Here is a clever little idea that I recently heard about through the grapevine. It is a way to save money whenever you shop and wherever you shop. The best part is that it is very easy to create this little gem and maintain it for as long as you would like.
This method to save money is nothing more than a list. Grab a small notebook or a notepad, anything that you can easily carry wherever you go. And don’t forget a pen or a pencil. At the top of this list, write the words “Don’t Need It.” That is all.
The next time you are out and see something that you would really like to buy but never thought about before, write it on the list. It could be anything from a kitchen gadget to a new tire iron, depending on what tends to grab your attention. Writing the item down on the list gives you a chance to slow down and take a breath while you reconsider the purchase. Looking through all of the other items on the list that you really wanted or thought you needed at the time but have lived happily without is another motivator to spend less.
At the end of the year, if you like, you can assign prices to each of those craved for items that you didn’t purchase. Add them all up and see how much you saved by keeping those items on your list instead of in your home. Use the “extra” money to pay down a bit of your mortgage or other bills, or invest it and watch it grow. You might even find that there is enough to purchase something you could really use or enjoy, from the practical to the fun. As a bonus, you’ll find that you have much less clutter to deal with and are surrounded by only the things you really need or really love.
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.
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