Make a shopping list
One often overlooked method of saving money involves making a list and sticking to it. Whether you’re shopping for groceries, clothes, books, or anything else, if you make a list before you leave (ideally a few days ahead of time) you’re almost sure to save money during your shopping trip. Making a list allows you to combine trips, avoid impulse purchases, take advantage of coupons easier, consider whether or not you really need or want the items in question, and actually get home with the things you went to the store for.
That last reason is why I first starting making shopping lists — I’d go to the store for a half gallon of milk and some eggs, and come home with ice cream & a loaf of bread. Then I’d kick myself for forgetting the milk & eggs. So I began to keep a running list of things we needed on the fridge. When it came time to go to the store, I would grab the list and go. This saved time & gas as well.
Gradually I began to realize that if I didn’t put an item on the list, chances were I didn’t really need it anyway. Usually the things that appealed to me just looked good because I was hungry, or I’d think we needed something when really we didn’t. Sticking to the list saved money. Another benefit of list-making was that I no longer came home with duplicates of things I already had. (You can only use so many bottles of olive oil or containers of cinnamon…)
I began expanding the list idea to other types of shopping as well. It was much easier to go to the mall knowing that I was looking for a pair of brown sandals and a belt to complete an outfit than it was to wander aimlessly hoping to find “something” that looked nice & fit. With the old list-less method, I’d often get home with a shirt or a pair of pants that didn’t match anything I had, which only frustrated me because of course I couldn’t wear them then. With the new method, I knew exactly what I really needed and returned with things that went with multiple clothes that I already had.
Give list-making a try — you may be happily surprised at the results.
June 21st, 2007 at 9:03 am
That’s such a great way to save money. I usually go to stores for one thing and end up with more as well. The trick I’ve taught myself is to put my focus onto those one or two things and go straight for them without thinking about anything else. I take a straight walk to those specific items and don’t walk up and down anymore isles I don’t need to. Also, take only enough cash for the items needed. Especially in a mall. You will save tons of money if you only bring the cash needed in the mall.