Don’t miss these 3 rules to help you save money on everything (even with distractions tagging along). They are a must to help you stick to your budget goals this year and every year.
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Saving money is always at the top of everyone’s to-do list. Even long after the stamina of the New Year’s push has faded, you still want to save money whenever and wherever you can.
Of course, then you’re in the store with 3 kids and you focus quickly becomes the incessant requests for items from little mouths and trying to get everything on your list (assuming you remembered to bring it this time) before the next outburst over a you said “no” to.
You finally reach the checkout and you’ve spent 50-100 dollars or more than you planned to spend. We’ve all been there but it doesn’t have to go that way.
1. Have Patience
The majority of overpaying for items comes from hasty and impulse purchases. With the possible exception of groceries and fuel, you should never purchase something immediately without planning. This can be a hard discipline to get into but as with all skills will improve with practice. If you are at the store, see a pair of shoes, and suddenly remember that your son needs a new pair chances are that you will throw them in the cart and purchase them. Resist. Instead write a note, snap a picture, or send yourself a text reminder. Use the reminder later to look for discounts online or take a trip to a thrift store. In addition to helping you save money immediately, this rule will help you more easily distinguish between wants and needs. This helps you save even more in the long run. Here are some tips to help you do this:
- If you absolutely must (and have the time frame to do this) put the items in your cart but put them back before you check out.
- Add up what you are actually spending as you place items in your cart. This is a great way to show you how much you’re actually spending and can help prevent impulse buys. An easy way to do this is to use the calculator app on your phone.
- Always take a list when you shop and do not buy anything not on the list. If you frequently forget to bring your list, create it on your phone instead or, even simpler, take a photo of it.
2. Put the Word Out
You would be amazed at what you can get for free when you simply put the word out to family and friends of what you need (or are looking for). This can be everything from craft supplies and clothes to furniture and toys. Even if you don’t get the items for free, I guarantee it will be much less expensive than buying the stuff from the store. Again, this one will require having patience but it is absolutely worth it. Just in case you want further proof, here are just some of the items I have gotten for free just by putting the word out with friends and family:
- Beds and Mattresses
- Craft Supplies
- Fabric and Sewing Patterns
- Cookware and Dishes
- Furniture (couches, tables, etcetera)
- Lamps
- Books and Movies
- Office Supplies
The list goes on and on. This is a fantastic way to save money and it also helps out the people who are giving you the items. This was they don’t have to worry about finding the time and means to get rid of the items.
3. Shift Your Thinking
One of the best (and often most difficult) habits to form is to shift your thinking. Look for creative solutions to your problem. If you need a grocery list or other small notepad, cut up old papers that are blank on one side and staple them together. If you need a seat cover for the backseat of your car, see if you have an old blanket or tablecloth that will work. This rule, along with rule 1, also takes practice but here are a few ideas to help get you thinking:
| Need/Want |
|
Solution |
| TV Stand |
|
Table, desk, or buffet |
| Receipt Organizer |
|
Old jar, small photo album, or coffee can |
| Tablecloth |
|
Flat bed sheet |
| Baby Doll Clothes |
|
Infant Clothes |
| Bathroom Rug |
|
Bath Towel |
These rules may not be immediately intuitive. They will start to become habits over time with use. The best part is that they can be applied to any purchase. The immediate savings that you experience can help fuel the long-term development of these rules. They have save my family thousands over the years and I know that they will save you thousands as well. Want some extra help to get started shifting your thinking? Let me know a need or want you currently have and I will try to give you some solution ideas!
See where I’m linking up!
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