Dollars and Sense: Getting organized can pay dividends
A little organization can go a long way toward helping you save money. Here are some tips:
“It’s easy to let account balancing slide if you know you can lean on overdraft protection to cover checks. But those fees add up. Designate one evening a month (or twice monthly if that’s when you’re paid) to balance your checking account.
“If you don’t have a standard method of paying bills each month, you run the risk of missing one and incurring late fees (as well as damaging your credit). Organizing your bills doesn’t have to be complicated: Sort the incoming mail each day, throw away the junk and put the bills in one place. Even a shoebox on your desk will work, as long as you’re consistent. Use the box for rebates and receipts too, so you’ll remember to send them in when you write checks.
“Consider automatic payments from checking to reduce the number of checks you write, and lessen the chance of losing a bill.
“Keep all your product warranties in a folder (with the receipt stapled to each one) in case you need to claim a refund or a covered repair.
“Organize your closet so you know exactly what you have. You’ll be less likely to buy a new shirt or blouse only to discover later that you already have one very similar. Organize tools the same way so you don’t run to the store in the middle of a project.
“Plan your purchases of staple foods or household items and have enough on hand to avoid making emergency trips to the store. Little trips add up in the cost of gas and additional items picked up while you’re in there. (The longer you’re in a store, the more you spend.)
“Sometimes it’s easier to eat out if you don’t know what’s in the fridge, or if what’s there doesn’t make a meal. A weekly menu will help you create a shopping list that helps you use up the items you already have and cuts down on leftovers.
“Keep coupons in a place where you’ll remember to use them, perhaps with your shopping list.
Time spent organizing now will save time — and money — later.