Paper Monster

Hello Thrifties,
Today we are going to destroy the paper monster who slips into our house very quietly. You know the newspapers and mail. It seems they multiply right before your eyes. Your best defense against the paper monster is the trash can, newspaper recycle box and the shredder.

The very first thing to do in this war against paper is to make up your mind not let it get into your house. When you come in from the mailbox stop at the trash can, shredder or recycle box and put that paper in it's place because all it takes is a few pieces to collect on the counter or on your desk and the monster takes on a life of its own.

Now this is like any new habit you have to make yourself do it. There are so many benefits from this one little habit. How many times have you had to rummage through a ton of papers trying to find the one and only bill you need to pay today. Or how many times have you forgotten about the bill because of all the junk mail that came in the door with it. It's time to get on the defensive. It's time to put that paper monster on the road to the dump or the recycler. One of the benefits of this new paper habit is your desk and counter top will be clear. That will be a thrifty (free) time saver for you. Plus if you are trying to be more green, the newspapers will be reused instead of a tree going down for your morning paper.

Here is a paper testimony: A friend used her dining room table to catch all the papers and mail. No one ate on the dining room table so what difference did it make.. she thought. After several months she invited some folks over for dinner and realized she would have to clean off the table. Much to her surprise she found a couple of refund checks from her insurance company and several past due notices for bills she thought she had paid. She ended up filling four garbage bags to overflowing with the paper monster. For the first time in a long time she saw the top of her table.   

Where is the monster in your house? Stay thrifty!