Shopping Motto Ask Agnes I actually carry a laminated card in my wallet listing my ‘buying’ rules. Why? Because I choose to eliminate clutter from my home. Less is more! I tried to imagine my survivors dealing with a lifetime of accumulations and realized what a chore that would be. It’s a great theory, but how does one adopt practical advice? Here’s what I think about before I buy: •
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Do I really need this? Or, is it just an improved version of something I already have? Is this just a single-purpose item (think bun-warmer)?
Is there something I have that can do the same thing?
Watch out for ‘freebies’. They have to go somewhere, and you have to dust them later!
Zero Growth! •
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When something new comes into your house, remove something old. Have new clothing? Give two older pieces to a charity. Have new dishes? Take the old ones to a charity thrift store. For large items, consider a consignment store for those older furniture pieces. Like something you see online? Put it in your “cart” and wait. Generally, the buying impulse will go away. This method means you can delete it later. Warehouse shopping can be a real challenge. Have you gone to Costco or Sam’s Club and casually spent $100 on items in that big package? Bulk buying is not a good deal if you get tired of the product before it’s all gone. I still can’t think of buying any more marinated artichoke hearts!
Enjoy looking. Shopping is funit’s the buying that can kill you.
Summer 2022 | CB Times | 23
