Okay, none of us want our homes to turn into something that looks like this right? There is a fine line between stocking up for your family and turning into the crazy lady down the street, right? Well, where do we draw that line? That question is very debatable but let me tell you how I make that decision for myself and my family. I have read studies that show sales run in 12 week or 3 month trends. So, I tell myself when I find, let’s say a can of Baked Beans (which my son absolutely adores), on sale for 25 cents a can instead of the regular price of $1.29 a can:
- how many of these cans do I think we will need in the next 3 months?
- does that number fit into my budget for this week
- am I cleaning this store out as to not leave another can of Baked Beans for this entire store until restock day and leaving it unfair to other shoppers who may like to take advantage of this deal as well?
- do I have enough room to store what I am buying?
- is there a limit to how many the store says I can get?
These are all questions that only I can answer about my own financial, spacial, and well, lets get right down to it, moral situation. Now, I am wondering, how is it you decide how many items will be enough for you to stock up on? Do you see the free or little to no money and get giddy? Don’t be ashamed—we have all been there.
I know I have in the past, but after doing this for a while now, I have readjusted my thinking to use these above questions in my weekly shopping outings. Instead of seeing that big time sale and grabbing my full outstretched arm to wipe the entire shelf clean of Baked Beans I think hmmmm, okay good deal. Now, lets stop to think—just how many do I need?
I should say also that the above scenario is a hypothetical situation (no baked beans that I know of this week are on sale for 25 cents a can) of an item I know my family loves and would most certainly use. How do you handle a situation of it is a free or next to free item you are unsure of whether your family may like or use? For me, personally, these are the times I only take one or two because—to be honest with you—I just hate to be wasteful too.
So, I am curious, how do you decide how much is enough when you are stocking up?
Abby is the co-author of Steals and Deals, a blog that devotes itself to helping to stretch that family dollar as far as it will go! This blog is put together by the sister duo of Abby and Mandy. Both ladies are stay-at-home military moms of three kids each (a total of 6!) Their blog offers informative posts on how to save money and where the best bargains can be found.
Bucksome Boomer says
My husband and I have this debate often when we find a good sale. I want to stock up and he wants to only buy what we need at the time. The 3 month trend information is handy and will help us plan accordingly.
CorrinRenee says
Wow – great article. I stumbled on a forum a few months back where people posted their “stock room” and I was shocked. I considered what they were doing hoarding. Cases and cases of cereal. Bins of bandaids and tooth brushes. More than any family could ever reasonably use.
I’ll go out 4-6 months on things like toilet paper, deodorant, and shampoo. I’m limited for space on groceries, but if it’s something we eat regularly and there is room in the pantry, I’ll stock up.
If I can get something for free, I’ll certainly take advantage, but it if is something we don’t normally use or if I’m already stocked up, I make a point to donate.