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Create a well-planned list and stick to it. Don't let your mind wander to other projects and needs while wandering the aisles of the stores. Instead, focus only on the list in hand and avoid browsing.
Circulars with coupons should be put aside. When an essential item is on your weekly list (here comes those sneakers) you can check circulars to find it. However, don't look through the entire circular. Instead, just look at the section for the item you need just like when you enter the store and only target those items on the list rather than browsing.
About The Author: Kelly Ann Butterbaugh is a freelance writer who regularly contributes to a variety of magazines and has written a history book for middle readers. Visit her website for writing help, lesson plans, history fun, or work for hire at http://www.kellybutterbaugh.com
By
06/29/2009
Here's our method: we don't buy things if they're above the maximum price we're willing to pay. Right now, I'm putting off buying sugar 'til I can find it for $2.19 or less for 5 pounds. I haven't bought a GPS unit for the car yet. I decided not to buy one 'til I could find a great one for under $100. I believe I could find one that fits my specifications now, but I'm still putting it off! True, there are some things you absolutely must have despite the price, but there aren't as many as you think! Cheers!!
By
06/29/2009
Here is a tip - go shopping on a push bike. We are living in Denmark and the main form of transportation is on the bike. I have some bags that attach to the back of the bike and basically what I carry home is what we eat.
You will not buy any more than you need and you will certainly think twice before you buy milk and potatoes on the same trip. Even though I was quite good about buying food when we lived in Australia I still had things spoil in the fridge. This is no longer a problem. Everything is very expensive so we eat smaller portions, we exercise more and cannot over indulge.
The first week we were here I had to walk to the shops with a push bag for the groceries. One day I did 5 kilometre round trip. Let me tell you food is very heavy when you are the one carrying it back to the apartment.
It is too easy to buy things when you have a car. You simply don't think twice about purchasing anything. Seriously I think that is the key - we need to think and not mindlessly shop.
By
06/27/2009
It pays to look for sales in ads for sporting goods stores for deals on sneakers. I usually have a mental shopping list - & if I find a really good deal on, say, a purse, then I will pick it up. But when I am on a "money diet" I will only buy rock bottom deals! It's good to keep tabs of your basic home equipment, to see when it will be necessary to replace it, so you won't be rushed into spending more than you can afford. And remember, 2nd hand refrigerators & such are really good deals! I guess I am a real skin flint, since spending $50 on something seems like a lot of money to me! There are so many ways to avoid spending list prices on more expensive items! I usually explore every other way of obtaining something before I would resort to a department store & regular retail prices.
By
06/26/2009
The $50 Rule: Back in the 1980's I got a great tip from a family based radio show. The show's guest said to make a pact between husband & wife to never buy anything that costs over $50 without first thinking about it for one whole month. This doesn't mean you can't buy a new washer, fridge, furnace or get your car fixed if they break down. What it means is to never buy anything on the spur of the moment that costs over $50! He said, If you really still want or need it after that month goes buy, then there's a pretty good chance it's something you should buy. This tip has saved me from going crazy on things that I felt I had to have, but I didn't really need countless times!
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