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: • 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!

• 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.