Wise Bread (Tisha Tolar)

Start a Cooking Club: Cook Up Some Frugal Fun

Tisha Tolar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:00:02 +0000

It's becoming a big trend in households across the nation to stop dining out and start eating at the dinner table. However, as growing families continue to race from play practice and soccer practice, their tendency to pull into a drive-thru is still strong simply because it is convenient. Parents today have less time to do domestic activities but as frugality is becoming a lifestyle, people are looking to change their ways.

While people have every intention of cooking from scratch and preparing more homemade, healthier meals, it may take some motivation to stay on task. That's why starting a community or family cooking club can be just the right incentive to get going. A cooking club is something like a book club or a frugal club, but instead of reading, why not trying cooking? Families and friends can get together once or twice a month and have some fun in the kitchen. There are many ways to be creative with this idea but the end result is the same: more quality time with family and friends, plus some great time-saving meals for weeks to come!

Here are some ideas that you can use as a springboard to coming up with your own cooking club.

Start by asking friends, family, and neighbors to find out who enjoys time spent in the kitchen. When you have a good list of people who are interested, start planning to host your first "open kitchen" Discuss different ideas people have for hosting a cooking party.

Send out invitations (cards, emails, or word-of-mouth). Ask those planning to attend to send over their favorite recipes that are freezer-friendly and cost-effective to make in bulk. Get the invites out early, as you'd have some planning to do. Keep in mind that you can only invite as many people as will fit comfortably in your kitchen.

As you receive the replies and recipes, make a list of the ingredients that is needed. You will also need to include other supplies such as freezer paper and bags, cooking utensils, pots, pans, cooking sprays, spices, and the like. When you have your list complete, check off the items you already have in stock and then pass along the list to the other invitees asking them to do the same. Remember that you will need to have enough ingredients to make dishes for each member. If you have 4 attendees, you'll need to be able to make 4 of every recipe.

When the list has been returned, you can either divide up the list of what is still needed among attendees or, as the hostess, you can get the items. Provide the attendees with the lists of who is to bring what, along with the party details.

Prepare to host the cooking soiree. You might want to some wine and hors d'oeuvres for your guests. Be sure your cooking and preparation areas are cleared, clean, and ready to go.

During the first club meeting, there will likely be different kinks to be worked out, but over time the club meetings will likely run themselves. A bit of investment may be required in the beginning but in time each members pantry will likely become stocked with all of the essentials and cost will be less of an issue. Perhaps the club would be willing to invest in a membership to Sam's Club or Costco and buy ingredients in bulk to start.

When everyone is ready to get cooking, select one recipe and everyone can pitch in to complete it. Some people can be designated to slice and dice. Others can be relegated to the stove. The point is to have fun and create family-friendly meals each member can wrap for the freezer and pop in the oven during a busy week.

As the club grows, ideas and creativity will likely grow too. There are many ideas that can come out of starting a cooking club but the best outcome will be time together, low-cost meals, and an incredible smelling kitchen!

Permalink | 5 comments | Tisha Tolar's blog | Channel: Food and Drink

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5 Quick Fixes to Salvage a Good Meal

Tisha Tolar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:00:07 +0000

By Tisha Tolar

We've all likely burned a pot of something in our lifetime, but sometimes a ruined dinner may not be so ruined after all. Learn a few tricks of the trade and save yourself some time and money. As more and more families go back to basics and choose to stay home to eat, there is a big interest in the recipe industry and cooking shows. Catching a few episodes of these shows or investing in a new cookbook can certainly help to keep meals at home fresh and interesting. If you make a mistake during your experimentation, don't throw out the food. Use these 5 quick fixes to salvage a good meal.

Soup's too salty?

If you are making homemade soup and get a little excited about the salt, your dinner fare is certainly not ruined. Throw in a peeled, raw potato and let it cook in the soup for 20 minutes. The starch in the potato will absorb the excess salt. Remove the potato and use it to make homemade french fries or mash it up.

Pasta's hardly al dente?

