What is a coupon? A coupon by definition is a voucher entitling the holder to a discount for a particular item. What does it mean to the normal man? It means shop more for less! Couponing is the shopaholics holy grail! Couponing has taken such huge proportions that there are reality shows made around it. So, let’s take a quick look at how to effectively coupon and the benefits of couponing.
The best place to start is by hunting for coupons. You can find coupons everywhere, in newspapers, at shops and stores. Stores publish coupon booklets exclusively. There are dedicated web sites to couponing, that will help you print coupons as well as list the coupons in your area. You could reach out to your friends and other couponers and swap coupons. Some products put out coupons for their products on store shelves. Some stores have dedicated swipe machines that read loyalty cards and print coupons. Subscribe to store alerts on deals via SMS and emails.
Once you have your coupons it is time to cash them in. The first thing to know about couponing is that coupons provide more value for money during store sales. The discounts of store sales are compounded when you add the discount value of the coupons. Most coupons have a validity of 10 days to 1 month. It is advisable to have a method to track and organize your coupons or you will end up with a stack of expired coupons. Some extreme couponers even use their computer to help track the coupons they have. Hoarding coupons will help only if those coupons can be stacked.
Stacking coupons means to use multiple coupons on a single transaction so that you end up getting the product or service for a fraction of the cost. The single most problem to couponing is aggressive staff. Couponing takes a lot of time at the checkout counter, especially when you stack coupons. Not all stores will allow you to stack coupons and sometimes staff will not stack coupons for lack of time. The only defense to such staff is to know or keep a copy of store policy. Some stores will also order out of stock items if you show a coupon for it within the validity period.
Couponing has a few pitfalls too. You may not find the coupons for your brand. But most in-store brands are just as good. You will not see immediate savings from couponing, but you will find the difference in your savings in about three months.
-
Affordable MDM Solutions for Small Businesses
Read moreMaster data management (MDM) is a method of helping companies link all their critical data to one common point of reference. When MDM is properly implemented, it improves the data quality while streamlining and optimizing the data-sharing process across different employees and departments. Additionally, MDM can help the companies in computing multiple platforms, architectures, and applications. MDM surely has many benefits for the companies that implement it, no matter their size. Following are some affordable MDM solutions for small businesses.
AirWatch
AirWatch is one of the simplest and straightforward MDM solutions available for small businesses. This MDM is owned by VMware and is an open ecosystem. Therefore, it integrates with software such as Dropbox and Office 365. This MDM is VMware’s honest attempt toward creating a hassle-free experience for its users. AirWatch is compatible with various operating systems and achieves the key point needed for a good MDM. Pricing for this device is based on per device and per month. This includes app management, email management, and device management.Codeproof
Codeproof is one of the newest MDM options currently in the market and is ideal for small businesses that want to secure their devices without investing a lot of money in the process. Codeproof offers two packages: enterprise level and professional level. The enterprise-level MDM covers many points that small businesses may need from an MDM solution. In fact, it offers much more than what these businesses might need. Professional level MDM is the ideal MDM solution for small businesses. It covers all their needs without being costly. Both of these options are compatible with various devices and operating systems.Cisco Meraki
Cisco Meraki has the backing and experience of a brand like Cisco. It offers multiple products that are meant to help businesses of all sizes. Meraki is a cloud-based eco-system, which provides support to a variety of devices like network switching hubs, phones, security cameras, and wireless routers, among others. It brings all these devices on a single platform using effective device management software. If you are planning to stick to just one company for all your company’s needs, Cisco Meraki is your ideal choice. This company offers one of the best MDM solutions for small businesses at a very affordable price and without complexities. The price of the packages depends on the kind of devices you select. -
Top 7 time-saving cleaning hacks
Read moreMaintaining a clean and organized home is visually appealing and essential for the inhabitants’ overall well-being. A neat living environment promotes good hygiene, reduces the risk of illness, and creates a sense of calm and tranquility. That said, the task of cleaning can often feel overwhelming and time-consuming. That is where cleaning hacks come in handy. You can streamline your cleaning routine by implementing a few smart strategies and time-saving techniques.
