So I initially set out to try this for a 4O day period but who knows I might do it for longer.

Some of the things that I am learning:

• It is better to avoid stores as much as I can. It is just not worth the torture and temptation. There are just some stores that I am certain to find something I would like to buy. For example: I often like to buy my hand soap from Biglots since it is cheaper than buying it from the grocery store. But I end up not saving money since I buy several other things that were not on my list or even in my mind to buy.
• Avoid that one aisle at Aldi’s that has nothing I really need but just fun things to have. If you have ever shopped at Aldi’s- you know the one. The stuff in that aisle has many things I might find at Costco. There are things marketed to us as perceived needs, not true needs. For instance, a squatty potty- that is not a need. People have been pooping fine on toilets. I hear it makes the process easier but not a true need. I love all the fun stuff at Costco but so much of it is to make our already easier 1st world life- even easier.
• Stick to my list and share the list with my youngest child who often runs errands with me. Other customers get a kick out of hearing him chide me and say, “Mom, don’t get distracted” as I start to slowly wander and pick things up.
• It is super satisfying to stick to the list and walk out of the store feeling victorious. It feels good to have self control and to save our family money so that we can spend it on more worthwhile things like trips or experiences.
• This experiment/challenge is teaching my son to say no to impulse buying as well. It is nice to blame my “no” on this challenge. I hope it is teaching him self regulation and self control as well. If he thinks something is cool, he wants it and then asks for it. Like the other night when we were watching Survivor he asked me to get him the 500 pound stuffed gecko that they used on the challenge. “Absolutely not”. So we are having conversations explaining that he cannot have everything or even close to everything that he wants. That is not how life works. And if even money was not the issue- it would not be good for him to consume all he wants. We talk a lot about Veruca Salt from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Often all I have to do to help him understand is start singing an Oompa Loompa song.
• This challenge is causing me to pause and wonder if I really need something. Living in an Amazon Prime world, it is so easy to have what I want, right away.