The $100-Store

I now know the true benefit of buying in bulk (ie Costco...or if, like me, you're too-cool/old skool you still call it Price Club). It is *not* the savings of the specific items you purchase. The real benefit is that buying in bulk keeps you from making the trip to the store as often, thereby reducing impulse purchases.

For instance, The $100-Store: Target. Absolutely mind-boggling that everyone I know enjoys shopping for dish detergent at Target. It's because your excuse to go is the dish soap, cat food and dryer sheets, but you leave...$100 later, with a myriad of thing you never intended to buy. My new Target theory...just go less often. I'm going to spend the same amount anyway, so if I go less often the chances of my purchases being things I actually neeeed are far greater than if i go every 2-3 days as usual.

In February I challenged myself to visit Target a mere once monthly from now on. My first attempt: I spent $150, and I made it 3 weeks without returning. That visit I spent $200, but I picked up 2 birthday gifts I'd be needing for May (yes, I like to bday gift shop early) and made it another 3 weeks without returning.

I've lost focus, and started going too often again. Must. Resist. Red Bullseye. I'm going to renew my challenge, and invite the 3 of you that read my oft-ill populated blog to join me in resisting the $100-Store.