Overcooking your pasta noodles is quite easy to do, especially when you have other things going on around the kitchen. Fear not. Simply run the pasta through cold water to halt the cooking process. Add tomato sauce and reheat. The acid in the sauce will help bring back a firm noodle.

Burned expensive steak?

Meat costs a fortune these days. In the pursuit of making sure meat is cooked fully, we may find that our steak gets a bit too well-done, especially for the kids. Simply slice it up and use it in other ways such as fajitas and stir-fry recipes.

Veggies gone limp?

It happens a lot — you buy fresh vegetables with the best of intentions and promptly forget about them after you've stocked the refrigerator. Limp vegetables can be brought back to life by adding them to a bowl of cold water (no ice) for a few minutes. Rewrap the vegetables in a clean, damp towel and return to the refrigerator.

Fruit going bad?

Wasting fruit is common because if not stored properly, fruit can go bad rather quickly. If you find fruit is always rotten before you get to eat it, make a mental note to stop buying so much fruit at one time or only purchase one or two kinds of fruit in small quantities when you do your shopping. It's better to run out than to throw out. If the fruit that you have isn't passing muster for eating, find some recipes for fruit smoothies and get to blending.

Rolls are stale?

There is nothing like fresh, steaming rolls for dinner but the next day, the fresh and steaming part seems to have left in its place hard, unappetizing pieces of bread. Next time, don't ditch the rolls. Instead, sprinkle them with some water, wrap them in foil and put them in the oven for about 10 minutes. They will be soft and piping hot for another dinner.

Permalink | 15 comments | Tisha Tolar's blog | Channel: Food and Drink

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Dry Cleaning: Hazard to Your Wallet (and Maybe Your Health)

Tisha Tolar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:00:02 +0000

By Tisha Tolar

Of course we all like to look good. For some of us, professional attire is a job requirement. We spend a lot of money to look good but we are also doing a lot more homework about how to look good for less money. Dry cleaning seems to be one of those areas where people still spend money without giving it much thought. If you have your clothing and other goods dry-cleaned regularly, have you ever sat down to find out how much it costs you in a year? You might be surprised. Because it is considered by some to be a necessary evil, few fail to really figure out how much dry cleaning is really costing them. Here are 7 things you should know about dry cleaning services.

Dry Cleaning Is an Expensive Skill

As with any professional business skill, it costs a lot to employ the skillful. In turn, you will be expected to pay top-dollar for the use of the one's skills. The employees who press shirts and pants get paid well because of the talent they have for doing the job correctly. Plus, the machines and technology of the dry cleaning industry are not cheap.

Women's Clothes Cost More

It's not an unfair gender discrimination thing. Simply put, women's clothing traditionally have more bells and whistles than men's clothes. It takes extra time to work around buttons, other ornaments, and fancy trimmings than it does to press a man's work shirt. Silk shirts of either gender also take more time and therefore cost more money.

Potential Health Hazard

The cleaning agent special to the dry cleaning business is called perchloroethylene. Perc, for short, has long been considered to be a possible carcinogen (cancer-causing agent) that can cause illness or injury from exposure. Some dry cleaning services are working with inexperienced staff who are not properly cleaning clothing. If you distinctly smell of chemical, your clothing is not being cleaned correctly and your health may be in danger.

Green Clean

There are some businesses that are capitalizing on the health concerns of dry cleaning solvents. These companies promote the use of "green cleaners" that are safe for the consumer and the environment. The downside is they don't work well and you can end up paying for services that didn't provide any results, especially on tough stains and perspiration.

Forgotten Stuff

While dry cleaning services are getting more expensive, there is another popular reason why people are losing money having items dry cleaned — forgetfulness. All too often people will bring items in for service and then completely forget to pick them back up again. As we are a busy society, it can be easy to forget to pick up linens, bedspreads, and outerwear that you don't need for the office each day.

Liability of the Lost

Another common dilemma for dry cleaning customers is that from time to time, items brought in for service leave with someone else. Some dry cleaners will do the best job they can stalling you in hopes the items will be returned. As with many business owners, they are not in a hurry to write you a check for items they have misplaced. If you have to use a dry cleaner, find a reliable one you can afford.

