This one ties right in with the FTJ project!

Think before you buy!

Task: Create a checklist of questions that will help you decide what to buy and what to forgo. At the very top of the list, write down your major life goals in sound bites. For example, you might write "get fit" "travel more" or whatever. Put your list in your wallet and consult it when you go shopping. When it comes time to make a purchase, decide whether your goals and the purchase are in sync.

more on this topic from the book:

"Material possessions are a means, not an end. Know which ones you own and which ones own you."

Some examples of questions for your list:

Will it enhance my goals?
Will it create more work?
Do I need it?
Is it truly a bargain? If it were full price would you buy it? Would you save for it? If not, it may not be such a good deal.
Do I think it will make my life easier?
Do I want it because it's "trendy"?
Will it bring my family together or tear us apart?
Do I want it because it will make me feel better?
Will I have trouble getting rid of it in the future?

Have fun with this one and report back when it's complete and if you thought of any other great questions.

Wow, this is a really good one!!! I love the last few questions in particular.

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Alice came to a fork in the road. "Which road do I take?" she asked.
"Where do you want to go?" responded the Cheshire cat.
"I don't know," Alice answered.
"Then," said the cat, "it doesn't matter."
~Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

Good one - -thank you

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~Debi~

Great questions! Thank you for posting these

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I really like this one. It makes me think of a time a few months ago when I was clipping coupons. There were three certain coupons that were buy one get one free. And I thought wow what a deal so I clipped them. Then at the store I went to buy these items and was like, WHY? I never have bought these before, why do I need to buy it now. It is not a good deal for me since I will be out the "buy one" part of it because I never buy it anyway.

Good questions!

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Jenifer
Proud wife to one amazing man
Proud mom to four awesome kids

Have a safe and blessed New Year!

This just keeps getting better and better. Thanks!!!

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A Family of 5's quest to forget the Joneses.

Jenifer - what a great example - I do that with the coupons too - then I have overstuffed coupon folders to deal with - if I just thought about what I am never going to buy before I cut them I wouldn't have to spend so much time weeding them out!