Thursday, January 13, 2011

54 January Challenge: Project Paper {step 3}

Ask and you shall receipt!  What!?  Lame I know... I tried.

Today I am chatting about receipt storage!  Who's excited?

This one was a quick and easy one for me.  I love when organizing is quick and easy!  That means more time doing other things that I love!

I was pretty excited when I was scoping out the dollar section at Target and spotted some awesome accordion style envelopes, for you guessed it... $1!!


These babies are typically used for coupons and receipts.  For now, I went the receipt route with mine.

Why do I save receipts?  All sorts of reasons, budgeting, expense tracking, etc...

The labels that came with this envelope didn't have a built in template for me to create on the computer and print on.  And I still have no tape in my label maker {haven't been to the store in days}, so time to put that creative hat back on.

I dug through my scrapbook stickers, looking for some pretty numbers... when I stumbled across some rub-on transfers...


Perfect!  I decided to number the tabs 1-12, for each month of the year.


Then, I just whipped up a quick label in Microsoft Word for the front, so that we would always know the contents...


And it was another Project Paper "To Do" checked off the list!


Yes, I popped a new button on the envelope by using boatloads of hot glue on top of the existing button.  Because I can't leave well enough alone.  Who knows how long it will actually last without falling off?

And the envelope can be portable if I choose, or just pop into our filing bin when not in use!

What do you think?  Any other receipt storing solutions out there to share?  How is this monthly challenge coming along? 


I decided a little challenge would be fun! This month we are getting all those papers in order!  Wanna join?  Take pictures and blog about your awesomeness as you go!  I am hoping to do a giant, "We did it!" celebratory post where we can all link up our paper filing success stories at the end of the month!



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54 comments:

  1. AUDREY {LIL' BOOGER BLOG}January 13, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    I love it! Gonna try to start saving my receipts. I'M SO BAD ABOUT IT!

    ReplyDelete
  2. SharisseJanuary 13, 2011 at 10:49 AM

    That's great! Love organizing on a budget. I do have one question as far as the method you use. You organize it by month, how do you remember what was purchased in what month if you need to find it? I think I would need to file it by store alphabetically.

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  3. IHeart OrganizingJanuary 13, 2011 at 10:54 AM

    Hi Sharisse!

    Great question! It's all about making it work for your personal system. We do our budget monthly, so it's nice for us to pull receipts out of the specific month and compare our total expenses from month to month. We also track many of our expenses on a spreadsheet, so again, this way of filing just matched up with our other systems.

    I guess it just depends on why you are saving your receipts, and that would determine how you file them away! :)

    xoxo,
    Jen

    ReplyDelete
  4. ElsaJanuary 13, 2011 at 11:00 AM

    I bought the same envelope and have been using it to keep track of my receipts so I can track how much we are saving by using coupons. I didn't make it as cute though, but I think now I will! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Jenn @ Peas and CrayonsJanuary 13, 2011 at 11:41 AM

    I'm still behind! Though I think I have it together today.

    Starting at 1pm I'm going to spend at least 2 hours on some application stuff for my internship. Then take a break away from the computer with some much needed file and paper organization! <3

    Wish me luck!

    xoXOxo
    Jenn @ Peas & Crayons

    ReplyDelete
  6. KLMJanuary 13, 2011 at 12:28 PM

    I guess this means I really have to get my Be-hind into gear and start saving all of my receipts. Right now I just stuff them in any nook and cranny I can find within my car.

    This post gives me the motivation to organize all of those pesky white pieces of paper!

    ReplyDelete
  7. KerryJanuary 13, 2011 at 1:18 PM

    We budget monthly like you do and track everything on an Excel sheet that my husband made as well. (Crazy detailed.) To store the receipts we put them in a "to be recorded" envelope. Each week we go through and record those, check off those envelopes and store them in the envelope for the month they were purchased. Each month those are filed in the receipt file. I like that you have all your receipts in one bundle like this, but I think we'd need more space - which is slightly frightening. :) I love your website, by the way. Without really "committing" to it, I've tried to get one SMALL area straightened each day. I'm currently trying to work out a system for above our fridge since I removed what was there and my family doesn't like the empty space. I have the hardest time finding bins that I like for prices I'm willing to pay! Grrr! Thanks for the inspiration!

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  8. EricaJanuary 13, 2011 at 2:04 PM

    I just bought that exact envelope the other day at Target! I love that store!!!!

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  9. Sam W.January 13, 2011 at 2:10 PM

    cute and effective! great system.

