K is for Keeping Track

You may feel like $2.00 for a $20.00 bag of cat food is too good of a deal to pass up. But if you don't have a cat it's really not a good deal at all is it? Don't fall for those deals you don't have any need for they are just another way to get you to spend your money. Instead keep track of what you need, what you want, and what you could use. And, stick to those items when out and about.

Here are 5 tips to keep track of what's needed and what's an amazingly awesome, and completely unneeded deal:

1. Write a Shopping List
Make a menu, write down what you want, go through the house see what you need, and make a list. When you go to the store, don't buy anything that's not on your list just this once. You'll notice how many other items you're tempted to put in your basket either because 'oh I needed that anyway' or 'that would be so fun', 'that's so cute', 'the kids would love that' etc. Go one time and keep track of how much extra you would have put in your basket. I'd be willing to bet it's more than you think.

2. There's an App For That
Download a shopping app to help you keep track of your lists. You can make multiple lists one for each store on your shopping trip. There are so many apps to choose from find the one that works for you. If you don't use it, don't love it, don't' remember it's there, it's not the right app for you try another one.

3. Use Pinterest
While browsing the internet use Pinterest to create boards of ideas. I have a Christmas gift board up all ready. That way when I go to do Christmas shopping I have ideas for each person, and if you pin from the website you found the item the picture will link back to that site and you won't even have to remember where it was you found the idea! This saves me from going to the mall and buying 12 items for one person and forgetting someone else all together.

4. Amazon Wish List
For bigger purchases that you know you want to make eventually use the Amazon Wish List they will send you an e-mail when items on your wish list go on sale! Great way to have someone else doing the deal finding work for you.  You can even add items from any site in the world! Just download the 'amazon' button (Just like your pin button) and add items from any website, any time!

5. Put Important Days In Your Phone
Add important days into your phone such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, etc. Then have your phone remind you of these dates 1 months, 3 weeks, and 2 weeks before! This way you have time to order something online at a better price then you'd get in the store, or go to an outlet. Find a sale, or make something. You're not left with the last minute mad dash to the store on the way to anyone's party spending 3xs more than you should and purchasing a bag and tissue paper on your way out. You'll save so much if you keep track of these days put more thought into and find the perfect deal!


Now you have a few ideas for keeping track of what you need, want, and can use, vs. what's an awesomely good deal that you don't need! Hope you enjoyed this post!