Poor Pride: The Retail Diet

I feel lucky, I am not much of a consumer, never have been. I actually hate to shop. It may be all the years of working in retail, merchandising and buying offices that have jaded me. I know what the mark-ups are on merchandise is so I absolutely hate paying retail for anything. 

Now that I am officially poor, I hate it even more. Stores like Target and Costco are particularly dangerous because things are inexpensive and we can easily justify buying. 

While I love Costco for big purchases like camping gear, the temptation to buy unneeded stuff is extremely high. 

I know it seems like buying in bulk saves you money, but it really only pays off if it’s stuff that you use regularly (like toilet paper, laundry soap and pet food). It’s just too easy to buy things you don’t need or didn’t know you needed. Sure, you could drink a whole case of Red Bull, but would you drink that much if you had to spend $2.50 per can. I think buying in bulk simply gives us permission to consume more.

I’m not saying a shopping diet is easy, but with a little discipline it can be done. Knowing how marketing and merchandising works helps to fight temptation. Most stores (including grocery and drug stores) strategically put impulse items at the register. Don’t be tempted by DVD’s and Easter Bunny socks. Just be aware and keep your guard up. 

My best trick for not spending, is to simply not go near stores. If I only go shopping if I need something specific, I am less likely to splurge on stuff I don’t need. I always go with a very specific list and stick it. I get in, get out quickly and nobody gets hurt. 

I feel the need to treat myself to something, I visit Goodwill or Rags to Riches here in Benicia where I can easily find something for just a few bucks. FYI, almost all my clothes are second-hand, even my favorite boots. 

A trip to the Dollar Store in Vallejo also does the trick. It’s great for stuff like ziplock bags, first aid supplies and reading glasses. If and when I do splurge on something big, it’s a planned-buy and I’ve budgeted for it.

With the price of gas more than $4 a gallon, I strategically plan my errands. It defeats the purpose if I spend $30 on gas. If I have to go to Concord, Pinole, Napa or Fairfield, then and only then do I hit up Trader Joe’s and then I stock up on the basics. Same goes for errands in Vallejo. 

Now please excuse me while I enjoy my latest splurge; a new bottle of Caladryl lotion. It wasn’t cheap, but so worth it. The poison oak on my leg put that purchase into the need category.