How often are you shopping and run across something that was not on your list, yet you're thinking you have to have it...now. There is a little unconventional trick I use, when deciding whether I should buy something, mainly large in dollar amount. I simply take the price of the item and configure it into the amount of hours that would have to be worked to pay for it. In our case, we live off of one income, as I am a stay-at-home mom and wife. I am grateful for the opportunity I get to do so. In order for that to happen, we live within a set budget. So, when I do come across a neat find, I often determine whether or not I want to spend the budgeted amount, by equating it to the hours my husband would have to work for it. For example: If I saw a cute pair of shoes for $50 (which I would never spend!), I can quickly calculate that my husband would of worked "x" hours for me to have them. I have to tell you, I have put a lot of items back on the shelf doing it that way! Items I discovered later that I really didn't need. The funny thing is that my husband would be completely fine if I came home with a $50 pair of shoes that I just had to have. But, I like implementing this method, as it keeps my spending in check, allows me to equate my purchases to reality, and is a way I can show respect for my husband's hard work. It is so easy to spend dollar signs, but it changes drastically when you think of it in "work load" terms. Try it! You'll be surprised just how much you'll put back on the shelf.
Do you have a unique way of keeping your spending in check?
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