From Tawna, a reader
This may be a shocker but I never shop with a complete list. Very often I find items on sale that are running low. Tissues were the most recent example. They were not on my list because the store had not advertised them and we were not out, only low. I found a terrific deal plus I had a coupon. Was it an impulse buy? Maybe. Why should I spend more the next trip to buy the same thing?
Another shocker–We have never kept a formal budget. If we really need something, we buy it. We try to need as little as possible but if is worn out, I replace it. Seems to work for us. We raised 3 kids, own our house, and are planning for an early retirement, all this on a lower middle class to middle class income.
This may come as a surprise to most readers, but mom and I aren’t in the “stick to your list” club either. The truth is, if we did we would miss out on a lot of great deals that could save us money in the future. I do have a list but if I see something that I will use in the future and I can get it for a great price like my great milk and meat deal then I will grab it up in a heartbeat!
-Tawra
Tawra is right. I only make lists of things I know I am out of or things that are on sale that I want to get. Sometimes I’ll have my bare bones menu for the week so if I find something on sale I can change my menu a little if I need to. I rarely stick to the list.
I have also never never ever had a budget and I buy things just like you do, Tawna. I really don’t believe in making budgets. There are some people out there who have success with them but most people I know stick to a budget as well as they do to a diet, myself included…
-Jill
Photo By: Steven Lilley
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