How to shop without emptying your wallet

We have all done it! We get up to the cash register empty a fully loaded cart and before we know it we're handing over our entire wallet to the cashier when we just went into the store for bread!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• To use the "Wants vs. needs" method. Ask yourself do I really need this or do I just want it.
• BE HONEST and REALISTIC with yourself.

1. When you make out your shopping list, stick to it once your in the store. Nothing more..unless you remembered something that should have been on the list. This shouldn't include a new stereo system, new wardrobe, new shoes, or house decor.
2. While entering the store ... keep your face forward and focused on what you went to the store for! There will be eye catchers along the way, this is arranged for a purpose which is to suck the money from your wallet to theirs!
3. Don't allow yourself to be side tracked with things around the item you are shopping for. Tell yourself .... I'll remember this for another time ...when I can better afford it!
4. Stores arrange their things so that you are guaranteed to walk to the four corners by the time you leave for just three things. This is them hoping you will see more stuff you will want to buy.
5. Watch out for trends. They tend to be very expensive temporarily and they find a way of disappearing in a short time.
6. Make sure that what you are purchasing is practical instead of outlandish! A lot of times people purchase items that work just as well as if not better than more expensive items. Are you paying for the product or the name?
7. Don't allow yourself to be pulled into gimmicks such as free 8x10's photographs for photography studios advertising at the store. They have the ability to pull much more from your wallet later. Take your family to have their picture taken on your own planned time, at YOUR chosen studio.
8. With today's gas prices avoid spending MORE gas to save money on an item in another store farther away. You lose the money anyway making the drive.
9. Make sure you check prices around town before venturing out to your giant "Walley's World" to make your purchases. You will find that prices and quality differ greatly on many items. The large store everyone goes to usually only sells certain products that are more expensive with no cheaper choices....(Example: batteries.)
10. Warren Buffet, the third most richest person in the world lives in the same home he purchased 40 years ago for $31,500. He stayed there because this is where he is comfortable. Stick to what works. Don't spend unnecessarily.
11. When hell freezes over, the planets are all in line, and when the cats and dogs are getting along, sometimes we get raises at work. When this happens the first thing we do is what? We go out and spend more. Avoid doing this.
12. Avoid those $ALE signs! They attract us like moths to a flame! But our wallets do get zapped!

Tips & Warnings

• Instead of putting blinders on your children, give toddlers a toy to play with from the store during your visit. This might help keep them from wanting everything they see. Be creative in finding a way to "make the toy disappear to the cashier" at "cash register time". For older children, simply explaining to them that not buying something during every store visit will help save for a toy eventually. This might help. Each child is different. You will find what works for you.