We need enough money and the right material things to run our lives efficiently. However many people live on a budget, so it helps to stay mindful of how and why we buy things ... and to use our earnings wisely.
1) Make a list of things that are wearing out: Aim to replace them when they go on sale. Buy your new winter coat at the end of the winter season and a bathing suit at the end of the summer season. Mattresses usually go on sale in May and November, and cars often in December. When you know it's about time to buy a big-ticket item (yes, bathing suits have become a big-ticket item!) start studying prices so that you can snatch it up at its end of season lowest price.
2) Price shop for electronic accessories: If you own a computer, iPad, or smartphone and see their chargers reduced, buy a standby at a few bucks for when the original charger coughs and dies. I have 3 backup batteries for my
landline phone headsets for when they need replacing. And printer ink, I buy in bulk of 3 (or sometimes 4) sets at a time for about $15 bucks total. There are times we may end up wasting our money if the unit, itself, dies; but it's still a good money-saving practice as you will pay 3 or 4 times more if you must buy the accessories on the spot at full price. When your charger, or batteries die, you have to replace them instantly to function. At that time, you can't wait for a sale price to roll around.
3) Shop on holiday weekends - Department and big box stores usually offer sales to draw customers in on holiday weekends. It's when you can take advantage of 20% - 40% reductions off regular prices.
4) Keep your clothes and other things organized - Although I tend to be an under buyer, whenever I organize my closets, I realize I still have too many clothes and don't wear most of them. Taking stock of what I have lessens my urge to buy more t-shirts; leggings; hair conditioners; and bars of soap when I step into Uniqlo, Old Navy or T.J. Maxx to find fantastic low prices. Enough is enough and too many are too many regardless of tempting price! (I have one exception: If T.J. Maxx restocks SheaMoisture hair conditioner in Peace Rose🌹, I can buy it!😍)
5) For your wardrobe, buy good quality basics and know your color palette - It keeps you from buying mistakes. I tend to wear navy blue, black and some gray as my neutrals -- then jazz them up with colorful tops in red, blue, pink, or purple, as well as, stripes, polka dots and floras in those colors. Most of my clothes can be mixed and matched. I also buy sweaters to go with the tops and pants I already own. I try to rotate and wear most everything, yet like many people in 1st world countries, I have more than necessary.
6) Buy for your lifestyle - Not for a single-use, or just because something is beautiful. Once I tried on a gorgeous gown in Bloomingdales that made a friend gasp and encourage me to buy it. It was surprisingly affordable ($125) yet I didn't take it home since I had NOWHERE to wear it. Sometimes for fun, I also try on expensive jewelry ... but short of being invited to New York's Met Gala, the pieces will stay in their showcases. Why? Because I don't have the lifestyle to wear them. Luckily I live in a city with luxury shops where I can visit and admire luxury goods whenever I want.
7) Know yourself and be honest: Although I love both retailers, I'm safer at Tiffany & Co. and more tempted to open my wallet at T.J. Maxx. So if I shouldn't spend money, I head to Tiffany for a browse. Don't lie to yourself and go where true temptation lurks. Too many inexpensive things add up also! I think it helps to put purchases on one credit card so you get slapped in the face with the total of all your buys -- big and small -- at the end of the month.
In short, always be mindful. Try to buy everything you need on sale whenever possible, but not everything you want regardless of sales. As we get older, we realize we simply don't need as much stuff! As it turns out, we're happy when we have enough. It doesn't take more than enough to be happy. Do you agree?
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Congratulations Debra : 1,000 posts is a Big Achievement. May the Savvy shopper long continue. I enjoyed your tips today and agree with you, even about the things I don't do anyway, he he. Definitely always buy extra of our regular food items when they are marked down - silly not to, really. My weak spot is fashion/fabric - bad tendency to buy because I love it while the closets are full. Although I would have passed on a met Gala gown too....not going to be invited to one of those, unfortunately. Hope you are well and safe.
ReplyDeleteThanks Trish! I understand your love of fabric and some of the YouTubers's love of designer handbags. I like them too, but I think my equivalent is jewelry — which is safer because the prices are unrealistic for us ordinary folks. So when I enter Tiffany or BVLGARI or Cartier, I know I won't be walking out with anything. I also know which pieces give me the adrenaline rush — not the overpriced gold Cartier bangle, or Tiffany sterling silver bracelet with the brand names on them. I want the diamond 5 carat eternity ring! The 12 carat sapphires! And thus I'm safe! But not you, Trish, since you can afford fabric or a new lovely dress! Perhaps you could catch what I have!😉😊
DeleteThe Met Gala attendees borrow their gowns and jewels. I'd be happy to follow the practice!😊