Well, I actually had 2 rest days but here I am, back again with number 3.
3. Frugal people know small expenses add up to big ones. I think we’ve all thrown something extra into the shopping cart because it was only a buck, or grabbed up the clearance item because it was just such a great deal despite having no idea how we’d use it. While getting a great deal for items you need is worth it, frugal people also realize something else — those small expenses add up to real money, so they can distinguish between impulse purchases and those that are necessary. There’s a reason frugal people are known as penny pinchers, they grasp the concept of a little bit adds up to a lot.
Question to ask yourself: Do I want to buy this because it’s a great deal, or because it’s just a small amount of money, or because I really need it and have a plan for how I’ll use it?
I feel that I have a pretty good grasp on this one. I can honestly say that I very rarely buy anything that is not on my list or a planned spend.
I do not chase sale items for groceries or other household goods. I shop intentionally and generally pay full-price for items but I believe it is still wiser than buying random stuff simply because it is on sale. This works for me. I never have food that I do not know what to do with it because I only buy what we eat and what I need for the meals I have planned. There are no clothes in my cupboard that have never been worn or piles of unused household goods.
What about you?
I’m definitely with you on this one. And I seldom make unplanned purchases. But an exception occurred just this week: I arrived at work soaking wet because of being splashed by a passing car on my way to the bus stop. I had no spare clothes in the office. So when I was able to take a quick break from meetings (in which I felt cold, miserable and wet), I dashed to the only shop in walking distance and bought something dry to wear.
Still, relying heavily on the shop assistant to help me find things in my size quickly, I chose trousers that would not only do the job there and then, but also filled a gap in my wardrobe. I’ll be able to use them in a number of different circumstances. (My top was dry enough to not need to buy another.) And I think I’ll find a place in the office to keep a spare set of dry clothes for future ‘accidents’! 🙂
Lucky you, to be able to buy trousers on the spur of the moment. I find it a real challenge to find ones that I am happy with. 🙂