Stretching my Dollars: Staying at home…
You know what I’ve noticed lately? Sometimes, the best way to save money and stretch my dollars is to just stay home. Unless I really need to go out to run an errand, I try to stay at home as much as possible. I’ve found that my trips out just to kill some time, or just to “get out of the house”, usually end up costing me money that I hadn’t planned on spending.
It’s really cold outside here so the idea of going to the nearby mall to walk around has come to mind…
But I know my weakness. If I come across a really good deal, a really great bargain, that gotta-have-it clearance item, I’m going to be way tempted to buy it! And when I do buy it, I’ll actually have convinced myself that I’m saving us lots of money! The deals I find might be really good ones, but knowing that we don’t need anything right now… how much money am I really saving? If I stay away from the mall, I won”t have spent a cent!
Another place I like to walk through when I have spare time is Hobby Lobby…
Oh the wonderful ideas there are out there for things to make and sew and create! But, I seem to get this mental block when I go into that store – and forget that I have two kiddos under the age of three, a house to keep… and everything else that takes up time in life. I find great ideas for making things that, in the long run will save us money, of course… but how much money have I spent on lofty aspirations to make gifts and items only to have them still sitting in my closet undone? Why? Because I don’t have the time to do them! Again, I won’t have to spend a cent if I just stay home…
Now, being a stay-at-home-mom, I completely understand the need, every once in a while, to just “get OUT of the house”! Especially in the cold winter months, when going to walks around the neighborhood or breaking up the day by spending some of it in the backyard just aren’t feasible.
So, I’ve been trying to think of places to go where I won’t be tempted to spend any money.
Like the library…
Or calling up a friend and asking if we can bring our lunch over and share it with her and her little one…
That way, we’re getting out (which I know the kids really enjoy to do, too) but without spending any money!
What about you? What suggestions do you have for ways to “get out of the house” without the temptation to spend? I’d love to hear!
You can try the park! That’s an overwhelming one for me with 5 small children, so I have mine just go out in our garden.
I find that getting out and working in the garden is really important to me.
We have one car, and it’s not feasible for me to leave real often. I do have a friend who comes over sometimes, and her children like to play outside on our merry go round.
Thanks for the ideas! I’ll have to keep those in mind… Hopefully our temps start getting warmer soon – Spring is just around the corner!
I love to browse and read a little at Barnes and Noble too. Going for a nice walk is another healthy way to get out of the house!
Amen to loving the bookstore, Shelly! When I get to get out and have some “me” time, that’s usually where I head. A nice cup of hot coffee and a book to look through… very relaxing!
I agree, you can’t spend money if you stay home!
We are big fans of the library and frequent it often. I think it’s majorly helped us not spend money on books, movies, shopping, etc. Thanks for your other ideas, too!
I agree, I spend less if I stay home! However, there are many options these days to spend money when at home! AKA internet!
I agree, if you feel the need to get out go to the library. The kids will love it and you will find some great reads!
I do not carry cash when I am out ;P Just need the card to use the public buses, a big bottle of water and some snacks from home is enough for my brood. I need to get out with the children for some sunshine and lotsa play- otherwise we’d be vegetating in front of TV/ computer or lazing in the bed ;o
In our tropical island, we have plenty water playgrounds and parks where endless fun comes ‘free’ ;D
Great idea, Santhi… If you don’t have the money with you, you can’t be tempted to spend it, right? Thanks for sharing!
(And could you send a bit of that tropical island weather our way?)
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