I'm trying to work on this as well. I stocked up on groceries last week based on a list of meals that we eat a lot. I am going to try to make as few shopping trips as possible. My biggest threat is going to Wal-Mart to buy diapers. That is the cheapest place and it can be hard to avoid all of those displays.

Something that I've noticed too, is that it seems like I do better shopping when the stores aren't busy. I feel more comfortable I guess and when the aisles aren't crowded I don't have to make laps waiting for the items that I need. I did really well at Wal-Mart on Sunday when I went before noon.

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I have also been trying really hard to stay out of stores like target, walmart and sam's. Those are my weakness stores. I have been keeping a separate list for these stores and then only go every 6-8 weeks or even longer.

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DS - 9
DD - 6

Something that has honestly helped me stay at home is the nasty gas prices. We live pretty far out in the country (like 12 miles from a town with stores) so I just don't go into town unless there is an appointment and then I run my errands on that day. Most of the time, the appts. are for the kids so since I have kids with me, I'm in a hurry to get what's on my list and get out. We really haven't had any spending money for the past year or so, but I could still do better by staying out of places like the Dollar Tree...you look at it and think, "Oh wow, that's just a dollar!" But could've lived without it anyway!

I've been trying to stay out of the stores as well. One thing that really makes me mad is that Walmart PURPOSELY puts Diapers, Wipes, Baby items that all moms need at the back of the stores so that you have to walk past everything else to get to them that way you are more likely to buy something else too. Same with grocery stores, milk, eggs, bread etc. all the way at the back of the store on PURPOSE! Anyway, our closest Target is 8 miles from the house. I figured out the other day that my van gets about 19 miles to the gallon so a trip to Target and back is almost $3.00 before I even go in the store to buy anything. :hurl: It helps if you know how far you are driving and I look at it as I have to pay $3.00 just to go into the store----NO THANKS! I've been spending my time doing spring cleaning that never got done, selling lots of unnecessary stuff on ebay etc. I'm taking the kids to the library, our neighborhood pool, the local parks etc. All free stuff except the ebay stuff which is earning me money instead! I made over $450 in one week last time I cleaned out all the house so I know I can do more than that this time since DH got down all the toys and stuff from the attic this time!

I agree!! I find it is somtimes better to pay a bit more for items at the grocery store rather than go to the Walmarts, Targets, etc. where you suddenly find 100 other things that you "need"!! Where is the savings if that money you are "saving" never leaves the store?!!

Another trick I use is if you do need to go to the big stores, scope out what you are looking for on-line b/4 you go. Let's you kind of expect what to pay and narrows down your choices (avoiding temptation!). I need to remind myself it is only a deal or bargain if you need it!

I love your new goal!! I have been getting better about staying out of stores, I thought, but have just turned it into grocery shopping binges. I "have to" go in there. But even with a list I get into trouble. Especially with the BOGO sales. Now I am trying to make a list and go only one time a week, and make it as fast a trip as possible. Glad to know I am not alone!!

Good for you! It's amazing how when things are put on paper, its like it becomes obvious.

This is something I need to work on as well. I'm a new SAHM with 3 kids and I find myself going to town (10-20 mile round trip) way more often than I should. I'm wasting money on gas and buying "stuff" that I really don't need! I think that I will write myself a little note to put in the car that says "Do you really need it?" Maybe this will make me rethink the situation!!

I had been doing so well staying out of the stores and not buying anything but the necessities till May and then I fell off the bandwagon so to speak. But, I am happy to say I am back on board and do not plan to visit my "hot" stores anymore unless absolutely necessary. I plan on sending DH (he doesn't browse at all) if I need something from one of these stores.

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Alaska-mama-of-2

Proud mama to a 5 year old DD and a 2 year old DS


I’ve been SWAK’d!

This is another weakness I am working on.I have an ongoing list of things I need and do everything one time a week and get whats on my list only.I have so much stockpile it isnt funny.

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~~Sharon...wife to Bill for 17 yrs and mom to Kevin,16; Stephanie,14 and Tyler,8~~