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  10. SharisseJanuary 13, 2011 at 2:56 PM

    That's true Jen! Didn't think about filing them that way for budgeting and tracking purposes. I guess I really only keep receipts in case something needs to be returned. I do use www.mint.com to automatically track my expenses electronically. I <3 your creativity and all of the cute labels you make all over your house. One day I need to sit down and play with some different designs.

    ReplyDelete
  11. GiaJanuary 13, 2011 at 3:01 PM

    I trued to find the envelope at my Target and couldn't! I am joining in!

    ReplyDelete
  12. ReneeJanuary 13, 2011 at 3:07 PM

    I like it; having just started on being proactive about saving reciepts, I'm keeping only grocery or merchandise reciepts (things that might have a defect in 6 months unexpectedly or need to be returned in a week... always good to have that receipt on hand rather than rummaging through all of your messy purses... I need help!). We've started keeping the receipts in a stack in a vintage roll-top thingamajig on the desk... it has a narrow deep compartment that seems perfect for this start to our system. I am also hoping to start comparing my grocery receipts to start comparing prices week-to-week to get a feel for the best deals for things (we've been pretty lax about being frugal at the grocery store, and it would be nice to have some extra money to squirrel away each week!)

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  13. April was in CA now MA January 13, 2011 at 3:25 PM

    I really need to learn how to use MS Word a little better so I can utilize such cute labels, love it!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Jenn CJanuary 13, 2011 at 3:49 PM

    How do you create such great borders on the labels????

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  15. Pinky at Designs by PinkyJanuary 13, 2011 at 3:55 PM

    I keep receipts too, really just for returns. I just use a regular business sized envelope, write the month on it and put the receipts in there. BUT, then when I may want to return something I can't remember what month I bought the item! Somehow I need to record WHAT I buy and the DATE. How???? Not sure. I have no clue how to do it on the computer.....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousDecember 13, 2012 at 5:40 AM

      Just write the name of the items that might need to be returned on the outside of the envelope.

      Delete
  16. AnonymousJanuary 13, 2011 at 4:03 PM

    This is a great idea, and I was just about to attack our receipt pile - though I would take a slightly different route. We tend to frequent the same places quite often, and many times I need to quickly find that receipt from Target to make a return, or Michael's to tell my craft circle how much they owe me for picking up the supplies. So instead of labeling 1-12 for the months of the year, I'd probably sort them by store, as well as having one pocket for "house renovations" to track our remodeling expenses. Thanks for the inspiration!

    P.S. I've attempted to leave this comment using several of the options given, but it hasn't let me unless I do "anonymous". But I'm Elle, from www.memoirsofawannabegypsy.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Kim @ NewlyWoodwardsJanuary 13, 2011 at 4:23 PM

    The best thing I ever did was put my receipt organizer in the center console of the car. Now I always know where it is and I got into the habit of always putting them away when I get in the car after the mall, stores, restaurant. It's also really handy because you always have them with you for a return or price match.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousJune 22, 2012 at 10:17 PM

      I know you wrote your comment a year and a half ago, but your idea is genius! my purse becomes a receipt wasteland but I do eventually try to organize them. Having the organizer in the car is a fabulous idea and will help keep my purse clutter free too!

      Thanks for sharing !

      Delete
  18. RobertaJanuary 13, 2011 at 4:53 PM

    Very pretty and practical Jen...sure beats my "under the sea" envelopes...lol
    AND at that price I'd be picking up a few for the future ;) I'll have to check those out and use them in my drawer: http://con-tain-it.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/01/wfmw-managingng-your-bank-statements-monthly-receipts.html#tp

    ReplyDelete
  19. Delightful OrderJanuary 13, 2011 at 5:29 PM

    Girl - we SO think alike!! This is exactly the way I store my receipts! LOVE! it works so great!

    ReplyDelete
  20. AuutmnJanuary 13, 2011 at 5:33 PM

    Please, please make your next tutorial about making your adorable labels. I am stumped on how you made that border. So cute!

    I clean out my reciept file once a month while going over the budget. I make sure everything is recorded properly and then toss most receipts and file any that need to be kept long-term like records for home improvement, major purchases, etc.

    Kim, what a clever idea to keep a receipt organizer in the car.

    ReplyDelete
  21. La Creative Latina DivaJanuary 13, 2011 at 7:10 PM

    Jenn, This is the system I started using last year after finding it on this blog. It is a great way to utilize envelopes that you may normally throw out. These are the envelopes which come inside of your bills. http://www.scjohnson.com/en/family/family-economics/09-12-31/Envelope-Organizer.aspx

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  22. GiaJanuary 13, 2011 at 8:41 PM

    I agree with Autumn. Help us make adorable labels using Word! I love that border!

