Archive for the ‘Frugality’ Category

Epic Grocery Shopping Fail

I’ve just returned from the grocery store – and I may have done irreparable harm to my frugal cred.

First – We were out of everything.

Second – I only had thirty minutes to buy everything that we needed.

Third – I forgot my grocery list.

Fourth – I forgot my grocery price book – and, frankly, even if I had remembered to bring it, I would never have had enough time to consult it.

Fifth – I went shopping on an empty, starving stomach.

Sixth – I entered the store right at 5:oo pm – quite literally the busiest time of the day.

I’ve never zipped through a grocery store so fast in my life.  I honestly have no idea what I purchased.  I feel like I spent twice as much as I should have, and I really do not have the heart to look at my receipt.  In this case, ignorance will be bliss.

Remember that really cheesy television game show… What was it…  Here, let me ask my wife… Oh, yeah… Supermarket Sweep!

Yeah, that was me.  I was just up and and down the aisles, piling things into the cart.  Paying for my haul took ten minutes, and I think I heard my debit card scream in pain as I swiped it though the little card reader.

To all of my frugal pals, please forgive me.  I promise, the next time I go to the store, I’ll be better prepared and I’ll give myself more time to shop!

The Financial Sky Is / Is Not Falling

According to ShopperTrak - the world’s foremost provider of shopper traffic counting information, technology and decision support software for businesses in the retail, gaming, hospitality and entertainment industries – Black Friday sales were up 3 percent this year over 2007.

That’s right.  With all of the news coverage about bailouts, mortgage failures, bankruptcy filings, and financial devastation – Americans spent 3 percent more this year than they did last year.

Here’s the full press release from ShopperTrack -

CHICAGO – November 29, 2008 – Despite a lagging economy that has left the retail industry collectively holding its breath, ShopperTrak RCT today reported the holiday shopping season got off to a healthy start as GAFO retail sales increased 3.0 percent over 2007 – a day which increased more than 8.0 percent from Black Friday 2006. Preliminary sales estimated at a daily rate for Black Friday totaled $10.6 billion or $10,606 million.

While ShopperTrak warns that Black Friday isn’t always the best indicator for holiday season performance, retailers should be cautiously optimistic as deep discounts drove consumers en masse to various retail locations to spend – despite myriad economic pressures seen over the last two months.

“Retailers truly experienced what we’ve dubbed the ‘perfect storm’ over the last few weeks, with the financial markets melting down, the presidential election which typically slows retail traffic and relatively high gasoline prices – all of which slowed both retail traffic and spending,” said Bill Martin, co-founder of ShopperTrak. “Under these circumstances, to start off the season in this fashion is truly amazing and is a testament to the resiliency of the American consumer, and undeniably proves a willingness to spend.”

Retail traffic was heavy throughout the country as shoppers responded to early openings and numerous door buster specials and sales promotions. Regionally, the South lead the way with a 3.4 percent rise over 2007, with the Midwest (+3.0 percent), West (+2.7 percent) and Northeast (+2.6 percent) closely following.

“While this is an encouraging start for retailers, there’s no guarantee these deep discounts will continue after Black Friday weekend, which could slow spending,” said Mr. Martin. “Additionally, consumers have just 27 days to shop this year as opposed to 32 in 2007, which may catch some procrastinating consumers off guard, leading to lower sales levels.” Martin continued: “Needless to say, retailers will be closely watching this trend and most likely adjust as needed heading into the annually strong Saturday before Christmas, or Super Saturday.

Information supplied by the National Retail Sales Estimate (NRSE), Retail Traffic Index (SRTI) and ShopperTrak RCT Corporation.

Here’s the part of this article that bothers me, just a bit -

“Retailers truly experienced what we’ve dubbed the ‘perfect storm’ over the last few weeks, with the financial markets melting down, the presidential election which typically slows retail traffic and relatively high gasoline prices – all of which slowed both retail traffic and spending,” said Bill Martin, co-founder of ShopperTrak. “Under these circumstances, to start off the season in this fashion is truly amazing and is a testament to the resiliency of the American consumer, and undeniably proves a willingness to spend.”

I have to tell you, this reports bothers me, just a bit.  Sure, I’m happy that the economy (might) be in a little better shape than we have been led to believe, but if people are struggling, shouldn’t we all be spending less and not more?

What do you think?  Is this a good thing and a sign of a recovery?  Or, do you think that people flooded the stores, bought as much as they could for as little as possible, and the rest of the holiday shopping numbers will be down?  Or, are people simply ignoring the current financial crisis and choosing to shop, shop, shop?  What about you and yours?  Are you cutting back?  Are you buying less?  Are you buying more?

Personally, I’d love to see people adopt lifestyles that were a bit more frugal.  I realize that moving towards a more frugal society will hurt in the short-term, but imagine the long-term benefits.  My wife and I, wanting to add a bit more to our non-retirement savings, have decided to reduce Christmas spending by about 25%.

Do Not Wait Until January 1st To Make Your Financial Resolutions

As I mentioned in a related post, over at No. Calories Needed, about weight loss and resolutions, Thanksgiving will be here in 21 days – and Christmas is just 49 days away.  2008 has just flown by, and 2009 will be here very soon.

