Frugal Spending

If living on one income hasn't taught me anything, it has taught me how NOT to overspend. Yes, being a family of four cost money, but I have learned to bargin shop and how to cut and use coupons.

The 99cent store has become one of my favorite places to shop. While many may frown upon shopping at this place for whatever reasons, I have found out that so many of our needs are met here and I don't have to spend a fortune.

Years ago, my favorite place to buy things was Target. I only shopped at Target. But with me not working yet, our budget just doesn't allow many of the cost Target is charging, so now I shop at the 99cent store and Walmart. Walmart has many items which are priced reasonbly, but even still why would I pay $1.99 for fruit snacks, when I can get them at the 99cent store for a dollar less.

No, I'm not cheap. I'm smart. Our bi-weekly money has to last.

And no I'm not a spokesman for the store, I'm just a wife and mother who was forced to learn how to save a buck especailly in this economy.

But please don't get me wrong, some items are not for buying at my now favorite store. Yes, this is my own opinion, but such things like toothpaste, deordarate and some food items should be left to purchase at Walmart or Krogers. To me, they just don't taste or work the same.

But those items in which I wouldn't recommend are my own preference and are few to name because this store is the greatest store ever, especially when you have little children who always think their toys, coloring books, snacks or crafts aren't enough.

Often times, I reward my children by allowing them to pick out a toy from the store. They find great enjoyment when doing this. They don't know the difference in where they are getting their gift, they're just grateful and happy to receive something.

I don't think I'll ever stop shopping at this store even when I start working again because a great feeling comes over me when I go in with twenty dollars and walk out with about nineteen things. Hey, can't forget about tax.

So no matter what the economy may do as long as I have my 99cent store I'm happy and grateful for the many things it offers to this mom with a growing family.