How To Keep Better Track Of Your Magazine Subscriptions

When you're subscribing to just one magazine, your life could be a breeze. Remembering when your subscription expires won't cause you much of a headache. However, when you have several subscriptions to various magazines, you may find yourself in the midst of chaos. As much as possible, you want to avoid making embarrassing queries only to be told that you paid only for a subscription that expired two months ago. You also want to avoid responding multiple times to renewal reminders that go with the magazine issues you're receiving. Go over the following list to check out how you can keep better track of your magazine subscriptions.

1. Select a repository to file all your subscription-related documents. If you love the old-fashioned way, designate a clear plastic binder or a folder for each magazine you're subscribing to. If you love computers, simply appropriate a space of your computer memory for storing your subscription-related files. The most turned-to solution is to make folders that are accurately labeled and dated. Keep in mind that for better organization and future file recovery needs, designate only one repository for each magazine. Mixing everything altogether in one storage will not motivate you later on to sort through all the paperwork.

2. Keep a copy of everything related to your subscription: your application form, your receipt, your bank statement which reflects how much and when you paid for your subscription, your welcome letter which also tells you when your subscription expires, and some confirmation notices for free subscriptions you've been awarded. Photocopies will also help if you have pet dogs and cats that are more than eager to tear to bits any loose papers that you leave on your desk. If you hate keeping papers, scan all subscription-related documents and save them under one dated and clearly labeled folder in your computer before throwing any piece of paper away.

3. Mark your calendar. You may want to do this with a circle or an X and write a small note in your calendar, indicating which subscription is due on which date. You can easily refer to your binder or envelope to double check. Of course, do not forget to look at the calendar from time to time; otherwise, all your efforts are worthless. If you prefer keeping track of the expiration dates using your computer, you may want to set an alarm but do this at least a month before your subscription expires so you will have ample time to secure funds to renew your subscription.

4. Update your records once you renew your subscription. To minimize clutter and confusion, you may now want to ditch the old and no-longer-valid documentation, keeping only the paperwork that you need. If you wish to keep everything intact, however, sort everything in chronological order from the latest to the earliest files. Record updates are not that hard on soft copies if you diligently date each file instead of just using a descriptive title in the filename.