Spending to Save? Saving Comes First.

One of the most tenacious ways society fools us into falsely believing that we are being frugal is the "buy this and save" game. Buy this and save 30%! Oh look, I'm saving money by spending it!

No we're not. We are spending money.

Actually "buy and save money" is true under one circumstance. You need or want a particular item. You find out what it costs beforehand. You save or set aside the money (plus tax where applicable) until the entire amount is reached. When you go to buy the item, you find out it is on sale. You leave with the 30% in your pocket.

Impulse buys don't count. Items that have not been saved for in their entirety don't count.

Many disciplined people actually do the research and save for items before buying. I had to work at this but now we do this regularly. My husband and I discuss an item to be purchased. Then we go on what we call "scouting trips" and test and try the item. We may find out that the item we want is no good or another is better. We then adjust to new information and go home to begin a saving plan.

We have always paid in full for furniture, electronics, and other big ticket items without it affecting our day to day living expenses. I know some people finance such things and even do that "don't start payments for a year" agreement. I can't tell you what a relief it is to bring something home and actually OWN it while it is brand new.

It is hard to save for things. It takes time and discipline. During hard times one may have to put off new things for a while. I urge you to close your ears to cunning temptations like "Buy this and Save".