Let me urge you – Please don’t wait until January 1st to get your financial house in order.  You do not need, especially in these strange economic times, to rack up a mountain of credit card debt, just to buy gifts!  Please, don’t limp through Christmas, without a budget, promising yourself that you’ll “fix it all come January.”  Instead, make your resolution today!

November is less than a week old.  You still have time to create a budget for this month.  List your income, list your expenses, and see where you are.  Take your time and be realistic.  I’ve written several articles about budgeting, including -

If you have credit card debt, don’t add to it during December!  Instead, consider a No Credit Christmas and check out my ideas for inexpensive, awesome Christmas presents.  I know that you want to give nice gifts to your friends and family members, but if you can’t afford them, you just can’t afford them.  Do not go into debt in order to “keep up”.  Remember, we are working to change our futures, and this means that, from time to time, we must make sacrifices.  Plus, imagine how much better January will be if you don’t have to pay for December (or November, September, August…)

Today is your day.  You are in charge of you – and your destiny.  Don’t wait one more second to take care of yourself, and your family.  That’s what focusing on my weight loss and health is teaching me.  At first, I felt selfish about going to the gym and missing some time with my wife and kids.  Now, however, I realize that I HAVE to focus, on me, for a while, so that, in the long run, I can be a BETTER father and husband.  The same holds true when it comes to financial management.  Unless you take the time to focus on YOUR situation, you’ll never be able to focus, completely, on helping others.

10 Ways To Save Money On The Golf Course

I love to play golf.  I also love to save money.  Here’s how to save a few bucks when hitting the links.

  • Avoid weekend/holiday rates.  Most public courses offer discounted rates when you play on a weekday.
  • Share a bucket of range balls with your playing partner.  Spend a few extra minutes on the putting green instead of the range and your scores will improve.
  • Bring your own snacks / bottled water / sodas / etc.  You’ll pay far less than you will if you purchase these items at the course.
  • Check out state owned and operated golf courses.  Many of these courses offer summer or winter discount packages and proceeds from many of these courses fund education.
  • When buying clubs (and other equipment) be sure to check sites like eBay and Craigslist.  If you are a beginner, this is a fun way to experiment with different clubs without breaking the bank.  I purchase practice golf balls in lots of 100 for much cheaper than I could buy them at the local sporting goods store.
  • Pay for a few lessons.  Eight years ago for Christmas, my wife arranged for me to have a series of lessons with a local professional.  Those lessons cost a very minimal amount, but they radically improved my game.  I went from scores in the 100’s to scores in the 80’s.  It might cost a few bucks up front, but you’ll more than recover your money in fewer lost balls, fewer headaches, and fewer moments of shear frustration.
  • Skip the gimmicks.  Don’t pay for the latest and greatest gadgets.  Simply spend time hitting golf balls, working on your stance, finding a good putting stroke, and your game will improve.
  • Walk the course.  Golf can be a frustrating game, or, it can be relaxing.  The next time you go play, especially if you play by yourself, ditch the cart and walk 18 (or 9).  Enjoy every step.  You’ll save a few bucks, get some exercise, and have time to think about your next shot.
  • Avoid the course all together.  I recently purchased a set of junior-sized clubs or my four year old.  He loves just hitting golf balls in the yard.  I’ll grab a pitching wedge, and while he’s pounding massive 25 yard drives with his 3-wood, I’ll practice chipping.
  • Play late in the evening.  Many courses offer twilight, all-you-can-play-after-a-certain-time golf.  I’ve finished many a round in the almost-dark.  It’s cool to hit the golf ball, wonder where it went, and then find it pin high.

I usually play at our local municipal course or I’ll play with a buddy of mine at a course near his house.  Golf can get very expensive, very quickly, and it’s also a bit addictive.  But, over the past three years, I’ve learned to put it into perspective, enjoy the game, improve my play, and do so in ways that don’t break the bank.

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Should This Post Have Been Labeled PSYCHIC Shopper?

I’ve been working my way through the archives of No Credit Needed, looking for dead links and consolidating a few categories.  Well, tonight, I stumbled upon this post – written more than two years ago – labeled “Psycho Shopper“.

If you read the post, you’ll find out that I purchased 14 boxes of fabric softener sheets.  You’ll even see a pretty picture of those boxes, stacked neatly on the dryer.

No big deal, right?  It’s Just another post about saving money and stocking up on a particular, albeit strange, grocery store item.  Right?

Well, not quite.  You see, if you read the post, you’ll see the following -

If we wash 2 loads of clothing, per day, and use 1 dryer sheet per load, then we will need 365 X 2 = 730 dryer sheets per YEAR. Well, I have 1680 dryer sheets, so, I should be good for, hmmm, let’s see…2 YEARS AND 3 MONTHS. So, the next time I will have to buy dryer sheets will be… June of 2008! HAHAHA! That is insane.

Here’s the kicker.  It’s June of 2008 – and yesterday – we ran out of these dryer sheets!  How about that?  I nailed it.

Side Note:  As I take a look at my grocery store price book – the price of dryer sheets has gone up more than 20% over the last two years.  Inflation, especially at the consumer level, is for real.

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