Alternative Consideration

While dry cleaning your clothing is a necessary evil, there is something else to consider. When you buy new pieces for your wardrobe, try sticking with wash and wear items only. Check all labels for care instructions and limit what "dry-clean only" clothing you buy. There are a lot of manufacturers that have worked to revolutionize clothing to avoid dry cleaning altogether. There are also DIY dry cleaning kits you can use at home. Product reviews are mixed based on consumer reviews but you might want to give such a product a test-run to see how you feel about them before nixing the idea completely. If you still must use the services of a dry cleaning, do some comparison shopping for best price and customer service if necessary in your area. You can also ask a quality clothing store for referrals.

Permalink | 9 comments | Tisha Tolar's blog | Channel: Health and Beauty

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How to Explore Your Antique Attic Treasures for Profit

Tisha Tolar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:00:02 +0000

By Tisha Tolar

While more people are realizing the benefits of "yard saleing" — both having and shopping at — there may be some items in your home that you'd like to unload but are not necessarily cut out for a place in a yard sale. These items, such as antiques and heirlooms, can often surprise their owners when the actual value of the piece is discovered. In some cases, families will not part with family tradition but for others, selling an antique can be a practical solution for decluttering a home and gaining financial income.

Selling an antique or an item of great value can be difficult. Oftentimes, people who do not know any better will indeed place "knick-knacks" out on the yard sale table for a mere fifty-cents, only to have them scooped up by knowing dealers, resulting in the loss of a tidy sum. Antique dealers are known to hit up yard sales first thing in the morning to pick through the wares of others and are happy to pay a few cents for something they can resell for a whole lot more. People are happy to get rid of the items at the time, but would be livid to discover they could have made a lot more money with a little bit of research.

So how do you determine what's hot and what's not? Here are a few tips to help you sort through the real junk and those items which have much more value than the sentimental kind:

Keep Reality In Check

If, for instance, you have the duty to clean out a loved one's home after they have passed away, you may go in thinking that you could make a fortune selling Grandma's old stuff. It is this excited thinking that gets people into trouble. Looking for a quick buck without doing any legwork will likely result in doing things the wrong way. Don't expect any kind of fortune so that if you should get any money for your antiques, you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Do Your Research

Since television shows like The Antique Roadshow came on the scene, a lot more people are taking an interest in what's in the attic. It seems so simple to make a few grand on a family treasure; however, it doesn't really work that way. There are a lot of different factors involved in determining the value of something antique. For example, if your item is not in mint condition, chances are good the price will be considerably lower than one that is. Use the internet and books at the library to research the piece you think may have value. Don't rely solely on websites like eBay either. While it can be a great way to find out what is selling these days, these auctions sites will not give you a true indication of what something is really worth.

Visit an Antique Show In Person

If you have the time and interest, it can be well worth it to visit an antique show to find out what you are getting into. Bring along really good photographs of what you have and find a specialist in that particular niche to ask questions about your items and whether or not you should pursue it further.

Get an Estimate

There are likely antiques dealers working in your area. You can speak to them about estimates on items you have. You can use the estimate to further your research.

Decide the Value

There is a huge difference between an estimate and an appraisal. An estimate is essentially an educated guess by an experienced person in that field whereas an appraisal is much more in-depth and can cost you up to $150/hour. Unless you are certain that an item you have is really valuable, it is best to skip the appraisal and do your own legwork to make a fair sale.

What's In Your Attic?

There are a lot of collectibles and antiques that are very much in demand and that could bring in significant income. Just some of the popular categories include albums, toys, sports cards, books, comic books, pottery, porcelain, furniture, jewels, and coins. There are also a number of books available that are specific to identifying high-valued items which you can use to identify what is worth the pursuit of sale.

A Bonus

After all of your research and hands-on education, you might develop a new creative outlet that earns money. Who knows? You may just start a life-long hobby and make a profit from something you actually enjoy doing. It may not be easy work but it certainly can be rewarding.

