Need Now!
Did I really need that?
Buying things and then not using them, or buying that knick knack that is actually collecting dust, or buying an item on impulse or too many of a certain type of item.
If you find yourself in a Need Now mindset or asking yourself, "Did I really need that?" then it is time to bring the questioning stage into play before making purchases. If we can ask that question before buying a questionable item, maybe the answer will be apparent and we can avoid some buyer's remorse.
Staying on Task when shopping
Going grocery shopping on an empty stomach will surely add at least 10-20% to your grocery bill. If you have to go on an empty stomach, maybe shop at a place that hands out free samples, yum...
It is best to be armed with a shopping list, coupons and some items from the weekly circular that are a good deal. Sometimes if non-perishables go on sale, or things that last a long time such as bottled water (although you can do away with this altogether with a good water filter), then it makes sense to stock up when prices are low.
Buy fresh fruits and vegetables when in season and even venture out to the local farmers market.
By avoiding the impulse buy, you can save a substantial amount without denting your lifestyle, since you most likely weren't going to buy that item anyway if you did not happen to see it.
Sometimes we do buy things when we happen to see them that remind us of something else we had to go out and buy and in that case, you are saving gas by buying it there, but only if you had that a list that needed to be procured in the short term anyway.
Some examples of things we really do not need:
*Expensive cosmetics and hair care products. Really, the lower priced ones do exactly the same thing as branded products tend to exaggerate benefit claims, so try out the lower priced store brand or less expensive brand next time
*Ditch the bottled water and use filtered water instead. Cheaper, better for the environment too and really: water is water (as long as the pollutants that can contaminate water are kept in check). Municipal water supplies tend to have more regulations than private bottled water makers, so run your tap water through the refrigerator filter or through a water pitcher/filter or tap filter device and enjoy.
While we are at it, we can substitute water for about half of the other bottled beverages we tend to consume. Quenches thirst, saves money and is good for the body. Reducing consumption of sugared up or caffeinated drinks is also better for you. Many Europeans buy a bottle of fruit syrup and simply flavor up filtered tap water. This provides the fruit drink without the excessive pollution and is also lower priced because we eliminate all of the wasteful packaging.