Can't Stop Spending!!!!

[luvsJack]

Every week I say to myself, I WILL NOT SPEND THIS WEEK. And every week it still happens. Not on anything wastful particularly, but it just slips through our fingers!

Monday after work I had to stop my Walmart and pick up some Vicks liquid for a vaporizer for dgd. So while there I picked up some 11x14 frames I needed for pictures in my office, a little necklace/earring set for a stockign stuffer for dd and some hair mousse--$35.00 total. Ok, not so bad. Tuesday I remembered the calculator I need for a math test coming up so back to Wally World I go. Dd calls "I need pencils and index cards and shaving cream" So I get some pencils, index cards, shaving cream, bath beads, then remembered dog food so I got dog food, cat food, kitty litter and it was $57!!! And I FORGOT the calculator! So had to go back and get that for $10. This is all in addition to the $100 I spent on groceries Saturday.

I know I need to stay out of Walmart, but if I go by the Dollar Store to pick up dog food or pencils or whatever, it not always cheaper per unit (smaller containers). So even if todays bill is smaller, I end up spending more!

Back when my sons were young I worked about 10 miles from where I am now and in the opposite direction of Walmart. And we got by without daily trips. There weren't any stores between my work and home at all, so I didn't stop at any store. I honestly cannot remember what I did if I ran out of something during the week. Maybe I was more deligent about getting everything I needed and not allowing myself to run out or maybe we were quicker to borrow a cup of this or that from mom since there were no stores close by? I just know that we didn't spend so much money in WalMart.

Ok, I know I am rambling but its really a problem I need to fix. Too much money is being spent at WalMart and not enough staying in my wallet. Does anyone else find their selves CONSTANTLY needing to "run by the store"?

 

[wdwmom0f3]

My DH says that the biggest budget busters are Walmart & eating out.

I have days like you, and I am having a week of it this week. My DD had a project for school so I have made a couple of trips for that. My son's birthday is today so I had cupcakes make for his class (15.00) then I got some plates & all of that. I still have to go back today to get his cake. I guess I should have made one because last night DH said "stay out of Walmart tomorrow". I didn't have the heart to tell him that I had to go pick up this cake. I am going in for that, and a few drinks, and that's it.

 

[Marionnette]

Every week I say to myself, I WILL NOT SPEND THIS WEEK. And every week it still happens. Not on anything wastful particularly, but it just slips through our fingers!

Monday after work I had to stop my Walmart and pick up some Vicks liquid for a vaporizer for dgd. So while there I picked up some 11x14 frames I needed for pictures in my office, a little necklace/earring set for a stockign stuffer for dd and some hair mousse--$35.00 total. Ok, not so bad. Tuesday I remembered the calculator I need for a math test coming up so back to Wally World I go. Dd calls "I need pencils and index cards and shaving cream" So I get some pencils, index cards, shaving cream, bath beads, then remembered dog food so I got dog food, cat food, kitty litter and it was $57!!! And I FORGOT the calculator! So had to go back and get that for $10. This is all in addition to the $100 I spent on groceries Saturday.

I know I need to stay out of Walmart, but if I go by the Dollar Store to pick up dog food or pencils or whatever, it not always cheaper per unit (smaller containers). So even if todays bill is smaller, I end up spending more!

Back when my sons were young I worked about 10 miles from where I am now and in the opposite direction of Walmart. And we got by without daily trips. There weren't any stores between my work and home at all, so I didn't stop at any store. I honestly cannot remember what I did if I ran out of something during the week. Maybe I was more deligent about getting everything I needed and not allowing myself to run out or maybe we were quicker to borrow a cup of this or that from mom since there were no stores close by? I just know that we didn't spend so much money in WalMart.

Ok, I know I am rambling but its really a problem I need to fix. Too much money is being spent at WalMart and not enough staying in my wallet. Does anyone else find their selves CONSTANTLY needing to "run by the store"?

LOL. I thought that breaking my arm was the solution to my impulse spending. I cant drive so I cant get out to the store unless someone drives me. Unfortunately I can still type on a keyboard and the mouse just works fine.

I need to stay off of amazon.com. I went there to download the free mp3 song of the day and then ended up buying tim mcgraws number one hits album for four dollars. Bought susan boyles new album on cd on monday b/c it was a lightning deal and a good price. Free music is costing me money!

 

[sksjasams]

I'm right there with you! I can never get out of walmart with out 2 bags of stuff.

Same thing online...especially all the deals lately! Our internet service was down Sunday until 2pm. I told DS12 that it might be a sign from God (or an intervention really)!

 

[ksloane]

I think you are correct that proximity makes a big difference. Could you take a different route so you didn't come as close to it? or just start telling your family (and yourself) you will not go but once a week. Leave a place for a family list out somewhere and stick to it even if it is a struggle for now.

Pencils? Surely there were a few around the house your daughter could have used for a few days until you went on the "designated day"


I say this because I go to Walmart at the most 2 times a month! It is not uncommon for me to go once a month. Now I spend a lot while I'm there, but I avoid the spontaneous shopping that happens on repeat trips.

