When it comes to living on a budget, I find the biggest challenge to be any sort of shopping trip.
The biggest risk of blowing my budget (aside from ANYTHING food related because, yum) is if I need to replace shoes or clothing, if I need a particular electronic accessory, or even if I am just getting groceries.
Why?
The biggest risk of blowing my budget (aside from ANYTHING food related because, yum) is if I need to replace shoes or clothing, if I need a particular electronic accessory, or even if I am just getting groceries.
Why?
S-A-L-E-S
Why get one for $5 when I can get two for $7? But wait, do I need that extra one for an extra $2? No. Of course not. I usually get one for a reason and there is no reason to be wasteful. But don't those numbers look damn good?
What about a pair of lovely shoes that are regularly $579 now on sale for only $200? That's a deal if I've ever seen one. But $200 for shoes? When I usually buy very similar ones that are of a very acceptable quality and comfort level for $40?
So how do I avoid these dastardly sales trying to trip me up on my righteous path to frugality and budgeting? Easy. I set a series of ideal "price-points" for myself.
What about a pair of lovely shoes that are regularly $579 now on sale for only $200? That's a deal if I've ever seen one. But $200 for shoes? When I usually buy very similar ones that are of a very acceptable quality and comfort level for $40?
So how do I avoid these dastardly sales trying to trip me up on my righteous path to frugality and budgeting? Easy. I set a series of ideal "price-points" for myself.
So what exactly do I mean by "price-points"? Honestly it is exactly as it sounds. Pick an item. Think about your history of purchase and use of said item, especially when it comes to sale prices. How much did you pay for it? How long did it last? How was its quality?
It is important to remember that living frugally and living on a budget does not mean living on poor quality items, having a poor quality diet, or being clothed poorly. It is important that you recognize the value in quality items because they really do last longer and are often better for you. A cheap t-shirt is fine as long as the material is good and safe for you to wear and it's comfortable. But what about shoes? You want good quality shoes that will not hurt your feet when you wear them or hurt you in the long-run by aggravating or even causing back problems and leg problems.
But back on point -- "price-point" (hehe).
The best items to think of "price-points" for are items that you've snagged at a deal and actually use and love -- especially problem items that have a habit of causing you to open up your wallet wider than you should.
For me, I try my damnedest (Is that a word? No red underline means it's a word. Sold.) to never buy a dress that is more than $25 regardless of how cute it is. The only exception to that if for a special occasion, obviously. And if a dress is regular price at $25 it's probably not worth it anyways (see-through -- and not on purpose!--, poor stitching, hangs oddly, etc.) -- at least from my experience. I came up with this price because I have bought dresses from quality stores (my favourite being Ricki's) during end-of-season Clearance sales that mark prices down from 60-80%, bringing them to $25 or under.
Now, I try not to make a habit of walking around naked (note: try) and I certainly have more than enough clothing. Truthfully I probably actually wear less than 1/3 of my entire wardrobe on a regular basis -- hm, I should work on that next -- but it also means that I can wait for such end-of-season Clearance sales.
So if you can wait, wait. Think about those "price-points" that you've set, think about that last awesome deal that you snagged, and think about how that tempting sale is actually not all that tempting in comparison because you know that you can find better. This means that you aren't denying yourself completely, but you are denying yourself for now. You are using prior experience and your knowledge that there is bigger and better deals available and although that dress, that shirt, those shoes, that video game, or those pillows might be calling your name, there is going to be something better at a better price because truthfully you don't need that dress, shirt, shoes, video game, or pillow right now.
Bottom line (aka tl;dr): If you see an item and are tempted to purchase it, evaluate its price and if it matches at or below your "price-point" then it's a go-go! Otherwise, walk away. You'll find a good deal later, and if you truly desperately need something you will simply go out and get it when that time of desperate need comes. Never deny the simple truth that oftentimes brand name and more expensive clothing is simply made better, and even if it isn't a brand name, you can feel and see quality in an item. Appreciate that. Appreciate that you cannot afford those things at regular price. Then appreciate the existence of Clearance and mega sales that bring those prices straight down to your all-holy "price-point". (Yes!)
It is important to remember that living frugally and living on a budget does not mean living on poor quality items, having a poor quality diet, or being clothed poorly. It is important that you recognize the value in quality items because they really do last longer and are often better for you. A cheap t-shirt is fine as long as the material is good and safe for you to wear and it's comfortable. But what about shoes? You want good quality shoes that will not hurt your feet when you wear them or hurt you in the long-run by aggravating or even causing back problems and leg problems.
But back on point -- "price-point" (hehe).
The best items to think of "price-points" for are items that you've snagged at a deal and actually use and love -- especially problem items that have a habit of causing you to open up your wallet wider than you should.
For me, I try my damnedest (Is that a word? No red underline means it's a word. Sold.) to never buy a dress that is more than $25 regardless of how cute it is. The only exception to that if for a special occasion, obviously. And if a dress is regular price at $25 it's probably not worth it anyways (see-through -- and not on purpose!--, poor stitching, hangs oddly, etc.) -- at least from my experience. I came up with this price because I have bought dresses from quality stores (my favourite being Ricki's) during end-of-season Clearance sales that mark prices down from 60-80%, bringing them to $25 or under.
Now, I try not to make a habit of walking around naked (note: try) and I certainly have more than enough clothing. Truthfully I probably actually wear less than 1/3 of my entire wardrobe on a regular basis -- hm, I should work on that next -- but it also means that I can wait for such end-of-season Clearance sales.
So if you can wait, wait. Think about those "price-points" that you've set, think about that last awesome deal that you snagged, and think about how that tempting sale is actually not all that tempting in comparison because you know that you can find better. This means that you aren't denying yourself completely, but you are denying yourself for now. You are using prior experience and your knowledge that there is bigger and better deals available and although that dress, that shirt, those shoes, that video game, or those pillows might be calling your name, there is going to be something better at a better price because truthfully you don't need that dress, shirt, shoes, video game, or pillow right now.
Bottom line (aka tl;dr): If you see an item and are tempted to purchase it, evaluate its price and if it matches at or below your "price-point" then it's a go-go! Otherwise, walk away. You'll find a good deal later, and if you truly desperately need something you will simply go out and get it when that time of desperate need comes. Never deny the simple truth that oftentimes brand name and more expensive clothing is simply made better, and even if it isn't a brand name, you can feel and see quality in an item. Appreciate that. Appreciate that you cannot afford those things at regular price. Then appreciate the existence of Clearance and mega sales that bring those prices straight down to your all-holy "price-point". (Yes!)