Bargain Shopping Balance: Break Time!

So, as I created habits of praying, limiting my shopping and letting some of the deals rest, I felt balance return to my life.

I could breathe.  I could be productive in other areas besides shopping. I could be still and just be. And I found that I once again was enjoying my frugal way of life.

And then it was Thanksgiving. And then began the mad holiday rush of parties and programs and Christmas shopping and ministry opportunities. In the midst of it all, I found myself not wanting to so much as look at a coupon, much less actually clip and file one.

I mentioned this to my husband and he uttered these words of great wisdom, “why don’t you just give yourself a break until after Christmas?”

Huh? A break? Well, DUH!

Step 4 – Take Breaks

And so began the forming of another habit. Twice a year I take a break. During the summer and the Christmas season. Now, this doesn’t mean that I don’t coupon at all during those times or keep my eyes open for deals, but I do lay back a little.

During June, July and December,  I very seldom step foot inside a Walgreens or CVS. I have found that the deals slow down a bit during these times so I can too. Subtracting those two stores from my weekly routine gives me a break from the mental taxation of extra care bucks and register rewards scenarios, and makes two less stops on my shopping circuit.  I feel like a frivolously free woman!

And in this I have found another great reason to stockpile. Because I hunt the deals all year long, our cupboards are full of most of the things we need on a day to day basis. So, I can take a break during these busiest times of the year and our budget doesn’t feel it. Because our budget doesn’t feel it, I don’t feel the guilt.

Another great balancing act!

Tagged as: Bargain Shopping Balance, Perspectives, series