Last week, I pulled everything out of my pantry so that I could organize it. I found an extra bottle of paprika and an extra bottle of chili powder. As if spices weren't already expensive enough.

Being disorganized is hugely expensive. Americans spend an avg of $17 million a year replacing items they have lost or misplaced due to disorganization. I recently organized all of my hair care products and was shocked to see that I have at least a year's worth of every kind of product imaginable.

Now if I could just get my paperwork more organized – that's really a pain for me! I'm working on it, but it's a long, slow project.

Great post again, my friend!

As mentioned in a previous comment, I always look for coupons on prescription drugs. Sometimes, you can get a $20 coupon (the cost of a copay) from your doctor or from signing up for a drug manufacturer's mailing list. I once found a $10 off coupon on a sample. That's real money.

Okay, I've spent way too much time browsing that site. There's even a section for us DC folks. I also found a cutting board for tall cooks. I'm a little less than 5' 10" so a raised cutting board would certainly reduce some of the pressure on my back.

Thanks for reminding me of the web site. Besides showing up in an internet search, I'd never really taken the time to familiarize myself with it.

I've printed coupons from Red Plum and Smart Source. Somehow, I overlooked the fact that P&G has printable coupon despite signing up for their mailing list. What an oversight! I'm glad you pointed that out.

I'm currently using the binder method to keep my coupons organized. So far, this method is working out pretty well. I feel a little embarrassed flipping through a huge binder of coupons in the store, so I've been keeping it in a large tote bag I haven't been able to find any other use for. If I come across a really good deal, I won't have any reservations about whipping that binder out of its carrying case.

I've been looking for ways to reduce food prep time so tip number 5 is especially helpful. I rarely use marinades so it hadn't occurred to me to use them before freezing meats. But I already see how doing so could make my life so much easier. I'm going to start watching for sales and coupons for marinades now.

In regards to tip number 7, when I clipped coupons over a year ago, I noticed coupons seemed to pop up everywhere. They showed up on canned goods. They were in magazines. They were attached to products. They were in my inbox. Once I learned this, I never stopped looking or using high value coupons. Particularly, for non-grocery items like prescription drugs.

Fresh meat and produce are two things I foresee having trouble finding coupons for. I believe the trick here is to take your advice and buy in bulk. I've been reading up on how to properly freeze and store foods.

It's a learning process, but I feel so empowered. Perhaps there's a case for reintroducing home economics to the schools.

As for couponing, refocus your efforts. Look for big wins, and only in things you already want. Think more about the ratio (discount/premium). Benchmark your efforts with some minimum – "if its not at least 25% savings not going to waste my time".

@ Money Funk. I just finished a post on a similar theme about not paying full price. I understand the context in which your referring, but hopefully you still look for deals elsewhere. I've been buying a lot of vitamins and when they go on B1G1 (buy 1 get 1) adding two $5 off coupons can knock a $50 regular purchase down to $15.

Have you tried ApartmentTherapy.com for great organizational ideas for small spaces? I have seen some tres chic abodes.

As for the couponing, I find it is too much work for the amount I save. Willing to do without. But, I wish you luck with all the above.