Welcome to our fourth Thrifty Thursday! So far I have written a lot about thrifting, but this week I am switching gears to talk about those times when shopping may not be possible or prudent, or when you just want to save a little extra by avoiding the stores. After all, the best way to save money is by not spending it! How do we do this? The answer is very simply:
Stay busy and content at home.
I realize this is no groundbreaking tip, nor is it a new concept. It is more of a gentle reminder that when one is content at home working on daily tasks or absorbed in special projects, there is less of a chance or desire to shop. Instead of distracting yourself with shopping, distract yourself from shopping by keeping the focus on your home duties.
Some ideas that go beyond the day-to-day responsibilities are:
Tackle the project or task that you have been putting off.
Declutter a drawer, cupboard, or closet.
Reorganize what you have so that your home runs more efficiently.
Do some detailed cleaning, like wiping down cabinets and door handles, vacuuming under furniture and cushions, cleaning ceiling fans and light fixtures, laundering shower and window curtains, etc.
Clean out and wash your vehicle.
Clean out your purse.
Go through and file paperwork if you have some built up.
Update or rework the budget to see if there are any areas in which more savings could be had or if funds can be put to better use in other areas.
Revisit some of the goals you set for yourself at the beginning of the year or write down new ones; create a schedule or routine that will make your days run smoother. Journal your thoughts along the way.
Research or read about a topic that interests you.
Write a letter to a friend or relative, even your husband or children!
Inventory your pantry and/or freezer and make a meal plan based off of what you have and what needs to be used up first. You may have to get creative depending on what you have. Perhaps plan something special one night and use your "good" dishes.
Go through your cookbooks and pick out some new recipes to try. Try to choose ones that have basic, inexpensive ingredients that you keep on hand, or recipes for which you will only need to buy one or two things when you do go to the store. Make sure the ingredients are versatile.
Get ahead by cooking some meals for the freezer or prepping ingredients for the meals you have planned for the week.
If you find that you tend to leave home because you are of a more social nature, consider having people over for a potluck, a simple tea party, or coffee and baked goods. Or dust off the board games and pop some popcorn for a game night with friends.
Make your entryway inviting by sweeping the porch, shaking out the rug, and wiping down the door. (Mine usually gets dog prints on it!)
Wash the windows, weather permitting.
Work on a craft that you already have the materials for.
Declutter the photos on your phone and put physical ones into albums or scrapbooks. (I need to do this!)
Maybe you intentionally shop to escape from routine. If that is the case and you just need a break, have an at-home "spa" day. Add oats, powdered milk, or Epsom salts to a bath. Exfoliate with a homemade sugar scrub and try a homemade yogurt or honey face mask. Perhaps play with your hair and try out some new styles.
Play "dress up" in your own closet to see how many different outfits you can create. We tend to wear the same combinations, and you just might be surprised to see how many "new" outfits you have hiding in there. Mend what needs it or alter things to fit.
There are so many opportunities and things to do at home, and this list is by no means exhaustive. Borrow some of these ideas or create your own list to look back over the next time you may be tempted to go shopping for recreation. Surely there is something in your home that needs attention. Or if not something, then someone! By tending to these things, your home and your budget will be all the better for it, and I think you'll find yourself (and your desires) satisfied for the time being.
Next Thursday, I will address the things at home that may be tempting us to shop and how to avoid them.
Until next time, happy saving!
Kelsey, there is so much wisdom in this post! It's a good reminder that saving money takes effort, it doesn't just happen because we'd like it too!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Patsi! I agree, saving takes conscious effort and self discipline.
Delete