted. You may want to change all your due dates to a specific part of the month…yes you can really do this and it saves you tons of time because you pay all the bills at one time.

3) Balance your checking accounts regularly. Also, get in the habit of checking your online account balance often…to keep you in the loop and help prevent any fraudulent charges.

4) Use direct deposit to save on trips to the bank and gas money.

5) Consolidate all your unneeded accounts into your main account(s). Even if there are minor fees associated with closing the accounts, it will be worth it not to have the hassle of keeping track of those accounts, statements, etc.

6) Have a current will. Tragedies do happen. Don't leave your loved ones with no idea of how to sort out family finances in the event you're unable to. Share with them the company names, phone numbers, website addresses, account numbers, usernames and passwords.

The bottom line for organizing your finances is to develop a plan that works for you. Everyone's situations are different and what works for one person or family may not work at all for someone else. A computer software program might be the thing for you or maybe good old-fashioned pencil and paper.

When you find a system that works, be consistent. To say it again, this is the one area of your life in which you can't afford to be disorganized. The great part is that just a few steps and some motivation will have you on the road to organizing your finances!

For more organizing information, visit my website: www.andreadekker.com

tip of the week (5/3/2009)

May 3 -- May 9, 2009
this weeks "tip of the week" was sent from Kate in Loveland, OH

Kate writes: “I have checkbook registers for each one of my children (they are too young to have bank accounts). When they help out around the house, we enter a certain amount into their register. They are able to keep track of their funds by adding what they've earned and subtracting what they spend.

If they need money, they just ask me and I will give it to them. However, they have to subtract what they borrow from their register.

It teaches them how to save and there is a math lesson in every transaction."

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Do you have an organizing or time management tip that you would like to share? Click here and your tip could be the next one featured in our newsletter, our blog or on our website! For more organizing tips, check out www.andreadekker.com. It is full of great organizing tips for every area of your life.

simplify your spending

There is no hiding that we are in a less-than-perfect economy right now. While I am not a financial advisor, I do get a fair amount of questions related to managing an organizing finances and the like. I personally feel that if you are organized with your finances and smart with your money, you are headed in the right direction…and you are also teaching your children a very valuable lesson!

If you have a little work to do to get organized, here are 3 simple ways to organize and simplify your spending.

1) Use one credit card. If you are responsible, there is no reason why you shouldn’t have a credit card. But, rather than using several different cards, consolidate all of your purchases on one single credit card. If you have to return something, you'll know which card you used. You won't have to carry tons of cards in your wallet everywhere you go. You'll only have to pay one credit card bill at the end of each month.

2) Buy gift cards, for yourself. Determine what your shopping budget is and buy gift cards in your favorite stores for that amount. Whenever you purchase something, use your gift cards. When your gift cards have run out, you've reached your budget.

3) Buy what's on the list. When you go shopping, go with a list and only buy things on your list. Keep your attention focused on those items you originally set out to buy. When people browse around and window shop, they tend to spend a lot more then they originally intended.

It might sound overly simple, but just doing these 3 things will really help you simplify your finances…and probably save you a good chunk of change after a few months!

For more organizing tips, visit my website: www.andreadekker.com

buy some time back

It’s spring…which means you are probably busy, busy, BUSY! If you are like me, you most likely have way more things on your plate than you can possibly do! So, what is the solution?

Well, one solution might be to go insane, trying to do everything yourself (I try the some times…it doesn’t turn out well!). Another solution would be to simply decide that there will be a number of things that won’t get done. A third solution is the option of 'buying time'. If you have an extremely hectic schedule, it may be reasonable to buy time by selecting goods and services that save you from investing time. For example, paying a neighbor to mow your lawn is one way of buying time. You could buy time by paying your children or grandchildren to do clean the house, laundry, car, dishes, etc.

There are lots of low-costs ways to buy a little more time…which is one of the scarcest recourses we have! So think about buying time this spring when you start felling overwhelmed by your ever-growing to-do list…it might just be worth it!

For more organizing tips, visit my website: www.andreadekker.com

new uses for old things

In today's economy, we are all looking for ways to use and re-use items we already own...instead of going out and buying new stuff all the time. If this sounds like you, check out this article by Real Simple magazine. It will help get your creative juices flowing and give you ideas on how to re-use and re-purpose everything from toothpicks to to nail polish!

For more organizing ideas, visit my website: www.andreadekker.com

get control of your receipts

I bought a pair of boots some time ago. They looked very cute but turned out to be very uncomfortable! I decided to return them and within a minute or two, had retrieved the receipt from FOUR months ago. I could find the receipt easily because I do a few specific things to keep my receipts organized and in order.

I get a lot of questions about paper…and receipts are a form of paper clutter that really add up. Sometimes we should just get rid of receipts, but other times, we need to hold onto them for tax purposes, to validate a warranty or just so we can return an item later…like my boots! However, it seems like many people just give up and are stuck paying the price (literally) for items they don’t want but can’t return because they can’t find their receipt.

So how can you get your receipts organized? It’s simple…and here’s how to get started.

Have a specific place just for receipts

Actually you could have several different locations for different types of receipts…just be sure you have some type of system.

Here is how I do things:

· Grocery/Drug-store Receipts: I keep a labeled, manila folder in one of my filing cabinets at home. Every time I come home from the store, the new receipt(s) go in the back of this folder. I have them on file in case I need to return something or validate my credit card statements.

· Clothes/Shoes/Books Receipts: I use a small wallet-like folder in my purse for receipts. Any time I buy something of this nature I put my receipt in the back of that folder. Then I know they are always with me incase I need to swing by the mall for a quick return or exchange.

· Service/Repairs Receipts: I keep a small accordion folder with categories such as home, auto, yard, medical, misc., etc. and file any receipts from oil changes, car or home repairs, dentist and doctor’s appointments, etc. I keep this in the same filing drawer as the grocery receipts and it is neatly divided into the various categories I need and I can be sure everything will stay in place

Dedicate a regular time to clear out your receipts

If you shop a lot, you may have to do this every day or two. I don’t shop much so I only have to do this once a month or so. Simply go through your receipts and remove any that are for items you have already used, worn, given as gifts or are past the return deadline. Shred or recycle them as necessary. If your receipts are still out of control but you know you can not get rid of them yet, simply group them together by categories (listed above) and put a rubber band around them, label them by date and put them in a shoe box on a shelf. Then at least they won’t be clogging up your purse or your filing cabinets.

As with everything, organizing your receipts just takes a little work up-front and then some maintenance here and there. It will save you tons of time and probably some money as well…so YES, it is worth it!

For more organizing tips, visit my website: www.andreadekker.com

10 ways to save money

It's no secret that the economy is not the best right now! With that in mind, everyone is looking for ways to save money...but in order to save money, you need to be organized with your finances and start monitoring how you spend your hard earned money.

One way to cut back on your non-essential expenses is to start looking for ways to alter your routine and get a little more creative. I've attached a link to an article on Real SIMPLE's website that lists 10 ways to spend smarter.

Click here to read more and get your spending more organized!