So I have a confession, I love to shop! But, who doesn’t? There is a way you can have the things you want and still live within your budget. If you are truly serious about securing your financial future, the first thing you have to learn is financial discipline. The hardest part is saying no, especially when there is something you want.
I have a weakness for clearance sales! When I see an item with a reduced price tag, something in my brain triggers. I start having racing thoughts; why do I need this item or how I can use it? I basically convince myself to buy the item.
There are ways that you can shop for the things you need and not break the bank. Buying clothes off season is cheaper than buying clothes in season. For my children, when clothing becomes deeply discounted (like a winter clothes sale in March), I like to purchase the next size up so that when my kids grow, they always have new clothes and I don’t have to rush out and buy regular priced clothing.
There are plenty of great stores to watch for off-season sales, also when they discontinue items. Walmart, Old Navy, (If you’re military, the Exchange), Target, Drjays.com, etc. You just have to do a little research to find out when these stores are getting rid of discontinued or off-season items.
Did you know there are places like hotels, rental centers, and banquet halls that have furniture, appliance, and other household item sales regularly? Call around, see if there are any happening near you!
Over time I have taught myself financial discipline by comparing the importance of things I may want now, to something that I want in the future. For example: A Coach purse is $200 dollars. You can buy it now and have a pretty $200 dollar purse sitting in your closet, or, you can take the $200 dollars and save it for the down payment on the house you plan to purchase in the future. The choice is yours, but remember, so is the consequence!