Your Money_ The Missing Manual - J. D. Roth [48]
You can find dozens of other ideas for frugal fun in this discussion at Get Rich Slowly: http://tinyurl.com/GRSfrugalfun. And don't forget what you learned in Chapter 1: A life well-lived is rich in relationships and experiences, so get out there and do things with other people.
Save While Shopping
If you're trying to save money, shopping can be dangerous. Sure, you have to buy some things like food, pet supplies, and new underwear, but, especially if you're a recovering shopaholic (Curbing Compulsive Spending), shopping can tempt you to buy things just for the thrill of it.
Thrifty people still shop, but they shop for things they need, not just for fun. They understand that shopping is a means to an end—and they realize the dangers of being burdened by too much Stuff (The Tyranny of Stuff).
Some people recommend window-shopping as a substitute for the real thing. If you think you can do that without spending, go ahead. But be careful: It's often better to avoid the temptation altogether.
Tip
Some savvy shoppers save money by playing the "drugstore game" (http://tinyurl.com/drugstore-game). By combining coupons and sales, they score amazing bargains from free toothbrushes to cartloads of household goods for just 5 or 10 bucks. For more on this sort of saving, visit www.moneysavingmom.com.
When you do shop, keep these guidelines in mind:
Shop with a purpose. The key to keeping your shopping under control is to buy only what you need. It may help you to shop with a list, just like at the grocery store. Knowing exactly why you're shopping can help keep you from getting distracted.
Don't be afraid of used. Buying used items has something of a stigma in the U.S. But a recent poll by Harris Interactive showed that 70% of American adults say that it's now more acceptable to buy used than it was a decade ago. If you're on a tight budget, used stuff can be awesome. You can find all sorts of great bargains on Craigslist.org and eBay.com and at yard sales around town. And don't forget to check your local thrift stores, which carry more than just clothes: Many are great places to find furniture, kitchenware, and even inexpensive entertainment. (For more thrifting tips, check out www.thethriftshopper.com.)
Note
Some things are actually better used. Here's Liz Weston's list of 10 things you shouldn't buy new: http://tinyurl.com/Liznonew.
Beware of shopping momentum. Researchers at Stanford University warn that shopping can lead to more shopping: At first you deliberate over whether to buy something, weighing the pros and cons. But once you've made the decision to buy, you spend less time deciding on additional purchases. This phenomenon, dubbed shopping momentum, increases the likelihood you'll buy more.
Something you'll never use isn't a bargain. It's tempting to pick up stuff you know is dirt cheap. But even if you save 90% on a salad spinner, it's money wasted if you never use it. A deal is only a deal if it's something you had a need for before you saw it. So only buy what you know you'll use—everything else is just Stuff (The Tyranny of Stuff).
Finally, here's a flowchart April Dykman created to help her stay on track while shopping (http://aprildawnwrites.wordpress.com/). It helps her keep emotions out of the buying process so she can focus on just the things she needs.
Using such a flowchart may be a little too much for you, but a tool like this can help people who struggle with compulsive spending (Curbing Compulsive Spending) make conscious choices instead of buying impulsively. If you don't need the flowchart but want a little help, here are 10 questions to ask when you're tempted to buy: http://tinyurl.com/GRS10questions.
On The Money: Online Tools
Sometimes you can find the best deals at the