The Careless Shopper.
Did you know 8 of 10 shoppers do not carry a list?
Did you know stores spend TONS of money on the science behind luring the shopper into spending more money than they intend before entering the store?
Don't believe it? Well, how many times have you gone to the grocery store for two items and left with eight? Yup. That's probably why.
The "Buy 1 Get 1" and the big SALE stickers get us. Sadly, many of the times an item is tagged at a lower price, you are not really saving. Additionally, most of the items we throw in our basket marked SALE are not items we need or budgeted for.
You have got to be proactive in protecting your home budget against careless spending.
Just like Santa... keep a list and check it twice.
Whether it's for back-to-school shopping or groceries, have your list up to date and with you. Your list is your best defense against reckless spending. You have a plan and you must stick to it.
[ TIP: take a picture of your completed list with your phone just in case it gets misplaced or left behind when you go shopping ]
Avoid the impulse buy. It is SO hard. You have got to keep your priorities straight when it comes to shopping -
Do I have the cash to pay for this item right now?
What else could my family use this money for?
Are our family savings where they should be right now?
Is this item a TRUE necessity?
Am I being wise with my money right now?
As a homemaker, more than likely you are the primary shopper in your home. You have a HUGE impact on the budget. Those extra little items from the Dollar Spot add up whether we want to admit it or not. Those runs each week for that iced coffee - they add up. Those bi-weekly manicures. Nothing wrong with a manicure IF your finances are in order.; if you have savings and you have no debt.
Even you, weekly-thrift-store-shopper ... yup. You are spending unnecessary money.
But, I got a great deal. Too much is too much. Period. You are still spending money.
THE BEST WAY TO SAVE MONEY IS TO NOT SPEND.
It's one thing to go get a few new clothing items for a children who has outgrown his. That's a necessity; thrift and consignment stores are an excellent way to save and clothe your family at the same time. But if your kids have more clothes than they will ever wear, whether they came from a thrift store of not, you are not being wise with your money.
I watched a PBS documentary recently that stated most American families currently can not afford a $400 emergency without using a credit card or asking to borrow money from another source.
Wow. That's not good folks.
New tires.
Car issues.
Hot water heater goes out.
An unexpected trip to the ER.
Any one of those is $400, if not more.
But how many of us can trim down our grocery budgets over the course of a few months and put away $400? Most of us.
How many of us could stop buying clothes and decorative household items for a couple months and easily put away $400?
Cutting back and saying NO to yourself can be the difference in your family surviving a crisis or going into debt. Debt means stress. Stress on a marriage and a family. Debt robs your peace. Most debt comes from careless spending, not planning and not taking money seriously.
What if...
... you could pay off some debt and sleep a little better at night?
... you could save for an emergency; and when the emergency came you knew you were covered?
... you didn't shop as a way to feel good about yourself?
... you stopped worrying about impressing people?
... you focused on content with what you have?
We live in a society of consumerism. We live in a world that tells you to spend more and worry about the bill later.
Buy that house and people will think you are doing well.
Buy this outfit so you can post the shopping bag with the label on Instagram.
Buy the car you can't afford so no one knows how broke you really are.
Fake it til' you make it.
These are the thoughts that bring destruction to a budget and a home.
Ladies, we have such a tremendous opportunity to be good stewards of the money in our household. We have the opportunity to put money away for those emergencies and cover our family with a blanket of financial protection. Those small decisions we make when shopping largely impacts our family.
Do you know what trimming a $100 a month and putting it into your 401K does for your family long-term? Look it up. You will be amazed.
Think.
Plan.
Make a list.
Take it with you.
Stick to the list.
Be content.