Permalink | 4 comments | Tisha Tolar's blog | Channel: Making Extra Cash

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Budgeting Tricks for Parents

Tisha Tolar — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 21:30:02 +0000

By Tisha Tolar

It's not always easy as a parent to have to reject the wants of a child, but it is not only a lesson in learning for mom and dad, it is also an invaluable lesson for kids to learn early the difference between needs and wants from parents who are clear about the difference as well. It is also important for a parent to instill the importance of gratitude. A child who is grateful for what they have, will likely not lament (much) what they have not. While it may be difficult to resist an adorable puppy dog look during a trip to Walmart or the subtle begging to “just look” in the toy store, your budget may dictate the need to say no. Parents might feel guilty about the budget restrictions, but the reality is budgeting is a necessary evil in order for kids to prosper themselves.

Here are some tips for balancing the budget as a parent:

Keep the kids out of the aisles.
If at all possible, leave the kids at home with the other parent when grocery shopping. Not only will you get out faster, you will also not have a ton of extra goodies being thrown in the cart because you are too frustrated to argue the lack of nutrients in fruit snacks and find it easier to say “just get it.” Freedom to shop alone also allows you time to do price comparisons and use coupons.

Do the fake out.
Marketing professionals are geniuses at getting kids' immediate attention on the most expensive goods. Learn to be a little creative and buy items in bulk. Then recycle the “expensive” packaging over and over again. For instance, forget the expensive cereal with the high profile character the kids insist you buy. Instead, save the old box and replace the cereal inside with the store brand. Little kids especially will likely not have a clue about any differences in taste and their only concern is who is on the box and what toy is inside. Visit the local dollar store and stash some fun stuff in a high cabinet. You can save money by buying in bulk and repackage it to smaller sizes for easy to grab snacks.

Compromise on clothing.
There are just too many trends for anyone to keep up with but if you are a parent trying to keep up with a teenager's taste in clothes, you might feel you are fighting a losing battle. But there are ways to help quell the arguments. For smaller kids, shop at thrift stores and yard sales to get the best deals. While it may take time to rummage for the right size and good quality items, it can save you a tremendous amount of money since kids tend to outgrow sizes quickly. Ebay can also be a great resource for getting a good deal on major label clothing that many older kids want. When it comes to shopping retail, be agreeable about buying a few trendy items but insist your kids put up the extra cash for the additional items they want that cost so much more or do without them. Also, don't forget to connect with other moms who are likely also in the same predicament as you. Round up used clothes your kids can no longer wear and host a swap party each month to trade items amongst friends.

Entertain creatively.
Little kids can be easy to entertain on the cheap. Free museums and parks or even a walk with mom and dad can be all they need to have fun. As kids get older, activities inside and outside the home can get very costly. This includes extracurricular activities. Let the kids pick their favorites and stick with it. Let kids pick the family entertainment once each month, such as a movie or amusement park. Have everyone save up fun money during the month and focus on creating family fun at home inexpensively. Since kids will have that monthly activity to look forward to, they may be more inclined to wait it out. Don't spend a fortune on video games and other electronics. Rent videos and games so when boredom sets in you can change up the games and the movies. To be even more budget-conscious, turn off the games and the television and turn kids on to other activities that cost nothing but do wonders for the family ties. Eat at home and save the restaurant experience for a once a month fun time.

While kids may still grump about your decisions regarding money, it is also a perfect time for kids to learn about money and if they are old enough, gain a little financial independence that is garnered by doing chores and odd jobs to earn their own cash. It may be a constant practice of tough love, but when you make it through the teenage years and are staring down the barrel of college tuition, you'll be glad you spent less and saved more for the future of your kids.

Permalink | 9 comments | Tisha Tolar's blog | Channel: Budgeting

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Look Out Consumers: Debt Collections Get Scarier

Tisha Tolar — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:07:44 +0000

By Tisha Tolar

As if we don't have enough on our collective plates worrying about our legitimate debts, it is now coming to light that more scam artists are trying to collect on debts you may not even have. Just this week in the state of New York, an ex-con and his cronies were busted and a nationwide debt collection company was shut down. Based in Buffalo, NY, the “debt collection agency” operated using several different company names, including Central Resource Man, Interchange Payment Solutions, Next Step Services, Silverbay Services, Teleport, Final Claims Asset Locators and Final Control Asset Locators.

