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Stop the mindlessness spending!

I was at Target last week and standing in front of me in the checkout line was a man buying toilet paper. That was it. Toilet paper. I found myself staring at him in wonder, amazed by his ability to get out of there with just one damn thing.

You see, had I been on a toilet paper run, I would have somehow managed to also scoop up some snacks on sale, random office supplies, maybe some cute socks and a top or two for my kiddo, a new thing of makeup, a cute picture frame on clearance......and subsequently a bill of over $100 for lots of random items (and the toilet paper). 

I pride myself on being frugal, but then there are days I slip up and lose my way. So I must recommit myself to reducing the number of items I bring into my home that I just do not need as well as saving my hard-earned money.  

But you have to have a plan! Here are five tips to develop more mindful spending habits...and thus becoming one of my heroes, like the wise man who went to Target just for some toilet paper.  

Check out the following five tips and feel free to offer any additional tips in Comments.

1. Shop with a written list
This seems so simple, but is huge. A written list is key because a mental list is easily forgotten and/or added to. If it is not on the list, do not get it!

2. Control 'clutter cravings'
We all have areas of weakness when it comes to spending. For me, it is bags and small toys for my son. For my husband, it is, well, just about everything. Take a walk around your house and see where the clutter adds up due to impulse buying. Write down exactly what you buy too much of makes you feel more accountable - you will see areas where you need to exert more control and be more mindful. 

3. Follow the time rule
Make yourself wait! Some reflection before a purchase, be it 30 minutes or next week, will help you determine if you REALLY need it. 

4. Think before your buy
Ask yourself:
- Why do I need this?
- What do I already have that is like this?
- Who can I borrow this from or share with?
- Where will I keep it? 
- When will I use it?

5. Reward yourself with experiences instead of things
Looking for a way to treat yourself? Instead of buying something, give yourself an experience. I personally love a nice bath before bed or going for a walk or just being in the moment and playing with my son. 

If you buy what you don’t need, you steal from yourself. 

Swedish proverb