It’s been a while since I shared a bit about how I shop, and some of the rules that have formed along the way. Rules that really help me evaluate each purchases, steer away from excess, and keep monthly bills in check.

Following up on Shopping Rules 101 where I talked about how my shopping perspective has changed, a golden rule for living comfortably and my two major shopping rules. Let’s talk sales, who doesn’t love a good sale? Every one. The only problem with most sales is that you walk in and buy things just because they are on sale, and then you are stuck with all these “things”. And who needs more things? No one.

IF YOU DON’T NEED IT, IT’S NOT A DEAL

• Sales are great and saving money is even better. But buying things just because they are on sale, things that you maybe don’t need or love (going back to shopping rules 101) both isn’t great and it isn’t saving money. If you wouldn’t buy it at full price, then don’t buy it on sale – easy. Or even better, if you NEED it or LOVE it as a full price item, then definitely snatch it up on sale. If you can’t answer yes to either of those questions when sale shopping, well then don’t buy it.
• Stocking up on items you use on a regular basis when they go on sale, can be really great. This is great for perishable food items, household, beauty products and sometimes clothing (like seasonal clothing when it goes on sale) – but stocking up is only a good idea if you remember down the road that you stocked up. From my experience, unless it is something you will use often (something you need) and it is in plain view you might just forget you stocked up, and then go and re-buy down the road forgetting you had a stock pile. So again, be choosy – if it’s something you need and the sale is amazing, sure buy 5 tubes of toothpaste but keep them somewhere you’ll notice.

KEEP A LIST

• In order to keep my needs and wants in check, and to make sale shopping easy (less fighting crowds). I have shopping lists that I carry around with me where ever i go, that way if I come across a good deal I can look at my list to see what we need before the prices cloud my judgement (and before the crowds make me crazy).
• I keep separate running lists of items (you can use your notepad in your phone, or carry a little book with you) we need for the home, items each individual needs, and things we want (either for the home or personally). You could even get all crazy and write a budgeted amount beside each of the items, that way when you do find it on sale you can compare and know you are saving on something you already need.

What do you think? Do you love sale shopping, or totally hate it?  Have you tried following the shopping 101 rules?