Plan Ahead And Know What Your Family Needs

It's true that couponing, clearance shopping, and a bit of creativity are the best ways to save money. However if you are just buying something simply because it's a great deal, you aren't necessarily saving any money.  It's easy to over-buy and in the end, over-spend.  Before you hit the stores you should sit down and think about what you family really uses within one month, six months, or even a year. Here are some great questions to ask yourself:

Grocery Shopping Deals:

• How many pantry staples do we go through each month?
• What condiments, spices, and baking supplies, do we really use and how much do we use each year?
• How much toiletry products do we go through each month? Each year?
• How much freezer space do I actually have?

Clothing Deals:

• How many pairs of pants, shirts, socks, pajamas, etc. do each of my kids have in their current size?
• How much laundry do I do each week? (This gives you an idea of how much and what kinds of clothing your family needs)
• Is there a pattern to how fast your child (or children) grow?  Once a year? Twice a year?
• What kinds of clothing items can be worn year round (the best stuff to buy on clearance)?

Seasonal and Toy Clearance Deals:

• Are there any seasonal decorations that I REALLY want that I don't already have. Does anything need to be replaced?
• How much gift wrapping supplies do I generally use in one year?
• (When shopping for toy deals) Do my kids already have a toy similar to the one I'm looking at?
• What charitable organizations do I donate goods to around the holidays?
• What birthday parties, annual events and holidays cost me the most money each year?

There are MANY more questions that you could ask yourself, based on the needs of your own family.  The questions above are simply designed to help you curve the impulse spending that many of us bargain shoppers struggle with. They will also help you plan ahead so you aren't stuck buying specific every day items at full price.   The list can also help you shop ahead and save money on things like school shopping and birthday presents.  A little organization and insight can save you a lot of money throughout the year.  Remember: Just because something is a good deal, doesn't mean it's a good deal for your family.

Pictured below is my own personal "Mini-Mart"

I'm getting a NEW nephew this summer!  I have started stockpiling 6 and 9 month baby items for this coming fall and winter.  At 70-85% off I can get him an entire wardrobe for the price of one outfit!

My toy stash is used for birthday parties and Christmas. What is leftover is donated to Toys for Tots.  This saves TONS of money throughout the year and helps to avoid those holiday credit card bills.