Too Much of a Good Thing: Is Bargain Hunting
Blowing Your Budget? by Kimberly Danger
You are the
ultimate bargain hunter. Your know when Target does their markdowns, and
fanatically scour the endcaps for the elusive 75% or 90% steal. You have
boxes of gifts to give when the occasion arises, you’ve bought clothes
that won’t fit your kids until 2007. Does this sound like you? Then you
may be overindulging in your bargain hunting hobby.
For many moms, the thrill of finding a deal can be addicting. You pull
out your purchases and proudly tell your husband, “I saved 75% on this!“
to which he replies, “How much would you have saved if you had left it
at the store?“ Point well taken. Shopping becomes a sport, in which
pursuit of the great deal is the game.
The problem arises when the thrill of the (bargain) hunt starts taking
up too much of your time or money. However, with a little planning ahead
and organization it doesn’t have to. Shopping can become productive, not
something that blows your budget.
Create Shopping Lists and Stick to Them
Keeping lists will help you eliminate impulse buys, which can spell
trouble for the avid bargain. By sticking to the lists you prepare,
you’ll learn to differentiate what you really need from what you simply
want.
*Keep a Master Gift List
Only buy a gift with a certain person and occasion in mind. You may find
a great bargain, but if you don’t have someone who will appreciate it,
it’s not money well-spent. Your master list should include birthdays,
holidays, teacher appreciation gifts, as well as the people you need to
buy for. Tuck the list inside your purse, and when you find a good deal,
write it next to the appropriate person/occasion.
*Keep a Master Clothing List
One mom writes, “My daughter has a closet full of beautiful clothes.
Most of them were purchased on clearance or secondhand. I rationalized
every purchase saying, “I will get my money back when I resell it.”
While this may be true, I am now dreading the fact I’ll have to tag each
item for a garage sale or photograph it to sell on eBay. Problem is, she
only wears about
25% of what she has. She could easily get by with two sweatshirts
instead of five, three dresses instead of six.” Come up with a master
list of which items your children need in which sizes, and cross them
off as you find them. Only replace worn-out items as you get rid of
them. Not only will you be saving money and valuable closet space, your
child’s wardrobe will be more well-thought out and coordinated.
*Keep a Master Miscellaneous List
This list will encompass all the other things you may be in the market
for, such as a replacement clock for the broken one in the living room,
a slipcover for the ugly couch you inherited from your mother-in-law,
etc.
Limit Your Shopping Time
Are you shopping for sport, or necessity? The key is to limit your
leisure shopping activity, the kind that gets you into trouble. While it
is probably impossible for you to completely avoid shopping, limiting
your time may be much easier. This also includes time spent on the
internet shopping for bargains. Instead, try to cultivate other
fulfilling hobbies that won’t get you into spending trouble.
Have a “Fun Money” Budget
Sometimes a bargain is just impossible to resist. You should have some
money allocated each month for such items. Whether your budget allows
$10, $25 or $100 per month, knowing ahead of time how much you’re
allowed to spend on things not on your list will help ease any guilt for
fun spending.
Know When it’s a Real Problem
For some, a fondness for shopping is no laughing matter, and can really
spiral out of control. Warning sings that shopping is becoming
destructive include:
Buying things you don’t want or won’t use
Not being able to shop without buying something
Shopping to improve your mood
Hiding your purchases
Excessive amounts of debt
If this sounds like you, don’t be afraid to seek help. Shopping, like
other addictions, can be a serious problem. However, recognizing you
have a problem is the first step, and treatment is readily available for
those who seek it.
About the Author: Kimberly Danger is the owner/publisher of Mommysavers.com,
and online resource for parents interested in saving time and money. Her first book,
1000 Best Baby Bargains,
is available in stores and online
.
