Overcoming Guilt When Buying Dryer Sheets

I’ve been wrestling with a few valuable lessons over the past few weeks and I wanted to share them with all you Project Money fans.

In my Spend Less Save More blog entry, I mentioned that after shopping I look in my basket and ask myself, “Do I really need each of these items?” While this is great in theory, the practicality of it is it makes me feel guilty for buying dryer sheets. I’ve shifted my practice so when I go to the store to purchase something that I want – bathroom towels (let’s face it the green towels I’ve had for a few years are faded but they still soak up water), totes (shoes boxes can’t compete with the pretty colors and designs) or clothes (I’m a total sucker for the new-season items), I find that the question, “Do I really need this?” narrows down the plethora of items to a few select items. I am learning, too, that it is okay to say, “No I don’t really need this but I’ve worked hard to pay for this item in cash and it is okay to buy something nice as long as it is in the budget.”

The other side of this is making sure that a need doesn’t turn into a want. I’ve found that as I run out of toilet paper, cleaning supplies, etc. I write them on a list. I bolded run out because this implies that the item is something that I currently have and use on a regular basis. When that list has four or five items, I head to the store to purchase the items on the list. If it isn’t on the list, I don’t buy it. This eliminates the perusing down each and every aisle grabbing anything and everything that I could potentially need. 

I hope these ideas can help you and I also wanted to share a sneak Peek of my next blog entry, When and How Much to Pay on the Credit Card – Plus the Importance of a Savings Account:

 “After meeting with my financial coach, I realized I impulsively paid over $600 on my credit card. I thought I had planned ahead by paying the bills, putting lunch money in Keilah’s school account and filling the tank and fridge.  But I didn’t take into account my weekly allowance – leaving me with six cents in my checking account.”

Comments

[Cassie]

I can totally relate to your comment about the towels! Willie and I have been wanting to get new towels for months now but have held off because, like you said, they still soak up water.

I also like Amy's comments about the coupons. I've bought some things (like toilet paper and laundry detergent) before I've run out because I had a coupon that woudl expire before I needed them again. I wouldn't do this for every coupon, but I think it's great for things you know you'll always use. And then you don't have to worry about running out so quickly! I also put a star next to items I have a coupon for when I make my shopping list so I can be sure to buy the brand with the coupon to save extra money.

[Amy]

I love the idea of putting "run out" on your list next to an item!

Got me thinking, you could put - "almost out: coupon" next to something that you need and have a coupon for. You might not get it that trip, but know it's something you'll need soon and hopefully be able to purchase before the coupon expires.

[Scott]

Rachel,
I would agree--it is easy to go to extremes when asking, "Do I really need this?" Making smart financial choices isn't easy (or everyone would do it), however it can be rewarding. Instead of an impulse buy costing $20, you can see your savings balance grow by the same amount. At the same time, rewarding yourself every now and then can keep you motivated and help you appreciate the effort that goes into being thrifty.

Keep up the good work!

Your coach,
Scott