In a September 2006 USA TODAY, I read an article entitled “Understanding Why You’re Shopping Can Help Curb It.” If you struggle with shopping, or just wanting to, the article is insightful.
A few points from the article I want to share with my readers. First, stores have studied shoppers and they’re changing their marketing to even more strongly appeal to certain behaviors. For example, they’re changing store lay-outs to add additional appeal and strategically locate merchandise. Another appeal is the use of aromatherapy. Certain stores have fragrances that are created specially for their marketing use. While in these stores, the consumer enjoys a particular scent that makes him/her feel better about that store, its merchandise and shopping/purchasing.
All to say, you should be equally clever. Use whatever techniques work best for controlling your spending. Some friends use the cash only method to limit the amount spent. Other friends avoid shopping altogether. I have found that avoiding stores and catalogues drastically reduces my spending. I’m not tempted and the desire to shop. When I do shop, I try to use lists or have specific aims/goals in mind.
Yes, I do impulse purchase sometimes. If you are prone to this, be aware of your behavior and realize merchants are locating sale items in your path for just this purpose—entice impulse purchasing.
One last tip. About 12-15 years ago, I started what I call my “long term shopping list.” I write down whatever I think I’m wanting. I don’t purchase the item. Instead, I let the item remain on the list a few days or even a few weeks. This “cools off” the impulse purchasing. If later I discover I really need the item, like a piece of luggage, for example, then I can compare prices and use the “cooling off period” to ensure I’m getting value for the price paid.
Website Recommendations
Please share one of your favorites w/ me!
September Shopping
Family Christian Bookstore: HURRY! Sept 9-16 Family Christian Bookstores has a great sale you can utilize to stock up on gifts for birthday parties, Christmas, etc. I had saved a 25% off coupon for just such an occasion…so even more savings. A few items I found “interesting” were about 7-10 children’s videos, books and CDs at $5/each. Great to get a few for future birthday parties. For my teenage and pre-teen nieces and nephews, I bought some great CDs at $7.97/each. Yes, I got an added 25% off these prices with my frequent shopper coupon.
So, if you purchase cards and gifts, I find I get more bang for my buck buying at one location, accumulating frequent shopper credits and then using the resulting discount to stock up when great sales are offered.
Free CPE: I have not checked this out; however, for my accounting friends, here’s a possible free CPE deal. I got an advertisement for 8 hours of free CPE at www.CPECREDIT.com. I’m sure there are some catches and this might have to accompany a purchase. However, it might be worth consideration. I also have found excellent, affordable CPE at ACCPE.
Excursions
National Book Festival: On 9/30 at the National Mall, the National Book Festival transpires. While I’ve never attended, I have a friend, Kelley, who recommends the event. For example, Clifford the Dog and such characters commonly appear at the festival for children. It’s a free event and promotes reading. I imagine you could purchase books there, and I know you can meet authors at the event. Enjoy this freebie!
INOVA Women’s Health Expo: Here’s another freebie event on November 11 from 9 am to 1 pm at Alexandria Hospital. Free seminars and screenings are offered. There is a charge for flu shots. Learn more at www.inova.org/iah. Register at 703-204-3366.
Calvary Road Baptist Church Consignment Sale: It’s that time of year to pick up deals at consignment sales. You can also turn old toys and clothing into cash if you sell at them. Check out Sat., October 14 from 8 am to 2pm, at Calvary Road in Alexandria (off Beulah Road). To consign at this sale, go to www.crbc.org or call Andra at 703-922-4347. Items are half price from 12:15 pm – 2:00 pm. See you there!
TIPS
Dryers: A family member shared with me that you should clean your dryer screen (a.k.a. the lint catcher) periodically with a brush and water. According to her info, there is a waxy build up that accumulates on the screen and can pose as a fire hazard. This is not a direct money saver, but a good piece of advice. I clean the dryer screen with every use, but I certainly would never have thought to scrub it clean!
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Looking forward to speaking in October at First Baptist Church Alexandria, and possibly to a MOPS group in Atlanta in March 2007!
If you have a church or civic organization, and you’re looking for a speaker, I would love to talk with you about the opportunity. Not only do I speak about financial matters, but I enjoy sharing about spiritual topics.
Thank you to those of you who have inquired about my book, Face of Courage. I’m having a lot of fun telling folks about my book and sharing in this ministry!
Joy to you!
Michele Buschman
“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” Philippians 4:12-13.