I often read in the posts that the best saving trick is to stay out of the stores. Since I'm always using a list when I do my shopping I though this did not apply to me

This past month I decided to write all our spending in an Excel file. Well... I realized this morning that it applies to me and that I would of saved a bundle by staying out of the stores. For example, I went to Costco to get some pool products, thinking I'm saving at least 10$ buying this at Costco. Well I got out of the store with the pool stuff and a shirt for dh (19.99$ + tx). So where is the saving???? Will dh wear the shirt? Yes of course but could he live without it? Yes of course.

My goal for June: STAY OUT OF THE STORES as much as possible.

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Marie - SAHM of DS Benjamin (april 2004) and DD Rose (march 2006).

Good for you!!!! That is kind of a light bulb moment, isn't it?

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~Happiness is a large family~

Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger. James 1:19

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24

I agree I went to Target yesterday and spent $25 and $10 of it was on stuff I didn't need.

Costco I have a monthly trip with a $200 budget. I can get everything I need with that and if there is a little extra in the budget go for a few or the wants. Costco is one of those stores that it is so easy to spend alot in just a few purchaces.

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Kimberly Proud Mommy to Bethany Rose April 2006 &

Organizer of the Coupon Clippers of Tacoma

Staying out of stores has been the biggest lesson for me. I used to think I was such a "smart" shopper because I never paid full price, always bought things on sale, etc....but I was buying things I really didn't need! Because of Mommysavers, I shop less, spend less, have less clutter...and have $$$ left over every month!

:yay!: Congratulations on seeing the light It certainly is eye opening when you put everything down on paper isn't it?? I am a BIG believer in staying out of the store, but lately have fallen off the wagon. I need to take my kids with me so I have more incentive to just stick to the list, get in & get out, and don't wander around.

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Way to go. I've been trying to do this as well, b/c I am still a impulse buyer on occaisions. I've gotten a lot better than I used to be!

So glad it clicked for you! And, it isn't just the impulse purchases you're avoiding that helps save money. Ever notice how you see things at the stores that you MUST HAVE? Even if you've got enough willpower to walk out of the store without them, they take up needless time preoccupying your thoughts, and lots of times you end up buying them eventually, because they DO end up on your shopping list!

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Never thought about that, the fact that you see things and they will stay in your head, but it is probably true. In fact the more I think about it the more it makes sense to me.

Thanks for the great tip. Joining Mommysavers has been great for me so far lots of good ideas and advice.

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Marie - SAHM of DS Benjamin (april 2004) and DD Rose (march 2006).

:yay!: That's great!

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Amanda
Mommy to Zack & Emily

thats great keep it up because you will be surprised if you stay out of stores(i did it for 6 months except for groceries) things are not so appealing i used to go to target and want everything now i leave there with my diaper wipes and thats it!!!

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SILENCE IS GOLDEN BUT DUCK TAPE IS SILVER.