Paul and I have been trying to spend less money. Who isn't really? Well, except for like millionaires. Anyway, a few months ago we realized that we were being really lazy about saving and that, embarrassingly enough, we couldn't tell where all of our money was going. We made a few changes and I, of course, think they are great ideas and maybe a bit entertaining so I thought I'd share.
First, we stopped buying toys for the kids except for special occasions. This may sound like a no brainer but for those of you with kids, I know you know what I'm talking about. I've been to your houses. We are definitely not the only ones guilty of spoiling our kids. This is mostly Paul's area but I have to admit that I love that he does it. Instead of putting some arbitrary limit on the toy spending, we decided to start an allowance for Liam. This way, he learns about earning money, saving for a goal, how much stuff costs and how money works while we get to pretend that Easter is Christmas. Seriously, if I say, "get it for his basket!" one more time...
Next, we gave ourselves an allowance. I guess grown ups usually refer to this as a budget. It's yucky and I don't like it but it's been the most fruitful of our efforts. We take out a set amount of cash each week for our "miscellaneous" spending so that we can better monitor it. This is for anything other than bills, groceries and gas. It's for those amazing pedicures, haircuts, fast food stops, starbucks runs, a tee shirt here and there, everything. This has definitely revealed to us how much money we are spending on these things and how little they really matter to us. I, personally, would rather put that money towards paying off debt or saving for a vacation. But, as I stroll through Target I have a hard time keeping things in perspective. Which brings me to my third and final thought.
Target is the enemy. No, Target is heavenly. They are way too good at their marketing and sales and I am putty in their hands. I have cut back on how many times a week I go there but I just can't help myself on that one weekly trip. For example, I went this week for some sandwich bags, diapers, dog food, and kleenex and I wanted to look at cardigans to wear over a dress I bought (FROM TARGET!). I got everything I needed and, of course, a princess shirt for Brygit (to wear to Disneyland, my other money suck) and a Batman shirt for Liam. I got home and realized the diapers were the wrong size and I wasn't thrilled with the cardigan. So, the following day I went back. I exchanged the diapers, returned the cardigan and noticed that sandals were BOGO 50%. How can I not!? So I left with 2 pairs of shoes... and another dress. Hello, my name is Lori and I'm a targaholic. I'm at the point where I think I may have to go cold turkey. Maybe next year for Lent.
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