Let’s face it…running into the store to pick up that last minute gift or batch of bakery cookies to take to the office party can wreck havoc with any budget. I have found that the biggest savings tool I have is planning.
Case in point: Several months ago I found myself running into a Bed Bath and Beyond on the way to a bridal shower. Needless to say, I didn’t have in hand one of the many BB&B 20% off coupons that I get in the mail. I found a reasonably priced gift on the registry but had I had the coupon I could have saved myself a little money.
This summer I have several events coming up that will be much easier on the budget with a little planning:
- A Graduation Party I’m hosting. Planning my menu at least several weeks out will allow me to take advantage of loss leaders at the grocery store and do some advance cooking from scratch. And since my party is a little later in the summer than most graduation parties, I can look for discounted paper supplies too.
- Two camps my kids will be attending. Summer camps come with their own lists of items to pack. Things like water shoes, boots for riding, small fans, flashlights, & bug spray. It helps to know in advance if I have these things on hand and, if not, I can watch sales flyers and pick them up cheaply rather than making an expensive, last minute run.
- Another bridal shower. You can bet I’ll have the BB&B coupon with me this time! Plus, shopping early gives me more registry choices.
- Father’s Day. Thanks to watching the sales circulars, I was able to pick up the Father’s Day gift I wanted for my husband when it went on sale last month.
- My son’s birthday. Frugal kids parties are a topic unto themselves but a little creative planning with my son will keep me from writing a big check come birthday time.
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Yes, organization and planning are a key part of being frugal aren’t they? I myself had to run out to the local store for a head of cabbage the other day because I hadn’t planned ahead. . .
I too often leave those BB&B coupons at the house. However, you can use the coupon retroactively, just bring the receipt to the store and they will credit your account. This also helps if you want the 20% coupon but only have the $5 coupon. I’m sure there is a time limit to this but I’ve always been able to go back within two weeks.
Thanks for the tip, Susa. I had no idea you could do that!
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