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Elise H.
Shopping list are very helpful
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Shopping list are very helpful
Yes, even if it looks like something is cheap there are offers all year long. Dont buy if you dont need
I totally agree when it comes to "things," but not so much when it comes to consumables. I always buy a lot of food, toilet paper, etc., when there's a really good sale or offer–but only if it's something I KNOW I'll be able to use up eventually. That way, I almost never have to pay full price for anything. It also worked out for me when the pandemic hit because I had plenty of everything, including toilet paper, which was very important since my college kids had to come home and they go through it like crazy. ;)
Retail therapy is a hard habit to break!lol
Never make an impulse buy. Give tour self time to access whether it is really something that makes your life better. Also shop both locally and online to get the best deal.
I need to work on only buying needs vs wants
I am working on this. Not eating out and saving.
I do agree you should only buy what is of a necessary to oneself. A want is not important if you are living pay check to pay check.
There are some "necessity" items that I have trouble determining if they are actually wants….especially since the cost is shared with others in the household such as Netflix. Any suggestions on how to go about potentially asking those I live with if we can stop such subscriptions?
me too
Good stuff.
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I try to plan for things I want. If it's in the budget, I buy it, if it's not in the budget, I don't.
Weighing opportunity costs helps me put my purchases into perspective
Only want what you need?
@Kim M: That is much harder done than said. Whoever can do so is miraculous.
That's a tough one, what if what you need is what you want?
@Alecia P: This article from SaverLife addresses this concern. https://www.saverlife.org/money-101/how-distinguishing-between-needs-and-wants-can-help-you-build-a-better-budget
Second paragraph under "What is a Need" subtitle:
"It’s important to remember that some basic expenses are a need but can also become wants depending on circumstances. Transportation, for example, is a need at the basic level. You need a subway pass or a car to get to work, get groceries, and take your kids to school. You don’t, however, need to go all of these places in a luxury car. That is a want."
This is the same article that made me comment "much harder done than said" earlier. Because, it is truly difficult, for things like food, shelter, and transportation to determine what is a need because the most basic of basics [like a one room hut] may satisfy the physical aspect of this concept, but for someone who is used to most American housing [which can be considered mansions] may not be able to fathom such living circumstances as livable. (Does this make since?)
I buy what I need
If I know I don't need it ,I don't buy it. If we have extra money, occasionally I'll treat my family to a movie at home or some take out .
It is true to buy only what you need, but it is also hard. You have to discipline yourself and prioritize.
I agree with Jamie V. shopping online only, is a great way to limit items purchased.
Only buy what is necessary for you and your family. Do not over spend because you never know when you are going to need the money.
I use Instacart to buy groceries from Aldi and Publix. I make out my grocery list many days ahead of time. I stay within my budget. If I see something that I run out of, I add it to my grocery cart. I subtract something to stay within budget. I usually have it delivered on Sunday. This is the best way for me to stay on budget. I will delete the item before I put in the order. I usually don’t put any items aside when my grocery bill is to high at Walmart.
@Renee P. Using online shopping carts to help keep in budget is a good idea. I hadn't thought of that (though, unfortunately some of the things I like to buy–especially food items–are in-store-purchase only). But, I agree that when shopping in person we can unconsciously be pressured into buying everything we bring to the register even if it is not in budget.