When you are trying to watch your spending, there is nothing more frustrating than blowing your budget on unplanned purchases.  Failing to plan for even the smallest expenses can easily outspend your accumulated savings.  The key to consistent and successful frugal spending is to always be prepared.

When I read Lynnae’s post on her un-frugal weekend, I grimaced with understanding.  Too many times, I have saved $15 at the drugstore only to blow it on fast-food or bottled drinks.  Had I packed snacks and drinks, or had I planned my trip for non-meal hours, the extra spending would not have been necessary.

I have learned, especially with longer, consolidated errands (to save gas money), to throw some healthy foods and drinks in the diaper bag before I leave.  Another tip I’ve picked up is always to keep restaurant coupons in my wallet, not in my coupon organizer.  I don’t always have my coupon organizer with me, but my wallet always is with me.  When we do choose to have an unplanned family dinner out, or stop for a quick meal, we can at least get a few extra dollars savings.

Another area where I find myself failing sometimes is playing the Drugstore Game.  I will spend hours clipping coupons, matching with sales fliers and double-checking my numbers only to walk out of the store scratching my head.  Usually, the error lies with unavailable items which skew the numbers, or miscalculations on my end.  And, almost always, it is the trips that include children which are the least successful!

My solution is to take a calculator to make on-the-spot adjustments.  And leave the kids at home!

Perhaps your failures are in a different area. 

Maybe you are an impulse buyer? Shop with a list, and only take cash for the exact items you need.

Do you buy too many items online? Turn off your computer during the hours that are most tempting to you.  Or keep your credit cards on a different floor than your computer.  During the time it takes to go retrieve the plastic, ask yourself if the purchase is really necessary (even if it’s a great deal). 

Whatever areas keep you from being a successful and consistent saver, don’t give up trying!  Just like almost everything else in life, practice makes perfect.