As a parent, Type A habits can be troublesome. But those habits can also save money. Type A means I am not only organized, but a planner. Here are two recent examples of ways I've saved money because of my natural tendency to think ahead and organize:
- Took a neighbor of my mother's up on an offer to take a kids bike from her garage....her husband had recently died and she was cleaning house. We found numerous bikes, all used by her grandchildren. We decided on a small red bike, which will become our son's once he is a bit older. The only expense we'll have is getting it "tuned up" and some training wheels. For that we'll go to Dream Bikes in Madison; great prices, quality service, and a non-profit! and
- Purchasing next summer and winter clothing for the children now, with a 20% off coupon, and the second hand store Savers. On the last day of 2011 I did my monthly "thrift store" shopping. I opted for that day because I had a 20% off coupon that expired on 12-31-11. Coupon in hand I found brand new 4T snow pants. A lovely light gray, they'll be perfect for our 3 year old next winter and our daughter in the years to follow. The cost was $8. They are cleaned and tucked in the 4T bin I keep in the basement.
Even if you are not a natural type A, you can predict some future expenditures. Keep a list of items you will likely need, then watch for them at second hand stores or end of the season blow outs at retailers. Set aside a spot in your home where you can store them, and you'll be on your way to frugal savings in no time. The key, plan ahead and have a organizations system so that you can easily find those savings when you need them.
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