Monday, July 16, 2007
I need some inspiration...
When I tally my expenses each month, I'm always disappointed at the combined amount of money that I spend at the grocery store, Target, and Wal-mart. I don't like how much I'm spending yet when I'm shopping, everything I buy seems essential. I try to make good choices, write a list, etc. yet I still seem to be spending too much. I need help! What strategies do you use to control your spending when you shop at these types of places??
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8 comments:
I say this mantra over and over:
MY TREASURES DO NOT RISE WITH ME.
But Target is VERY hard to resist.
I always make a list before I go. If I don't, I'll buy things I don't need and forget the things I do need.
I find I buy "essentials" when I wander around. "Oh, I just need these place mats!" or "This body wash smells SO good! I've got to get it."
I also think to myself "Do I really need this?", which I probably don't so I put it back. However, there are times I splurge...especially when my husband is with me and we're on the cookie isle!
And lastly, I don't go to the store unless I have a reason. I hate window shopping!
Have you tried taking just cash with you? For 2 weeks I keep all of my shopping receipts and evaluated how much money I ACTUALLY needed for food, etc. between pay periods, then I take that much cash out of my checking account. I know the cash has to last the entire 2 weeks, and I've noticed it's harder for me to see my money waving good bye to me when I have to physically hand it over to someone.
Fabulous thoughts. Thank you.
Oh my gosh, I love the cash idea. Not having enough cash when you get to the register would be a great visual image to keep in mind anytime you are thinking about buying something not on the list. I totally have this problem too Linz! I'll spend a fortune at Meijer or somewhere, and then turn around and drop another small fortune two days later at Target! My downfall is definitely buying things not on my list, but that I decided I just had to have...
I totally do this too! When I'm really trying to buckle down, though, I try using cash, only allowing myself to go to Target/grocery shopping once a week, or just sending my husband (who is very good at sticking to the list, especially when I tell him he has to--unfortunately, when I tell myself to stick to the list, I rarely listen).
Here's something I like to say to myself.
Use it up. Ware it out. Make it do or do without.
I forget where I heard that. I want to think I heard President Hinckley say it at one time but I can't find anything to back that thought up. Oh well. I guess it doesn't matter who said it. I love it and try to remember it.
There's an article in the Ensign about finances and in it one mom said that when her kids want something she always makes them ask three questions: Is this a want or a need? What's the worst thing that can happen if we buy it or don't buy it? If we leave without buying it, will we still want or need it in a week or two? I really liked that.
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