To Save Money, Know Your Weaknesses
I was thinking of naming this post ‘Stop Buying Crap” since that’s basically what it boils down to. But, it’s also recognizing what triggers your buying.
For example, Target is a weakness for me. I have to work hard to get out of there without buying some extra thing I don’t really need. I have to go with a list. I have to avoid certain aisles. I have to go there only when I need something specific.
I went to Target yesterday and my heart skipped a beat. The summer stuff is out! Oh my! Summer stuff is a huge weakness for me. I am always SO ready for sun and warmth and bright colors by this time of the year. Cute swim suits, brightly colored hand bags, cute flip flops, gorgeous summer tees, bright and sunny table cloths and vases, sherbet colored bowls and serving dishes for all those bbq’s that I’ve been dreaming about! Temptations were everywhere. The aisles were filled with things I never knew I wanted until that very moment!
But, I had my list. Diapers & wipes (I use cloth most of the time, but disposables sometimes too), some snacks, a birthday gift for an upcoming kid’s party, and a couple of other things. I just kept looking at my list.
I am having a little get together of girls tomorrow morning also, so as I passed the ‘home/kitchen’ area, my eyes started to wander…this is a danger zone for me! All the beautiful bowls and serving dishes that are out now, bright and beautiful and summery. I picked a couple of them up and thought how nice they would look with my muffins in them for tomorrow’s party. I had to remind myself sternly what I already have a home and steer myself OUT of that area.
I actually have a couple of friends who avoid Target altogether. They found that when they went to buy diapers there, they ended up spending a whole lot more on a bunch of other crap (that $1 section can really add up!!).
So, now they spend a little bit more on diapers at the grocery store, but save overall because they simply just don’t go into Target hardly ever anymore. Knowing this weakness is saving them money!
For my sister, it’s garage sales. Not only does she spend money, buying stuff she doesn’t need, just because it’s cheap (another issue altogether!), but she ends up filling her house with junk she doesn’t need, taking up valuable space. Her husband actually forbid her from buying stuff at garage sales one summer because he got tired of all the ‘stuff’ she kept bringing home!
My weaknesses are Target, Whole Foods, and used book stores (children’s books).
What about you? Do have weaknesses that trigger too much spending? If so, what changes have you made to help this?
Find more frugal tips at Works For Me Wednesday at We Are That Family.
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03/27/2009 | Frugal & Green Living, Money Management.
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March 27th, 2009 at 11:23 am
Oh, you are so right about Target. I have a friend who calls it the “$100 store” because you can’t leave without spending $100! I try to avoid it, too, because it is a temptation for me. Like your friends, I’d rather pay $2 extra at the grocery store than $40 extra because I found a “sale” at Target!
March 27th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
fsat food is mine!
March 27th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Oh! I forgot one. Plants! Especially this time of year. I have to be careful not to over do it. I get ahead of myself and buy plants, then have no time to actually plant them. Oh, but I love having plants in my yard!
March 28th, 2009 at 12:14 am
Um, excuse me. How did you read my mind. Target is a big one for me and Dollar tree. It’s just a dollar right?! $30 and a basketfull later, UGG. Anyway, I will try to do better. Thanks for stopping by my Tipsy site for UBP! We have some cute new baby gift ideas coming up.
March 28th, 2009 at 8:23 am
This is so true!
April 12th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
I LOVE this post. Totally true and practical. Keep it coming. We need more of this common sense on a daily basis
April 12th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it! I need to add Trader Joe’s to my list of weaknesses now. Only go with a list!
May 11th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
I definitely can spend a ton at Target if I try.
I’ve gotten REALLY good at sticking to my list, and only buying what I need.
I’ve even managed to get out of there only spending $30 several times!
Last time I was there I put back 5 things I had picked up and saved myself $100. (a cute summer clutch, new pjs, a few workout shirts)
I’m really in trouble now since the new Target near us has a Starbucks inside!
May 11th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Wow, only $30! That IS impressive! I usually wait until I have a lot of things I need to get from there and just do it all at once. Otherwise, I will end up spending too much money several times!