Money Mantra #4: Time is Money

There are two simple components to Money Mantra #4:

1. Planning ahead will save you money.
Have you ever been stuck paying $14.95 for overnight shipping because you waited until the last minute to purchase that must have gift? Or did you cave to spending more than you planned at the grocery store because you were in a hurry? Maybe you didn't take the time to make a budget for holiday gifts and overspent due to poor record keeping? Planning ahead can save you cash and frustration.

2. Chasing the best deals can sometimes cost you money.
If you are driving around town to three or four stores to save less than $20 per month, you are actually wasting money. After all, figure in gas prices, your personal sanity, and your valuable time. I'll bet you $20 that those three details are worth more than $20! Let your "fingers do the walking" by perusing sale ads, checking online deals, or even calling stores to check prices before you head out. If you get the right person on the phone, you can get a price check and confirm that the item you seek is in stock. (And if you really get the right person, they will offer to put the goods on hold for you!) No more driving across town for a good deal just to find that the item is sold out! No more scouring every grocery store for the cheapest peanut butter. Just get to know the lowest price at the store closest to you and buy the peanut butter only when it is on sale!

Take heed of the immortal words of Ferris Bueller: "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it". Time is money; shop smart, plan ahead, and save your sanity.

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know: How do you organize your shopping trips to save both time and money?