This article will explore five effective cleaning hacks that will revolutionize how you approach cleaning.
Create a cleaning schedule
One of the most effective ways to save time on cleaning is to create a schedule for it. Planning and dedicating specific days and times for different cleaning tasks ensures that every task is completed without feeling overburdened. A neat and organized residence enhances its aesthetic appeal and contributes to a healthier living environment. Regular cleaning helps eliminate dust, allergens, and bacteria, reducing the risk of respiratory issues and allergies. Furthermore, a clean and clutter-free space promotes mental well-being, allowing you to focus and relax. With a well-planned cleaning schedule, you can efficiently maintain cleanliness, leading to a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.Do little by little
Plan to do the cleaning jobs for a short period; otherwise, it will tire you. Set a timer for the fixed duration and start working towards decluttering and wiping as much space as possible. Plan the room to be cleaned and complete it there first, without flitting between different areas. Do the vacuuming or mopping as the last task.Gather your supplies in one place
It is possible to dramatically reduce the time required to clean by storing all your cleaning materials in a single, conveniently accessible location. Put together a cleaning caddy or use a bucket to collect all necessary products, such as an all-purpose cleaner, microfiber towels, scrub brushes, and gloves. You won’t have to waste time searching for materials throughout the various rooms of the house if you do it this way. In addition, give some thought to employing cleaning chemicals that are adaptable and can be employed on a variety of different kinds of surfaces. By doing this, you won’t have to hire professional cleaners with specialized skills, saving you both time and money.Use the two-minute rule
The two-minute rule is a productivity principle that can be applied to cleaning tasks. The idea is to tackle small tasks immediately if they can be completed in two minutes or less. Following this rule can prevent small chores from piling up and becoming overwhelming. Instead of procrastinating and letting clutter or minor cleaning tasks accumulate, take a few moments to address them immediately. Whether it’s wiping down a surface, putting away items, or tidying up a specific area, the two-minute rule helps you maintain a cleaner and more organized home in a time-efficient manner.Optimize your cleaning techniques
Finding efficient cleaning techniques can significantly affect the time it takes to complete a task. For example, when dusting, start from the top and work your way down to prevent dust from settling on already-cleaned surfaces. Use microfiber cloths instead of paper towels, as they are more effective at picking up dirt and can be reused. Additionally, consider using cleaning tools with extendable handles to reach high and low areas without needing a step stool or bending over. These small adjustments can save you time and effort during your cleaning sessions.Delegate and simplify
Cleaning doesn’t have to be a one-person job. Involving other house members in the cleaning process lightens your workload and promotes a sense of shared responsibility. Delegate age-appropriate cleaning tasks to children or assign specific chores to your partner or roommates. By dividing the cleaning duties, you can save considerable time and create a more efficient cleaning routine. Additionally, simplifying your living spaces by decluttering and finding effective storage solutions can significantly reduce the time you spend tidying up the areas. Removing unnecessary items and organizing your belongings makes cleaning faster and creates a more visually appealing and stress-free environment.Make the room smell fresh
Maintaining a pleasant-smelling living space is also part of cleaning. Use non-toxic room fresheners. Place scented absorbent papers in the bottom of waste bins to prevent leakage and smells from emanating.Keeping your home clean is important for your physical and mental health. With the above five cleaning hacks to save time, you can change the way you tidy up the rooms and get more leisure time. Making a cleaning schedule ensures that jobs are spread evenly and keeps you from getting too busy. If you keep your cleaning supplies in one place, you won’t have to waste time looking for them. Choosing versatile cleaning products will help you avoid buying too many specialized ones. By eliminating clutter and organizing, you can make your living areas easier to clean and create a more peaceful environment. With these tips and tricks, you can keep your home neat and arranged while saving time and living a better and more balanced life.