Here are 10 reasons why I fail at saving money:
- I purchase a lot more snacks when I go to the store hungry than if I'm going with a full stomach. Buying things that are not on my list.
- Adding more than just gum while standing in line to check-out (this is a little thing called "impulse buying!""
- Buying soda! Soda costs so much money, it's incredible how much we spend on cokes, and other sodas, juice boxes, water bottles.
- Living in Quebec with a 15% GST tax, plus about 1/3 higher costs on list prices.
- Purchasing clothes off the Internet or ebay for me, rather than trying them on in stores.
- Hitting sales frequently and not buying things in larger sizes for the girls - I simply add to their current collections of clothes. Feeling like I have to buy it if it's on sale.
- Turning off my lights in my house. I remember my dad used to scold me daily for this as a child; did I listen? No!
- Not putting spending caps on clothes, decorating, or extra items outside of my normal shopping days. For instance, when someone comes to town, when we are visiting, or on a road trip.
- Not executing a budget properly
- Not defining my wants vs. my needs.
These top 10 I'm positive are just the tip of the iceberg. I realize that planning is a big part of saving money. As I find my way back to bargaining and saving money, I will post as many as I can find among my posts.
Here are some great ideas some fellow bloggers posted during a recent contest to find the best bargain tip:
Mique: I love your 3 things rule. It's true, it's not worth worth standing in line with your kids for just one thing. I've already taken that rule and have used it at least twice. Thank you!
Nicole: I love that you ride your bike (to save on gas) if you need a soda at the convenience. It's great that we can do that here in Montreal. I've been pushing harder to walk to things more, in fact, last week - While pushing the stroller, I walked to the library, sandwich shop, and the park. Thank yoU!
Heffalump: I love what you said about planning ahead and buying things for your boys in larger sizes. I've never been good at that! I have already used this while shopping since my bargain post and have found some great things - at a 1/4 of the price and things I won't have to buy next year! thank YOU!
Marie: I love what you said about your inexpensive dates - it brought me back to our first couple years of marriage and $1 BK nights, or Hot and Now trio deals for two under $6.00! Also, great tip about checking your local entertainment guide for free shows. Thank you!
Elizabeth: I haven't checked this out at my local thrift store; but I love her tip, that when you donate clothes some thrift stores will give you a coupon for your next purchase. Her thrift store gives a 20% coupon every time you donate. Thanks Elizabeth!
Charity: She sold her old brand name clothes for her children on ebay and used that money to buy this years clothes for them, also on ebay. She still has money left! Thanks Charity!
I really appreciate all the tips! My plan was to award the winner of the best tip an April Cornell apron, however, after my recent post about "walking out" on principle of the outlet store - I have to forgo it for now and award everyone a winner! Check your mailboxes for your prizes!
Also, thank you to Mandy, Jenny, Holly, Lauralee, Donna, and Barb for your well wishes regarding my bargaining woes. This isn't the end of my frugal, bargaining, money saving posts! I will post my resolutions next week. The girls start school on Friday and I am hoping on a little quiet thinking time during the first few days they are in school full-time.
In more tips to share?
How is everyone?
Any plans for Labor Day weekend?
13 comments:
15% GST -- that is just insane! OUCH!
Good luck with your bargaining and budgeting! It's not easy.
Ouch Michelle that is steep. I think you and I are in the same boat for the first three. I will admit I never do ebay anymore because of shipping, but hear you on the snacks and soda!
I was just watching Dr. OZ the other day and was disgusted at the things I bought and how bad they were for you. I have a lot of work to do!
I'm so with you on the soda. It is so expensive and it adds up, but does that stop me? NO! And on top of it, it's totally bad for me. Does it stop me? NO! sad... sad...
One thing that I do when I find something that I am iffy about buying--I carry it around the store with me while I finish shopping. Usually by the end I can convince myself that I don't REALLY NEED it... and if I do think that it's too good a bargain to pass up then I feel I've thought about it and not just bought it on impulse!
that tax is outrageous! I thought 8.8 was bad around here.. but that is crazy! it would be hard to save..
Wow!!!!! that is outrageous !
OK i am also big Soda drinker :) I am always look POP money in the car or in the house. So SAD :)
You have inspired me to buy less pop. I know this isn't good for any of us at our house. I am going to make it a goal this week to not purchase pop when I go to the store. Now let's see how many trips to Sonic I make! hee hee! :)
heh, I never know where to answer questions .. anyway.. no the greek resteraunt was in downtown Kent.. I live right up by seattle. fun place!
I am glad you shared all the tips. A lot of great ones.
Awesome- great tips from everyone. I'm glad you were able to use something from the novel of a comment I left you!
Good luck with your frugal goals.
I fail at saving money for many of the same reasons. My main problem is deciding between wants and needs. They seem to be one in the same sometimes. I have NO willpower!
Hi. I thought I left a comment before, but I must have not typed the word verification or something. Oops. Sorry.
Pop. It bothers me that it is actually cheaper to buy 2L of pop than 2L of milk. Isn't that just making families eat poorly? Arg!
I enjoyed the post and it gave me a lot to think about. I love soda and it is so expensive. I seem to buy it when we go out to eat, the grocery store, through the drive-through, everywhere. I think I'm addicted! Great post!
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