 

[Purseval]

Don't carry any cash or credit cards. If you worry about emergencies take a credit card or some cash, put it in an envelope, put the envelope in a sandwich bag and use some duct tape to securely attach it to a nonheated area under your vehicle like near the gas tank. That way you have money if you need it but you have to get down on your back and crawl underneath the car to get it, which will cut out a lot of impulse purchases.

 

[ksloane]

Don't carry any cash or credit cards. If you worry about emergencies take a credit card or some cash, put it in an envelope, put the envelope in a sandwich bag and use some duct tape to securely attach it to a nonheated area under your vehicle like near the gas tank. That way you have money if you need it but you have to get down on your back and crawl underneath the car to get it, which will cut out a lot of impulse purchases.

On the same token go strictly to cash (is it Dave Ramsey that uses the envelopes?). When I was in college and a single mom (so think BROKE), I paid all my bills and then decided out of what was left how much was spendable (including groceries, diapers, etc) and how much would be put back for emergencies. Sometimes only $5 could be put back. Occasionally none, but I wanted a big picture of how much I was allowing myself to spend for the next month (I'm paid once a month). And then I took that out in cash. I knew when the cash was gone, the money was gone - period. Seeing that cash disappear made me much more aware of what I was doing.

btw, never did the envelopes. I just put the cash in my wallet.

 

[kkmcan]

I know the feeling but it's all stuff we need or are running out of at home. I go out for medicine for sick child and while I'm there I remember that we needed dog food, picked up a few items for lunch or dinner that night, dh is out of shaving cream and oh yeah, we are out of the protein powder we use every morning. But this was all stuff I was going to have to get sometime this week anyways.......

We are constantly running out of food, toiletry items, school supplies, dog food, etc, etc, etc. It's never ending! I try to stock up when I can but that rarely happens as I don't have a chance to hit the sales so I end up buying 1 at a time.

Next items I need to buy are socks for dh and ds, and undies for dd. That could turn into an expensive trip by the time I get out of Target, Walmart or Kohls or wherever I end up buying them.

 

[crisi]

When I start feeling the "Target crunch" I start getting my Target stuff at Walgreens. It isn't much more expensive, its still the brand names, but I'm much less likely to walk out with nail polish and a DVD.

 

[usnuzuloose]

I have learned to walk in the stores get what I need and leave. Next time I would look at pic frames and such and maybe ( toward xmas ) ask for it for xmas. You could make a shopping list for the things are needed and stick to it. I would tell everyone if it was not on the list sorry you had a chance. I like the feeling when I leave the store its a yeah for me going I have more money for vacation.

 

[luvsJack]

Glad to know its not just me! If I had back half the money I have spent in Walmart or Target I would be a very wealthy woman!

And ya'll have some good ideas. The not having money or check card are particularly good ones.

I will definitly designate a notebook on the end of the counter for an ongoing list. and I think I am just going to suck it up and start going to Sam's at least once a month for some things (like dog food) that I can buy in bulk.

It just seems like everytime I think I won't have to go back, something comes up that we HAVE to have!

 

[ksloane]

When I start feeling the "Target crunch" I start getting my Target stuff at Walgreens. It isn't much more expensive, its still the brand names, but I'm much less likely to walk out with nail polish and a DVD.

I do this for groceries - they are bought at a grocery store (typically Kroger) so I stick to groceries and don't end up with a video game, movie, and 3 new shirts.

Yes, stores that have everything are convenient, but I'm easily sidetracked and end up with crap I think I need, but I don't really need.

I will definitly designate a notebook on the end of the counter for an ongoing list. and I think I am just going to suck it up and start going to Sam's at least once a month for some things (like dog food) that I can buy in bulk.

It just seems like everytime I think I won't have to go back, something comes up that we HAVE to have!

I keep a list of what I know we need on a montly basis (x bottles of shampoo/conditioner, x pounds of dog food, etc) so that I have a habit of getting all those necessities at once. I check it before I leave for shopping in case we aren't low so I don't overbuy.

I've also learned that what I think we HAVE to have, we typically can do without or wait. Don't have an ingredient I need for supper? I cook something else. Out of my favorite shampoo? I use my daughters. Daughter needs pencils or markers or whatever for school? She has to use the used stuff at home until it's time for a shopping run. I do everything I can to avoid shopping at Walmart.

I do a once a week trip to Kroger, CVS, and somtimes Walgreens for their deals that are free are practically free with coupons, ecb's, etc. However, I go with a list. I buy those items, and try not to let myself notice anything else in the store. This is also when I pick up milk, break, or other perishables.

 

[SC Minnie]

If I get out of WalMart or Target spending less that $50 I consider it a victory. I always see something I forgot I needed.

 

[C.Ann]

This is how I curb my spending.. Basically I don't go inside stores at all..

Now I understand that my situation is unique (at this time) since I live at the lake for 7 to 8 months - and with my DD and her family for the winter.. When I'm at the lake, the closest Walmart or such is around 22 miles away.. On Thursday nights, my Dson-in-law would call up there to get my grocery shopping list, piick up the items while doing their own shopping, bring it when they came up every Friday, and then I would write him a check.. (I always, always made a "list" - and it tended to be fairly short because I wasn't "in" the store looking at this and that..)

