Beware of Clearance Items

Target is one of my favorite stores. Target probably loves me back because I usually can't spend less than $100 each time I visit. One of my downfalls is clearance items. In my mind, I am getting a great deal because I am spending less on something that I am sure will absolutely be used! Well, that is not the case. What can I do with 30 packages of thank you notes? There are only so many of those that can be written. Currently, I am looking out into the sun room, which has become our storage room. There are the cutest plates, bowls and wine chiller that was purchased from a Hobby Lobby clearance aisle. They have been sitting in that room for one year. I didn't spend much, but in the end, has it been such a great deal? No! The whole point of this is do not go shopping (grocery, clothing, decor, car, anything) without a plan. It's great to hit the clearance aisles when you have a plan, but without one, it can be very dangerous...and wasteful. Thank you for reading my blog and if you leave a comment, maybe I will write you a thank you note- I have plenty.

Drink quality H20

The average American goes out to eat 4 to 5 times a week (http://ucsdnutritionlink.org/articles/archives/fastfood.pdf) Think about this- if you go out 4 times a week and spend $2 on a tea or soft drink, that equals $8 per week. Over a year, you would spend $416 just on drinks! DRINK THE FREE H20! I'll admit, this is one I haven't done for very long. It truly hasn't been that hard to change. The hardest part is getting out of the habit of ordering tea (or your drink of choice) as soon as the waiter asks (it's been my habit for about 40 years). Think about this, too. The example above is for one person. If you happen to be a family of four, you could spend $1664 a year! Some of you may not like the taste of plain water so add some lemon and sweetener to it. My kids love to make their own lemonade.