The apparent ring leader was Tobias Boyland, a convicted felon who, along with three other individuals ran debt collection practices in at least four different locations in Western New York. The complaints that were filed against them with the District Attorney's office alleged that Boyland and his team would contact individuals about debt collections, often using threats of being arrested to frighten people into paying back debts. The team also intimidated consumers by lying to them about the status of their debts that have have gone to court. Some involved in the ring even posed as law enforcement officers to add to the intimidation. In many cases, the amount of the debt was inflated or had already passed the statue of limitation, Consumers were scared, believing they were being sued or face legitimate incarceration, they started paying up. While this ploy is scary on its own, many of the collection calls the companies were making were about debts that didn't even exist!

Due to the scare tactics, many consumer volunteered their checking account information, sent money via Western Union, or mailed out money orders. All of the monies were directed to be sent outside of the Buffalo area, to further mislead authorities and consumers alike. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act prohibits any debt collection company to pose as an attorney or a member of law enforcement, threaten a lawsuit, accuse debt holders of a crime, or threaten arrest. The fraudsters violated many aspects of this federal law and were arrested. At the time of arrest, Boyland was in possession of a loaded semi-automatic pistol. New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo and his office has been pursuing deceptive debt collection practitioners and has successfully shut down several operations and will continue to do so.

We as consumers now have an additional concern to worry about concerning debt. While many people are getting much better about handling their debts and avoiding it altogether, there are still many families struggling to get back on track. Knowing the debts they do owe can lead them to be victims of fraudulent practices, makes the burden and humiliation of debt even bigger. When you are dealing with debt collectors and making an honest attempt to clean up your credit, make sure you know your rights. Review the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

Get smart about your personal finances and your debts. Make notes on the dates and times you are contacted by a collection agency. Be certain you actually owe the debt before you take any action. If you feel that something is amiss with the way your debt is being handled, speak up! Contact your local authorities. While it can be very scary to deal with thug-like callers demanding money, don't make additional financial mistakes by sending money to just anyone. Know your rights and take a stand when it comes to people messing with your money, your credit score, and your sanity.

Permalink | 6 comments | Tisha Tolar's blog | Channel: Personal Finance

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Are You a Sucker for Health Trends?

Tisha Tolar — Fri, 29 May 2009 13:29:21 +0000

By Tisha Tolar

If Billy Mays was the pitch person for an "anti-heart attack medicine", there would likely be many consumers getting on the phone to place their orders. If Brad Pitt became a spokesperson for virility pills, chances are even greater that sales would go through the roof. It's been awhile since we've heard the expression “I'm not a doctor but I play one on tv” but more and more companies are wising up to the idea that celebrity endorsements for health products are an effective way to sell product. With a nation of people working on getting healthier but wanting an easy way out, health fads can be all-too-easy to sell. But how inclined are you to buy?

Health fads are big business but if you're looking for an easy fix to health issues, look instead at good old diet and exercise before spending your hard-earned cash on fads. Here are some other considerations to make about the new products springing up on the market:

Research the Research

Look for the studies that were conducted involving a large number of participants who received both treatments and placebos but do not know who gets what. Research without a control group or those that are conducted on animals provide no definitive answers as to how effective the treatment or the pill will be for you.

Where is the Evidence?

Tons of commercials use touching “personal” stories to make the sale. While the stories may sound good and can be easily related to your own situation, you have to look beyond that aspect. Consider for instance a miracle cold pill or vitamin. At some point, your cold is going to get better and go away. Depending when you take the miracle cure medication, you are bound to see a difference at some point because the cold will naturally run its course. Look instead for scientific evidence that backs up the claims being made in the commercials.

Remain a Skeptic

When products use terminology like “miracle”, “breakthrough”, or “cure-all”, don't get sucked in. Pay attention to what is being said but do your own homework to see what makes this product so great. Many companies will try and turn your attention away from the real lack of evidence by hoisting conspiracy theories on you about why experts don't agree with their claims.