If I really "needed" anything else (index cards; printer ink; etc.), I would order it online in such a manner that I didn't have to pay S&H.. I would go right to the site where I could order (already knowing who had the cheapest prices) and not "wander" all over the internet..

My prescription meds and OTC meds would be picked up down here (most of the time) by my DD when she went to the drug store for her own meds, she would bring them up on a Friday, and I would add that into the check for my groceries..

On the very, very rare occasion that I went over to town, I had a specific list and did not veer away from that - regardless of the temptations in the 5 and dime or Rite-Aid..

Before I left the lake, I did all of my Christmas shopping online - and I'm now just waiting for the remainder of the packages to arrive.. I came in well
under budget and I attribute that to the fact that I wasn't wandering around inside Walmart (or wherever) seeing things and thinking, "Oh - that's cute! So and so would probably like that and it's "only" xxx" - and in the cart it would go.. LOL..

Now that I'm back at DD's I still have no reason to go "in" any stores.. DD picks up her meds and mine - I still give my grocery list to my Dson-in-law when he happens to be going grocery shopping - and so there's no need for me to be "out there", trying to resist temptation..

The only downfall I run into at the lake is purchasing books - used - on half.com.. However, I have a list of the books I want and I always try to get as many as possible from the same seller which saves me quite a bit with S&H.. I never feel guilty about spending money on books though.. For one thing, it's educational (even the fiction).. It keeps my brain active (getting old here - LOL) - and eventually I will read all of those books over again.. I don't spend money on anything else - eating out; clothes; I don't drink; don't go to movies; haven't traveled any distance since 2007; don't get my hair or nails done at a salon; etc.. My entire "entertainment budget" is books - that's it..

So - long story short? Never shop without a list.. Try to keep a "running list" at all times and don't go in the store until you're pretty sure that you won't need to make a second trip for another week or two at least..

If possible, do all of your Christmas shopping at once (if you haven't done so already) and then just stay out of the stores - to the best of your ability..

I can't tell you how much money I have saved simply by staying out of brick and mortar stores.. The temptation can be so powerful - especially at this time of year..

Hope these suggestions help - and enjoy your holiday season..

 

[luvsJack]

If I get out of WalMart or Target spending less that $50 I consider it a victory. I always see something I forgot I needed.

Or didn't actually KNOW I needed until I saw it!!

 

[robinb]

I will definitly designate a notebook on the end of the counter for an ongoing list. and I think I am just going to suck it up and start going to Sam's at least once a month for some things (like dog food) that I can buy in bulk.

I have a dry erase board on my refrigerator where we write down things that we need. I snap a picture of it with my phone so I have the list with me. I *still* have the $75 Target shopping trips .

 

[luvsJack]

C.Ann, you make a good point. If I shop online for clothes, I am really a lot more careful to buy what I know I need and what I like. In the store, its too easy to say "I will go ahead and get it, I can always bring it back". Or, like you say, "that's cute" and just drop in the buggy. Doing more and more online may be a great money saver!

I think dd and I are going to have to set up a "school supply" bin for both of us and put extra notebooks, paper, pencils, pens and stuff in it. That way I can buy a bunch of it when its on sale and that will cut out one of my "run by" reasons.

RobinB--I know just what you mean! I love Targe even more than Walmart so I really have to stay out of there. I like all their candles and decorative things more--something I love to buy and do not need.

I would love to start grocery shopping at a grocery store instead of Walmart but the ones around here are so much higher! I do go to some for their specials, but I have priced their other items and boy do they make up for those few sale items!!

 

[ChiCat]

When I start feeling the "Target crunch" I start getting my Target stuff at Walgreens. It isn't much more expensive, its still the brand names, but I'm much less likely to walk out with nail polish and a DVD.

Target is my only store weakness. The good thing is it's a 5 mile round trip walk for me so I maybe only go once a month. I could take the bus but rarely do. My shopping weakness is online shopping. Especially at work when I have a lot of down time. One time I just spontaneously bought a new laptop! I hadn't even been planning on it or even thinking about it. It wasn't even a great deal or anything but I just did it!

I especially love coupon codes, amazon or free shipping from any site, and QVC today special values and easy pay.

I also do a lot of "window" shopping online, you know load up my cart, think about it and then not buy it.

 

[hsmamato2]

to OP- funny b/c it happens to all of us
but the reality is-stay away from that store! it truly is cheaper to just hit the dollar tree or cvs for that ONE item you need,then wandering thru ridiculous stores like WM and Target.... yes that one pack of pencils might cost slightly more(sometimes) but you buy WHAT YOU NEED......

 

[C.Ann]

I would love to start grocery shopping at a grocery store instead of Walmart but the ones around here are so much higher! I do go to some for their specials, but I have priced their other items and boy do they make up for those few sale items!!

Okay - if you're buying your groceries at Walmart, when you go to get groceries, go with a specific list and do not step foot outside of the grocery section.. That should help some..