Report Shopping with Budget Lady Part 4

The Craft Store: B –

The whole day shopping with Budget Lady really tested what I knew about shopping on a budget but this was the hardest. How we ended up at the biggest and most beautiful crafts store in all of Vegas I’ll never know but it was tough.
The craft store is my biggest temptation. I love to create. I could have 50 projects going at once and a very tiny amount of time to complete them. So I may have a ton of supplies that I may never use. It is my biggest source of clutter and yet it is also my biggest source of joy. So I should tell you here that these ideas are like the blind leading the blind…but here is what I learned. And PLEASE…comment if you have any other tips, I need all the help I can get.

1. Ask when the 40% off Coupons are going to be going out and then prepare for them. It makes me crazy when I have a coupon and don’t want to waste it so I walk around the store for two hours trying to find that one expensive item that isn’t on sale so I can use the coupon. Save money and time by planning ahead.
2. Follow a pattern or book and buy only the materials you need, then after you have finished the project you can add your style. But it is easier to know what you need after the basic form has taken shape.
3. Prioritize your projects and inventory what you need to complete them, make a list and stick by it.
4. Have a wish list. There are some projects that are just nice to have like a sewing matching or cutting device. Put that on your list and stay as focused as you can, save up for it. Then when you finally get it you will be more likely to use it.
5. In some cases especially when you are just learning a craft kits are the way to go because you only pay for the amount of supplies you need to carry out the project. Then you don’t overspend on something that you may or may not end up liking.

This is the end of my report on shopping with Budget Lady. It was fun, exhausting and I learned a ton. And quite honestly had I somehow managed this same shopping experience by myself I surely would have failed. It is encouraging to be surrounded by friends who help you want to do what is right and be a better person. I’m grateful for knowing Budget Lady. I’m a better person when I’m around her.