Shopping in Secret: Don't Let a Recession Stop You

Money is tight but we still must shop. For some people, itโ€™s as necessary as sleeping or showering. So how do you keep your evil little secret from the one balancing the budget every week? We asked around and got a few tips:

  • Bring a red pen with you while shopping and just mark that tag with your own price point. If Honey checks it, heโ€™ll think you are a real bargain shopper.
  • Save up the money  you get in loose change so Honey wonโ€™t notice, and spend that money on something you know would not be sanctioned.
  • Spending too much on the weekends? Pack lunch for a week. Honey wonโ€™t know what hurt him.
  • Take all those medical insurance reimbursement checks and put them into a separate account to use as mad money.
  • Quickly clip off the price tags as soon as the item comes in and hang it in the closet. Honey doesnโ€™t have an up-to-date inventory of what you own.
  • Don't forget the bags! Don't put them in the trash but in the dumpster outside the building.
  • Oldie but a goodie: Hide bags inside one another helps minimize the amount coming into the house.
  • Use cash only.
  • Leave the evidence in the trunk until the coast is clear.
  • "This thing? My mom bought it for me" -- works like a charm.
  • Variation: "No it's not new -- you never pay attention to what I'm wearing!"

Got one to share? Add your tip in the comments below.

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