Who Is Doing the Talking?

Pay a spokesperson to talk and they will say just what has been written for them. Look into who is doing the talking on the product's behalf. Are they a real person with a real story to tell or do they get paid for simply doing a good job of reading a teleprompter? Read the fine print on print ads and television commercial campaigns to find out who is getting paid to talk. Anyone with a financial (or otherwise) stake in the book, health program, or miracle cure may not be totally honest.

Your money is yours to spend how you want to but make sure you are investing in quality products that are worth your money and not just fly-by-night fads that promise to make you stronger, healthier, skinnier, or more beautiful. When it seems too good to be true, it generally is. Understand that now before losing your money on a fad - or worse - risk losing your good health.

Permalink | 1 comment | Tisha Tolar's blog | Channel: Health and Beauty

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Things You Might Not Know About Your Local Thrift Store

Tisha Tolar — Fri, 29 May 2009 03:09:39 +0000

By Tisha Tolar

If you are looking to cut costs, you might want to consider either buying from or selling at a consignment or thrift store to make some extra income during these tough times. There are some tips to follow that may help you sell more on consignment or find better deals.

IF YOU'RE BUYIN'

Don't Shop On Saturdays
If you don't want to be elbow to elbow with pushy strangers, avoid the thrift stores on Saturday. It is the busiest day for both purchases and merchandise drop-offs. If you want time to browse, pick a weekday afternoon to visit. You'll have more time to find the best deals.

What Not to Buy
A big, thrifty no-no is child car seats. Because you never know where the car seat has been (ie: in a crash) or how much abuse it took in its lifetime. Other items such as cribs that may be missing important parts, lowing the safety of the product.

You're Not Alone
Since the economic crisis, sales at thrift stores are up 35% since this same time last year.

IF YOU'RE SELLIN'

Clean Your Closets in Season
If you want to make faster cash on consignment sales, bring in summer clothing in the spring and winter clothing in the fall. People shop for the current or upcoming seasons. They rarely shop for what is already behind them.

Know That Bigger is Better
If all of your clothing sizes run about a 2, consider selling online. Bigger sizes sell much faster than smaller ones. If you have a good size wardrobe you want to get rid of, sell it on eBay as a lot and get a much better price at the same time you get rid of all your stuff at once.

Price It Right
When selling on consignment, consider not how much the item is worth but rather what someone would pay for it at a consignment shop. If you are no happy with the price reduction the shop owner recommends, sell it on your own.

Explore the Store Before Lugging Your Stuff
If you want to donate or sell items, be sure to visit the store first to be sure you will be able to unload that ping-pong table cluttering your basement.

What You Can't Consign, Yard Sale
If you are doing a major declutter, whatever you can't donate or sell on consignment, you might want to consider having a yard sale. If that doesn't work, donate what you can to community centers, crisis shelters, and other organizations rather than sending it off to the dump.

Permalink | 30 comments | Tisha Tolar's blog | Channel: Frugal Living

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Forget Saving...25 Places to Look for Spare Change

Tisha Tolar — Thu, 21 May 2009 12:25:37 +0000

By Tisha Tolar

While there have been times you may have had to scrounge around the house for spare change to buy milk until payday or to fill up a coin roll, you may be surprised to learn that if you really took a good look around at the spare change hiding in the crevices of your home, you might add it all up to a small fortune. It is estimated that average American has somewhere around $90 of loose change within their grasp. Some of the places to locate that change may be glaringly obvious, but others just may not be on your radar.

Depending on each person's home and habits, there can be money literally anyway. But just for fun, we came up with 25 different places you may be able to spot some spare change that you can turn in to some usable cash.

