You probably know that organization brings peace of mind and clarity to an otherwise hectic life, but did you know it can save you money as well?  Here are some tips that can help you get organized and save!

• Make sure you have a system for paying bills. 
  Late fees can really cost you and hurt your credit score.  If you use an online banking system, it is easy to set up recurring payments on bills that are the same amount and due on the same day every month.  Make a list of other bills that fluctuate from month-to-month either by writing them down and posting them on the fridge or somewhere prominent or if you use a computer, have a spreadsheet with them or put it on your electronic calendar.  List them by category: water, energy, etc. and the due date beside.  Check them off after paying.  You could use an erasable white board or write a new list every month. 
• Organize your coupons.
  Cutting coupons doesn’t save you money, using them does.  So, if you don’t have a system for organizing them, then don’t waste time cutting.  There are a few different ways to organize coupons, and each person has a slightly different way of doing it.  Whatever route you go, a place to keep them and consistency is essential.  There are coupon organizing folders you can buy or just keep them in envelopes.  You can arrange them by expiration date or by category.  Remember, cut only coupons you know you’ll use.  Don’t just buy something because it’s on sale, that’s not saving you money.
• Sell unwanted items that are cluttering up your house.
  Sorting through unwanted items not only helps clean and organize your home, it can also give you some extra needed cash.  Be realistic with yourself and ask questions of each item, “do I use it, will I miss it, have I used it in the last year?”  If the answers are no, consider getting rid of the item.  Some people have difficulty with this, but just remember, if you sell the item, you could buy something you will use.  Sort items into 4 categories: keep, trash, donate, and sell.  You can either have a garage sale, post items for sale at work, or sell them on ebay (have a friend who does this help you if you’re not comfortable using ebay.)
• Plan out your meals each week.
  Make a list of each week’s meals and get all of the ingredients at one time.  Don’t throw the list out; make several weeks worth and rotate.  If you don’t have a plan, you will be more tempted to go out to eat.  Also, if you plan ahead to make enough for leftovers, dinners can turn into lunch the next day, saving you even more money.  This can help not only reduce stress and save money, but if you’re dieting as well, it can help you stick to a plan much easier.
  
  Hope these tips help de-stress your life a little and save you money!