Getting Rid of Paper Clutter

This week's challenge on Simple Mom was to Simplify Paper Clutter.  This is a very difficult area for me because we eliminated most of our paper clutter a year or so ago.  But I thought I would explain how we did it.

All receipts for all purchased items including food gets inputted into PearBudget .  Then the receipt either gets thrown out or if may be needed in the future (proof of purchase re electronics or to keep a warranty valid), the receipt is kept in a file in the filing cabinet

Junk mail is immediately thrown out.

Any items that are to be put into a scrapbook goes into a specific drawer to be scrapped at a later date.

School work is stacked in a basked on Sam's desk and we go through it once a month to throw out anything that is no longer needed.

Paper clutter was the one thing that was overwhelming us.  Until we took control we were drowning. Now with a bit of effort and a place for everything we are much happier with what comes into the house.

Christmas Planning

Had to post this right away.  Mandi of Organizing Your Way has created and posted a Christmas Planning Printables and an ebook. 

How wonderful is Mandi for doing this just when I needed it.  Now the stress I have been feeling has been lessened by this little bundle of printables.
 http://organizing.yourway.net/free-christmas-planning-ebook-printables/

Last month I started thinking about my Christmas budget, with the traveling I'm doing in December and the Bathroom Reno next month, I am completely frazzled with how to even begin to put my Christmas budget down of paper. = Stress

We have decided to do a Secret Santa among our close friends, so even though we are not buying individual gifts for everyone (except the children), that one gift for the one person has to be extra special. = Stress

I have decided that this is the year of Christmas Cards, every year previous, I am making cards the week of Christmas and handing them out as we go.  I want to be prepared this year. = Stress

A Christmas Elf has visited early this year.  All of my stress points are covered in this ebook.  Brilliant!!