1. Couch cushions

2. Washing machine

3. Dryer

4. Under your car seats

5. Coat pockets (including the ones hanging in your closet)

6. Pockets of your clothes

7. Purses (active and inactive)

8. Wallets (active and inactive)

9. Old greeting cards (may find a green bill or two in a card from Grandma)

10. Desk drawers

11. Buried in the yard

12. Attic or closet storage boxes

13. Suitcases

14. Under the radiators

15. Under the carpet

16. On top of or under the refrigerator

17. Old piggy banks

18. Junk drawers

19. Old grocery bags

20. Kids toy box

21. Kitchen cabinets

22. Under the porch/deck

23. In the bed

24. In the clothing hamper

25. Old jars/cups

The company, Coinstar, that consolidates your change into dollar bills has been running a promotion to waive their usual 8% redemption fee if consumers consent to exchange their change for merchant gift cards or certificates from participating retailers, such as iTunes, Amazon, Starbucks, Cabelas, and Overstock.com.

Just when you think you may be broke, take a good look around your living space and see what you can find. Make a sport of it for the kids to see who can find the most change. Get into the practice of leaving collection jars in centralized locations like the kitchen, laundry room, bathroom, and bedroom to make future change collections much easier.

Permalink | 24 comments | Tisha Tolar's blog | Channel: Personal Finance

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6 C's to Keep You Frugal While Shopping

Tisha Tolar — Thu, 14 May 2009 18:50:58 +0000

By Tisha Tolar

We can all relate to going into a store for “just a few things” and wheeling out a shopping cart loaded to the brim of things you really didn't need but called to you all the same - “BUY ME!” Each of us may have fallen victim to an impulse buy (or many) over their lifetime but fear not – those stores pay marketing gurus top dollar to make sure you can't resist those buys so it's not entirely your fault. But there are some things you can do to fight back.

When you prepare to go on a shopping trip, there are certain things, 6 in fact, that you should equip yourself with before heading out. By ensuring the following 6 C's are in your wallet, you might stand a better chance of remaining frugal and leaving with only what you have gone in to buy.

May I present the 6 C's:

Cash

One of the easiest ways to overspend is to bring your credit cards to the store with you. Many people get into credit card debt by considering it to be extra income instead of something that needs to be paid off each month. Bringing cash with you will limit the amount you can actual spend to what you are able to spend according to your budget. Some will argue about missing out on credit card rewards such as cash back deals but if you are strong enough in your willpower, you can predetermine the amount you can afford to spend and tuck that amount of cash into an envelope at home to ensure you can pay off your credit card debt in full each month. This way you get cash back and still maintain great credit, all the while not going over your spending budget. If you can't be trusted with credit cards, stick with cash.

Concise Shopping List

Never just “run in for a few things”. Instead, have a plan. Keep a notepad on the refrigerator and add to it throughout the week so you will always know what you need for each trip. Limit your trips to once a week and take the shopping list with you. Stick to buying only what is on the list. This helps you focus on only what you needs, avoid the temptations, and gives you more time to comparison shop for quality and price.

Coupons

In addition to your shopping list, prepare before you leave home by sorting through the coupons relevant to the things on your list. If you have less to struggle with and make a point to bring the coupons you can actually use with you each time, you are more inclined to use them and actually remember to take them with you. Coupons aren't as great as they used to be but hey- savings is savings. Get the most out of the time you have spend clipping, sorting and storing each week.

Calculator

If you have never taken a calculator with you to the store, it is likely you've underestimated your shopping total at the register from time to time. Instead of the surprise, you will need to ensure you are staying on or under budget, especially if you plan to pay with cash. Keep tabs on your spending by calculating all of the items you put into your cart. You'll never go over budget in the cashier's line again.

Candy

It's true what they say – Never go grocery shopping on an empty stomach. You will likely buy way more “wants” rather than “needs” to satisfy your rumbling tummy. If you haven't time to grab something before hitting the aisles, make a habit of keeping some candy, gum or even a bottle of water, in your bag to keep your mouth occupied during your shopping excursion.

Children's Picture

For shoppers with kids, keep a picture of their sweet faces in front of your credit card or in the money holder part of your wallet. Let their picture serve as a reminder of why it is important to save (emergencies, college, retirement) money each month. Switching your money priorities can be a strong motivator to save more and ignore impulsive buys more often.

Permalink | 5 comments | Tisha Tolar's blog | Channel: Personal Finance

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This article is from Wise Bread.