I make a list for the store and STICK TO IT.
I also calculate how much those items should cost me, and I take only that amount of cash + a little extra just in case... if in doubt in most cases you can look online.
When I buy clothes online, I look for the CLEARANCE button, often even In-season clothes can be had for little. I also know which clothing e-tailer has great clothes at nice prices. I get brand new shirts for as little as $3 for dress/casual, and pants for as little $10 for dress/casual, and NO they are not the strange colors or weird kinds.
I use only 1/2 the laundry detergent the bottle says to use, because unless your clothes are REALLY soiled {grass, messy kids "oopses", etc} really only half will clean them well.
I use only 1/2 a dryer sheet and it will soften and remove static from even the fullest of loads.
I have a couple bank accounts, for each of us, and a separate one for me, that I put just $5/month into, they are marked for "future". it's only $5 a month and isn't missed like, say $50. It adds up after a couple of years.
My credit Union has a CD savers program, you can put a minimum of $25/month to a maximum of $250/ into and the idea is its a future value CD you leave alone. It renews automatically until you cash it in. I automatically put $25 in a month, regardless, the total of the $5 savings accts and the savers CD is only $40/month, again not missed. In the future our last "retirement vehicle" will be bought with the Savers CD account in say, 20, 25, or {maybe} 30 years...
I also have the credit union split Direct deposits to checking and savings accounts automatically.
I stash what I call "secret money" in the check books and in a "secret place" in my wallet. I keep $100 in my wallet and $50 in each checking book. IF I get pulled over {god forbid} and have to pay right away, I have the cash, if I run short of cash for gas, around town or on a road trip, I have it. IF I see a deal in the store I cannot pass up, I don't have to immediately touch the credit card or savings or checking to get it.
I shop early when they mark down meat about to expire the next day and stock up in the freezer.
I simply DON'T shop until absolutely necessary.
If the item{s} [say toilet paper] is on sale, I stock up. [that should be a no-brainer], that way I never run dry and never have to pay a premium price for it.
Any raises no matter how small {lately we wish!} or Windfall {tax return, the extra odd paycheck a month that has an extra pay day in it, bonus} goes right into savings {if we lived without it usually, why can't we live it without it when it arrives?}. The raise may eventually have to be used as regular bills DO up, but the extra odd paycheck, the tax return, the rebate on school taxes DON'T. That adds up to a couple of thousand a year.
I make a list of wants {an even needs} as the year progresses and look for Day after TG or Christmas sales and get it then at some real bargain prices. I got a LOT of my {quality} tools that way. When we have the family electrician or contractor was here for things, they are not only amazed I have what they may need, but amazed I paid a cheap price for it this way!
Its the little things that matter....
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