Thrifty Tip #5: Know What You Have

Image courtesy of http://twolittlebirdsboutique.blogspot.com.au

Have you ever seen a product on sale, but not been sure whether you really need it?

Have you ever bought a bargain, then found out later that you have no use for it?

Have you ever bought too much of something then had to let some go to waste?

A bargain is not bargain if you don't need it or you can't use it.  How then, do we decide what to buy and what to leave on the sales rack or supermarket shelf?

1. Keep a list, so that you know what you need, and can shop with a purpose
2. Keep an inventory of things like stored children's clothes or the number of pillowcases you own, so that you don't buy items that are excess to requirements
3. If you buy large amounts of a perishable item, have a plan about how you will store or preserve it, so that nothing goes to waste
4. Avoid buying items that you don't really like, or that don't serve a useful purpose, just because they are on sale

Do you have a weakness when it comes to bargains?  How do you control the urge to shop? 


This post is part of my series, Thirty Days of Thrifty Tips.