Dave Ramsey often says that in every marriage there is typically a saver and a spender. But even savers can be tempted by bargain shopping.
My hubby isn’t a big spender by any means, but he is the one more comfortable with spending, and I’m definitely the saver. Or the thrifty one, or the cheap one, or the tight one. However, you want to phrase it.
The one area that does seem to trip me up and really test my discipline is a good deal. There is something about getting a good bargain on an item that makes the item seem even better. Are you with me? Like these shoes look even better because I got them on sale for 1/2 price.
But even good bargains can blow the budget, and if you’re like me, give you a bad case of buyer’s remorse. We were shopping with family over the weekend and I picked up an awesome stash– everything from a new yoga mat to pillows for the guest bed to a Garth Brooks box set. Fifty dollars and a few hours later, I was lying in bed kicking myself for spending money on things I didn’t really need. Now, $50 doesn’t seem like that much money but repeatedly giving in to the urge to snag a deal can put a dent in the bank account. That’s when I decided to set some rules for future bargain shopping.
Rule #1: Is this item something I had already planned to buy?
Rule #2: Is this item something I will actually use on a regular basis, at least once per week?
Rule #3: Is this item something I absolutely adore vs. just getting it because it’s a good price?
Rule #4: Is this really a good price? Could I get a better price if I waited or looked at another store?
Rule #5: Is this item on my list? Next time I go shopping, I’ll make a list of the things I need to buy and stick.to.it.
So I get to add a couple of errands to my to-do list this week as I return several of the items that I shouldn’t have purchased to begin with. But the extra time and inconvenience it will take will help me learn my lesson and not repeat the same mistake.