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  23. Gina @ Temporary NestJanuary 13, 2011 at 9:19 PM

    Thats pretty much what I do too! :) I love the colorful additions though!

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  24. MegJanuary 14, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    I happened to be at Target last night and picked up the cute organizer. I love the dollar bin! I have now created this great organizer to see really what we do spend every month! Thanks for Sharing.

    I agree with all the ladies, I would love to see how you make those cute borders & all. I did see your tutorial about your other labels, but would like to see how you make them so cute!

    Thanks!
    Meg ourlifeatthemoment.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. Your Life ChannelJanuary 14, 2011 at 11:02 AM

    Great post, Jen. And yes, the label is indeed very cute!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Jen @ The Decor SceneJanuary 14, 2011 at 4:07 PM

    OMG I love this idea for receipts. Mine are always all over the place. Thanks for sharing this great idea. I'm going to look at my local Target for this as well. And I will pick one up for coupons on too. Nice!!!

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  27. AnonymousJanuary 14, 2011 at 5:38 PM

    I love that receipts label! Did you make it yourself?

    ReplyDelete
  28. IHeart OrganizingJanuary 14, 2011 at 5:40 PM

    I did! I seem to be getting some interest for a tutorial.... so stay tuned!!

    xoxo,
    Jen

    ReplyDelete
  29. nicolekarolJanuary 14, 2011 at 8:40 PM

    Jen,
    You must teach the wonders of your labels. I just fought with labels for an hour and ended up with something I am disappointed in. I love the label you made for your receipt holder. How did you do the background? How do you add pictures?
    I am very computer literate and even worked as a graphic designer, however, labels are kicking my butt!
    Niki

    ReplyDelete
  30. Alison ClintonJanuary 14, 2011 at 11:53 PM

    I LOVE this idea!! I have a hard time keeping track of all my work receipts and then separating them into months for my accountant has always been a pain because I've never had a system. That will work perfect (and I love the idea of keeping it in the car!). Thank you so much!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Pretty Things by Laura HJanuary 15, 2011 at 12:32 AM

    How do you make those cute flowers? :) I can't find that shape on MS Word.

    ReplyDelete
  32. christine @ {simple starfish}January 15, 2011 at 8:34 AM

    Hi there. Yes, I have the same question as the others. How did you make such a cute label on Word with that cute background?

    ReplyDelete
  33. Marissa CunninghamJanuary 15, 2011 at 5:22 PM

    Hi there! I absolutely LOVE your blog! I'm an organizer at heart as well! But I have to say I've been slacking on the organization around here lately, with 2 babies under 2 years old things can get a lil hectic. But now I'm geared up and ready to get our abode in shape. I have one question for you how did you make the label you made for the receipt book? That will work perfectly for labeling our art supplies!!!

    ReplyDelete
  34. A Nest in the MakingJanuary 15, 2011 at 5:38 PM

    I haven't quite gotten to this one, but I just posted my blog for Step #2! I'm just getting starting with the blogging, but it's definitely helping to keep me honest on what I get done! Come check it out if you have a chance! I'd love to hear your opinion of what I'm doing (so far anyway)!

    As always! Love your work!

    ~Kristi

    ReplyDelete
  35. ShannonJanuary 17, 2011 at 11:21 PM

    I also have a $1 coupon sorter that I use for receipts, alot easier than digging through wadded up receipts in my purse or in a "pile" of paper. For my coupons, I purchased an inexpensive ($1-$2) photo album...just plain plastic and I use that to store all my non-grocery coupons such fast food, restaraunts, stores, etc....I just used my label maker to label each one and like that they are see through, so even easier to see what I have. It is small enough to just carry in my purse so I always have my coupons and no more "oh geez, wish I had brought that coupon I cut out...". Great ideas...enjoying your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Jen @ The Decor SceneJanuary 19, 2011 at 10:31 AM

    Jen I just wanted to let you know that I just found these cute organizers at Target yesterday (on Long Island) in the $1 section. I bought 3 of them actually. 1-receipts, 1-coupons & 1-receipts for Tax purposes. I can't wait to start using them. Thanks for posting and I'm so glad they actually had them in my local Target. Me loves Target. And I also bought a 2" binder just like the design on your clipboard. I'm hoping to use that for Recipes in the future. Have to organize those too. So happy I came across your blog a few months ago. :D

    ReplyDelete
  37. UnknownJanuary 20, 2011 at 9:21 PM

    Great receipt post. I stuff all my monthly receipts in my wallet and they seem to overflow by the end of the month-even people at the checkout lane...say hey my wallet looks like that too. I dont want comments like that anymore..lol. I always have them with me because for some reason I always returning something. I do a lot of DYI things in our house so a trip to Lowes & Home Depot for a return and purchase comes too often. I like another reader's idea of using this in the console of their car. I may alphabetize mine-that way I can pull them out very quickly when I'm at that particular store. I do file important receipts in a file cabinet-nothing fancy for tax purposes but this is a great idea for receipts needed at hand! Thanks and here is my blog for anyone interested
    http://kris10intheknow.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. The Greedy'sJanuary 30, 2011 at 10:51 PM

    I'd also LOVE to know how you made that cute border on your label too. PLEASE share!!!

