Is it just me or does Christmas Even seem like it was two years ago? And will it EVER be February 1st? I think I’m getting a little bit cranky because I haven’t eaten at a restaurant all month long. It’s probably not that great of an excuse, but I do feel like January is an exceptionally long month. But the good news is that we’re trucking toward the end of our challenge.
I’m so proud of all you’re learning and sharing this month as you tackle specific areas of your home. It feels so good to be better managers of our stuff and in charge of our finances.
Just as a reminder, each of the Financial Decluttering assignments should only take 10-15 minutes and you’ve only missed assignments to Clean Out Your Wallet, Clean Out Your Refrigerator Door, Clean Out Your Car Console, Clean Out Your Sock Drawer, Organize Your Coupons, Clean Out Kids’ Backpacks, Clean Out Your Purse or Bag, Clean Out ONE Pantry Shelf, Clean Off Your Desk. Then check out Clean Up Your Phone’s Apps, Clean Out Your Inbox, Clean Out the Junk Drawer, Declutter Your Shoes, Clean Out Your Freezer, Count Your Change, Clean Out ONE Clothes Closet, Clean Your Cleaners, and Clean Out Your Linen Closet. From there, head to Clean Out Old Bills, Clean Out Jewelry, Organize One Garage Shelf, and Clean Out the Shower.
Just a reminder, don’t forget to join the Financial Decluttering Facebook Group of close to 1500 people for ideas and encouragement. You’ll love the photos of the clean wallets, clean refrigerator doors, car consoles, coupon binders, backpacks, purses, desks, shoes, inboxes, and more!
Now, on to the challenge!
Day 23: Organize Medicines
Today’s challenge takes you to the medicine cabinet, bathroom mirror, or that drawer or shelf in your kitchen depending on where you store your meds. It’s easy to let items that have long expired remain in our homes. Although, quick tip: many expired drugs aren’t necessarily bad for you, they’re just not as effective.
Whether it’s Tylenol from 5 years ago (fun fact: I found some meds with a 2014 expiration date when I did this) or a prescription you didn’t finish, odds are good there are some meds you no longer need. Or there are meds you regularly take buried in the back behind items you don’t need.
Why It Matters:
Yes, medicines might be clogging your cabinets that you don’t need. But this Financial Decluttering challenge takes things a step further. You also need to evaluate any regular prescription drugs you take. You might be able to spend less money per month by picking up your prescriptions elsewhere.
When we began paying off $127k in debt, this simple trick freed up $20/month or $240/year that we used to put toward debt. I know it doesn’t seem like much on the surface but every little bit you can muster makes a difference and you can use to achieve your greater financial goals counts.
How to Do It:
- Bring together all the medicines you have in your house to one place.
- Sort through bottles one by one, checking for expiration dates.
- The FDA has suggestions on how to dispose of your drugs (both prescription and OTC) properly.
- Be sure you tear all labels off prescription bottles and shred them or mark through your information with a permanent marker.
- Reorganize the remaining drugs.
- Read 31 Debt Free Missions: Save Money on Prescriptions for ideas on how to save money on your prescriptions.
- When you’re finished, take a photo and post it to the challenge post in the Financial Decluttering Group. We’ll celebrate your victory. And/or post on Instagram with the #FinancialDecluttering Hashtag.
- You’ll get bonus points and virtual fist bumps for interesting discoveries.
How to Keep It That Way:
Remember to remove bottles on a regular basis. When taking an OTC drug, quickly sweep through the other meds to check dates. Make checking in on your prescription prices a regular practice. Even if in the past you’ve found a better price in the past, do a quick check again. You might be surprised at the opportunities that have changed.
A Few More Thoughts:
I can’t wait to see all we achieve together this month. I’ll continue sharing my own journey in the Financial Decluttering Facebook Group and via e-mails. Be sure you subscribe for both.
Post a photo of your medicine organization victories (careful not to let prescription information show) and tips in the comments! I want to see what sorts of systems you use to organize.
Our new book Your Money, Your Marriage is now available! Be sure to check out videos on managing money together on Facebook.
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission. All prices are subject to change.
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