It’s a horrible cliché about us women isn’t it? We just can’t control ourselves in that big, red, one-stop shop. I hate when stereotypes are just a little bit true. Luckily, there are strategies you can use to stop overspending.
The instant gratification of an Amazon shopping cart has led many of us to overspend on things we do not need. I personally struggle even more at Target.
You walk in for a couple items, and leave $100 poorer. Every. Single. Time.
They have everything you (think) you need! Housewares? Clothing? Baby gear? Groceries? It’s there, in all its brightly-lit, store-branded glory. Up and up, anyone?
I have tried to remove the temptation by avoiding the store entirely (switching pharmacies certainly helped). When we do need things, like cheap over-the-counter medicines, personal hygiene products, paper products, and baby gear, I must occasionally brave the double doors.
As I just recently started working again after having my son, money is tight. This month we are trying to avoid buying non-necessities. Yes, even alcohol. Is it just me, or is this month moving really slowly?!?
ANYWAY, one thing I did have in my favor was a $30 gift card left over from my birthday. I tried to be very conscious of every penny I spent over that amount. The card plus a few frugal strategies helped me get out of there having spent under $50, because baby steps.
1. Make a List
I apologize for how obvious this one is, but it’s so important. Write a list of what you NEED. Follow it as if it were written in your own blood.
2. Buy in Bulk When Possible
The first item on my list was toilet paper, also known as something we really don’t want to run out of. I go right for the Up and Up brand, of course. We don’t shop at Target for name-brand-booty-wiping paper! I saved over a dollar by buying the largest size.
We’re not going to stop needing toilet paper. I’m willing to have a freakish, doomsday-prepper amount on hand. Who has two thumbs and a clean ass for the apocalypse?
3. Efficiency Saves
As parents of a small child, we use a somewhat obscene amount of paper towels. I love the select-a-size. Nine times out of ten, we only need one half-sheet.
4. It’s Okay to Buy Small When Needs Might Change
This applies to everyone, but especially if you have children. My son has a drinking problem. He is terrible at it. A lot of babies have sippy cup issues. I’m going to give him a pass on this one. He has many other talents! We own two nipple-top sippy cups( unused hand-me-downs) and two Miracle 360 sippy cups, bought on sale. My son is not very good with either.
I sprang for a new straw sippy. It wasn’t the cheapest option, so I only bought one. It might work, it might not. More importantly, what works best can change, so I’m keeping all three kinds around as he grows.
*UPDATE* He loves straws, so the sippy cups at our house continue to multiply!
5. Don’t Avoid Overspending by Neglecting Yourself
As many advocates of minimalism and frugality have pointed out, it’s not about depriving yourself. I bought an item of clothing. My pre-pregnancy bras no longer fit. I recently packed up the nursing bras (hallelujah!). Lately, I’ve been rocking pregnancy bras that are a cup size too big.
I bought myself a bra, a cute and cheap bra. Avoiding sad titties should be a right, not a privilege! I mean, isn’t being a mom hard enough? Also, I used a birthday gift card to buy toilet paper! I am a saint! Sometimes good behavior deserves a pat on the back.
6. Don’t Let Purchases Snowball
We recently received a hand-me-down IKEA KALLAX shelf from my sister. If you have kids, you’re probably very familiar with this item. It is now the second KALLAX in our under 1,000 square foot home. What can I say? Like many IKEA products, they are damn practical.
Target just happens to sell compatible bins for such a shelving unit. For $10 a pop they’re good quality… and I did have that gift card… NO! *Does that two-sided face slap from old-timey movies*
It is now time to leave the Target. Run.
Similar products are half the price at IKEA (and 2 inches deeper). We haven’t even set the shelves up properly yet to know what we need.
This might be something we want in the future, but it’s not something that should be purchased now. It is just an evil genius store and consumer culture playing tricks.
The take away is to be purposeful in the face of temptation. Know your needs, know your prices and know your list.
If you keep your wits about you, you’ll get to keep more of your hard-earned money.