How do you keep all your deals organized?

StressLess · #1 (**permalink**) 04-15-2006, 11:51 AM

I'm starting to feel a little overwhelmed again, as far as keeping on top of rebates, cc offers, trial memberships and so forth. How does everyone else keep track of it all?

I do have one file folder for rebates, where I keep copies of what I sent. And I put notes in my calendar software about them. But I don't trust that completely--I might forget to enter something, or not be able to find the info again. I'm thinking of maybe a binder with one page of notes per deal?

It seems like some rebates repeat themselves each year. Also, sometimes you can do a deal several times, but you have to be out of the program a certain length of time to apply again. (Like the Schwab cc deal, where you couldn't have had or applied for one of their cards within 180 days.) So maybe it's a good idea to keep info on finished deals?

Any advice appreciated!

Tightwad Kitty · #2 (**permalink**) 04-15-2006, 01:09 PM

This is a filing and organizing question.

Personally I would kept a folder for this kind of thing. You could use files too!
In three sections:
Section 1) Would be for all offer rebates, cc offers, trial memberships etc. that you are currently is applying for.
Section 2) Current memberships that you are in, each one having a page of it’s own.
Section 3) Past rebates, cc offers, trial memberships etc. Each company with it’s own page.

Do kept copies of what you have sent and put a date on your computer calendar when you are due to receive reply. (Allow 28 days kind of thing)

I hope this is kind thing you are looking for.

billybob · #3 (**permalink**) 04-16-2006, 06:25 AM

Is it really worth all the stress, bother, energy, and time?
Personally, I never do rebates because I hate them. Places do rebates because they are counting on 90% of people not cashing in on them, and when I have in the past, I have never recieved any of my rebates. I try to boycott products and companies that offer rebates.
I would try to limit myself to only the special offers and Trial memberships that you absolutely need. You might find that you dont need any of them, but just have a hard time passing up a deal...
I might be completely wrong, and I sure dont mean any offense... but think about it!
If you really wanna "Stressless", maybe you could just simplify...
good luck
billy

34saving · #4 (**permalink**) 04-16-2006, 06:50 AM

What's kind of funny is that I do the deals for entertainment. Especially credit card companies and timeshare people -- I figure they deserve as much "taking advantage of" as anybody. So, to answer your question, at least for me it's not a ton of extra work. As far as keeping track of everything, billybob might have a point. Have you thought about not keeping track of everything? For example I only keep track of rebates over $5 or so. I get the VAST majority of rebates I apply for, so I figure even if a $3 doesn't show up I'm probably not going to fight it even if I have the documentation. I also cancel any trial offers as soon as I get the initial freebie. (None of this "take advantage of the trial offer for as long as you possibly can" stuff -- that, for me, is too hard to keep track of. )

Other than that, I find the calendar works well and I just keep the documentation on a bulletin board until it's no longer relevent. Then I throw it out. (Of course I only have maybe 5-10 things going on at any time. I think this would break down pretty fast if I had more.)

StressLess · #5 (**permalink**) 04-16-2006, 08:46 AM

I guess it's a hobby, but also a significant part of our budget. I just checked, in the past 12 months we've had over $1700 worth of "other income". That's regular rebates, bank bonus offers, surveys, and the gift card rebates from Dealpass. Being that we still have around $3000 in cc debt I'm paying off, no I can't afford to stop. It definitely makes sense to stay with the easiest, most hassle-free projects, though.

Right now I've got 11 little projects going, plus I watch Ebay for bargains, and do what I can with coupons. I'm trying to get away from Amazon sales because that seems like the most hassle of all--but that means I have to make up for it with other things.

Thanks for the ideas, I'm still mulling things over...

stngymama · #6 (**permalink**) 04-16-2006, 11:32 AM

If I were to do this, I would have a "pending" file for all the paperwork for outstanding rebates, applications, etc; when it's completed (you got your $!) I'd evaluate whether you need to keep anything, if so, file appropriately ("computer", "phone", etc.). As was said, use your calendar to set deadlines (you could note where the paperwork is stored as part of the "event"). Also maybe use a "To Do" function that ties into your calendar. You could also use your calendar to note when you can reapply for something...
I would also be lost without Quicken for documention/keeping track of all things financial (e.g., a $ rebate is "income, other"), including scheduling future financial events. Any such program I'm sure would work.
I'm also learning to scan and use a record management program on the computer to keep track of everything that I don't need an original for (warranty information, manuals, receipts, etc.). For example, I created a database specifically for recording serial #s, all documentation, photos, etc. that an insurance company might want (I called and asked) for our household belongings. Its easy once you get caught up

Sorry, I know this is a bit OT, but I think organization is a cornerstone to keeping finances/savings under control!

billybob · #7 (**permalink**) 04-16-2006, 11:46 AM

I hear ya- maybe i dont really understand what you are doing...
but from my viewpoint, saving money on "stuff" (rebates, ebay, amazon, etc) isnt really saving money if its not stuff you absolutely need... you'd be better off not buying it in the first place!
how many hours of life energy have you devoted to this in the last 12 months? once you factor that in, 1700 may not be worth it either!

Tightwad Kitty · #8 (**permalink**) 04-16-2006, 03:26 PM

For me personally, I do only rebate on a rare occasions, and have got back them all! So I have only one"pending" file for all the paperwork for outstanding rebate.

Only once did I have trouble with one that I had to write a letter on anti-virus rebate. They were two months past the due, so told them if I didn't get the rebate then I would inform Fair Trade and company the rebate was for about it. I got a letter say that they were behind in their (Promotion Company) mailing out of the rebates. To top it off when the cheque arrived in the mail, no one had sign it so I phone up them, OOP! Someone had posted 30000 rebates that were not signed. I was the first to phone about it! Just return the cheque please, two days later I got it back signed, it was for $30