Consumer Watch: Tips for saving and organization in the year ahead

Along the same lines as my Jan. 3 column, here are some smooth and easy tips to help organize your home routines, salvage your checkbook and de-stress.

1. Family assignments can save enormous headaches, especially if “family” consists of more than a couple of members. One of the better ideas I’ve seen is color assignments for each person. Everyone int he family chooses his or her favorite color; buy washi tape or stickers that coordinate. Place the colors on everything. While it may take some time to set up the system, you’ll be thrilled in the long run when you see how it works. Stick colors onto phone cases, notebooks, device chargers and other items apt to be left out. Sew color labels on towels to identify the guilty party who drops theirs on floor.

2. Cell phone plans, if investigated prior to walking into the store, are renegotiable. Savings are important since some major providers recently did away with two-year programs and now charge the full device price. So before entering your local Verizon Wireless store, for instance, know what all competing brands offer, too. When you say another wireless provider is offering a lower rate, you’re more likely for the salesperson to meet the offer.

3. Paper clutter is my downfall. I can walk in a clean room and, in a matter of minutes, I’ve strewn papers everywhere. If you own a bookshelf with some empty shelving space, you can solve your paper clutter problem in a flash. Attractive cubbies, baskets, or other containers can house all kinds of papers; even better, you can designate by chore. “Outgoing Mail,” “2016 Tax Deductions” or any other topic becomes the one location to place paperwork.

4. Utilities can strain a family budget, particularly in the heat of summer or the dead of winter. Cleaning or changing air filters is a major move in the battle to conserve. Assuming your home is drafty, place door and window draft blockers where you feel the chilly air. Not only will your home heat more efficiently, your heating bill will show positive results.

5. Vehicle maintenance is especially crucial in winter. As temperatures drop, so does tire pressure. Snow and ice can cause windshield wipers to break. So fill tires to their correct pressure and replace wipers if they have nicks or loose rubber.

Contact Ellen Phillips at consumerwatch@timesfreepress.com.