Budget

I know it's been said a hundred times before, but it is a tried and true statement, stick to your budget. With any home improvement project, budgeting is one of the most important parts. Without it things can get out of hand. A bonus of the budget is when the project is complete there is no buyers remorse involved while you are enjoying the finished product.

Joe and I have set a very strict and tiny budget to go along with our tiny bathroom. I really should extend this statement and say that this tiny budget also includes redoing the floor in the kitchen, refinishing the cabinets, adding a back splash, as well as painting the dungeon, I mean basement. Budgets can be hard to stick to and have a tendency to grow as you are making your way through your project. Here are some things we have learned about budgeting and being  frugal shoppers.

1. Price check. As I am sure most of you know, price checking is a very smart step in becoming a savvy shopper. With today's technology this is easier than ever. You can practically compare any item of choice between any major store and find which has the best price. This really is a great way to help you stay within your means. It is also a great way to help you explore options you may not have thought about before. While price checking the sink/vanity for the bathroom, that I was just so sure I couldn't live without, I found one I liked even more. As a bonus because of this price check I was able to add an extra $50 to our budget! A score for sure! $50 to help with those forgotten items like the toilet paper holder, or the faucet connectors.

2. Only take what you are willing to spend. With so much plastic floating around these days it is super easy to charge, charge, charge! It's almost like a battle cry at the register, "Charge!" The trick is to avoid this as much as possible. If you don't want to blow your budget only bring what you are actually going to be spending with some room to cover taxes or miscellaneous items you may not have realized you needed. This will help curb any impulse buys. Impulse buys can cut into your actual project, and while that light fixture may look pretty, you don't need it if you didn't budget for it.

3. Bring a strong focused shopper with you. Luckily Joe is not easily swayed by pretty shiny objects like I am. He is great at keeping us on track while humoring my path less taken ways. It usually ends badly for our wallets when I am left alone. He's like my conscience reminding me that I really don't need back splash right this moment!

4. Lastly, always bring a list. Having exactly what you want in front of you keeps you focused and less likely to get something you don't need. When you can see what you are buying before you buy you are not going to want to spend extra. A list gives you an idea of what you will be spending before it's spent. Remember folks knowledge is power!

Many of these tips are tips I am sure many of us out there know very well, but it is always good to have a reminder every once in a while. Don't be afraid to use these in other areas as well.

Happy shopping friends :)