    Loving all the paper help, I totally NEED it.

    THANKS

    ReplyDelete
  39. Tara at Padded Tush StatsSeptember 13, 2011 at 1:46 PM

    Is there another post around here somewhere on how you do your monthly budget? If not, that would be a great one. If there is, please let me know!

    ReplyDelete
  40. AnonymousJanuary 24, 2012 at 3:35 PM

    I agree with Tara. I was just thinking, "I wonder how this amazing woman does her budget organization and what she does with the receipts in her budget..." I have been saving receipts forever, but when people ask me why I say, "Well, I use them for budgeting... in theory..." I just found your blog, and I am SO HAPPY it's here! My life is going to get a lot more organized, I can tell. One other question/request: how do you keep your boys and husband organized? Haha- I feel like I come up with great organization ideas, but it's very exhausting to keep them up because I have to go back and fix the un-fixings of my precious ones (which includes the hubby... I'm definitely getting an envelope for the car because MAYBE I can at least get him to put his receipts in there and I can bring them in). -Kita

    ReplyDelete
  41. KatyFebruary 9, 2012 at 7:23 PM

    Do you have a specific budgeting spreadsheet you use? I'm so in need of one to track our monthly expenses--and I'm sure yours is super cute:)

    ReplyDelete
  42. AnonymousMarch 16, 2012 at 8:57 AM

    Just did something very similar, a green button and alphabetical for me!

    ReplyDelete
  43. AnonymousMarch 22, 2012 at 8:23 PM

    Hi Jen-Can you please tell me what scanning/organizational system you use for you receipts after this? I am really struggling with keeping all my receipts-what a mess! Any advice and or direction would be appreciated! Thanks! Meg

    ReplyDelete
  44. IHeart OrganizingMarch 23, 2012 at 12:37 AM

    I just scan them digital using my neatdesk scanner and then keep them tucked away in one of these accordion files for tax purposes and budget reference. I just pick up a new accordion file each year. After I start recycling taxes from 7 years prior, I can start rotating them out lol.

    xoxo!
    Jen

    ReplyDelete
  45. AnonymousApril 2, 2012 at 7:37 PM

    I really love your blog. i have found a lot of inspiration from this blog. I also used this to organize the contents in the car compartment.

    ReplyDelete
  46. AngelaApril 11, 2012 at 12:56 PM

    Jen,
    I love this. Thank you so much! My husband and I are going crazy trying to figure out how to organize our paperwork...receipts, mail, manuals, etc. I'm definitely going to try this. Do you mind if I use some of your pics on my new blog? To show where I got the inspiration? Thanks!

    http://sunnysweetlife.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. AnonymousOctober 19, 2012 at 1:56 AM

    Pretty please...let me know the dimensions of the accordion file you use for receipts. I have my eye on the Martha Stewart for Avery accordion files, but one seems to big the other too small. Please advise. Come on, cherry on top? ;)

    Marianne in CA

    ReplyDelete
  48. SheriJanuary 18, 2013 at 10:08 AM

    Please share how you made the "receipts" label with the border...I absolutely love it and want to be able to use that border (actually copy that label) to make other labels as I've adopted your plan for this January.

    Thanks for sharing!
    Sheri
    sheribuckley@bellsouth.net

    ReplyDelete
  49. UnknownApril 26, 2013 at 7:10 PM

    Not sure if you will receive this message as its an old post. But I want to know how do you track your expenses so you can compare month to month. Currently I am using an app tha is time consuming. Do you have a better way? Thanks sue

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. IHeart OrganizingApril 29, 2013 at 1:47 PM

      I actually did an updated post on the subject, you can find it here: http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2013/01/our-budget-binder.html

      xo!
      Jen

      Delete
  50. Genevieve LMarch 4, 2014 at 9:26 AM

    Jen, your label making abilities are awesome. How did you make the receipt one? You should do a tutorial on them !!!!

    ReplyDelete

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