So get this,I went to the store for toothpaste after my visit to the dentist.Just toothpaste right?Next thing I know, I’m standing in line holding toothpaste… AND a pack of gummy bears,a fancy drink,and some random snack I don’t even like that much but it looked oddly colourful today
I caught myself right before paying, put the extras back, and walked out with just the toothpaste.Felt weirdly proud, like I’d beaten some kind of boss fight hahahaha..Does anyone else feel like the real challenge isn’t the big purchases, it’s those sneaky little add-ons that bleed your wallet dry, which later compound into big bucks in the long run..
The “checkout trap” almost got me again…
byu/yourloverboy66 inFrugal
Posted by yourloverboy66
17 Comments
Honestly, taking my 3 year old with me helps. If mom gets a treat, then he has to get a treat. Then he expects one every time.
It’s only $5 a couple times a week.
It’s only an $8 latte 3 times a week.
It’s only eating out twice a week.
It’s a death by a thousand cuts.
Yes, you can enjoy a coffee or meal out occasionally but It’s the compounded tiny losses that kill your frugal budget! Good on you I say!
Right on brother
You need to get a grip.
I always thought wonder who this dumb stuff works on.
I’ve found that shopping online and picking up (save the delivery fee) has helped me avoid the “oh I’ll pick this up it looks good” impulse purchases a lot!
Thanks for this, I’d forgotten I meant to add “toothpaste” to my shopping list 😆
It’s why I do curbside pickup for my groceries after ordering in the app. No random purchases. The pick up is free, too.
Go with a list. Stick to the list. Maybe allow yourself one impulse buy and thats it. Makes you actually consider the impulse buy and if its worth it
I’ve never bought anything from the “check out trap.” I’ve always wondered who does… Why do you have the impulse control of a small child?
I can go to a store and come out with that one item.I worked retail a long time,they are making very little profit from me.
My frugal sensibilities are offended your dentist doesn’t send you home with a goodie bag filled with toothpaste samples and brushes and floss 😢
Good job avoiding temptation tho!
I was never allowed to get that stuff as a kid so maybe it’s just programmed in to me that I’m still not allowed to as an adult. I never even consider looking at the items in the checkout line.
That is exactly why they set up stores the way they do ; you fought the good fight and conquered the consumerism tempter. YOU GO WITH YOUR BAD SELF. Your future you will thank you.
Seconding the click and collect method. It saves an absolute fortune in money and time.
You can check your fridge, freezer and pantry as you go. You can save the basket/trolley/cart as you go. You can check through all of the weekly offers, and any expiring points or coupons etc.
If you get into a rhythm you’ll be able to take advantage of the sales cycles and stock up when your staples are on special.
You can also take things out, and most apps have a list as well as a most used feature so things are less likely to be missed.
And, it’s far easier to stick to your weekly budget mostly, as you can take impulse stuff out if you go over budget.
Try writing down EVERYTHING you spend for a month. When I did this I was appalled, the second month I ended up a little over $400 richer and lost eight pounds.
Make a meal plan. Write a shopping list. Stick to it. Get out!
I went to the bookstore to just browse the other day when I had some time to kill. I almost bought two journals that I didn’t need but liked the idea of. Carried them around for a while and by the time I was done the newness and excitement of them had worn off and I put them back. I was so relieved and felt like I just outmaneuvered the marketing efforts.