Not sure if this qualifies as frugal or not

**outnumbered** · 01-02-2009, 08:48 AM

...but its part of my "resoultion" for the new year. DH and I have always led a pretty reactive life....we react to situations as they come up, and it usually bites us in the butt later. For 2009 we really want to become more proactive and less reactive. Part of this, to me, is planning ahead for holidays and birthdays and such.
I was out earlier this week for errands and managed to find a tree topper and some ornamemts for gifts for next year, at 50% off, as well as more clear tree lights, which we needed too. I also found a gorgeous linen tablecloth for $2.49!!!! which will get packed away for next year also.
We have started my oldest DS with Geotrax, a really cool train system by Fisher PRice. They are plaistic and very very sturdy, which is essential with 2 boys in the house. I managed to find 3 train sets (2 trains and a man in each) for $2.99 EACH, which less then half price. I grabbed those, and 2 really cute books for my youngest DH for $10 TOTAL! All that has gone into the closet (which now needs a lock!!) for birthdays this year.
We never buy on credit, we only pay cash, but not planning makes things tight when occasions come around. So, I guess it may have been more frugal to NOT spend the money right now on these things, but it seems way more practical to do it this way, and I am pretty proud of my cheap finds (and so was DH)

**Momto2Boyz** · 01-02-2009, 08:51 AM

Good job! I think you are on the right track! The biggest tool for me when it comes to being frugal is the ability to plan ahead. It certainly makes a difference when you plan for big expenses vs. just winging it when they come along!

Good luck, I hope you accomplish all your goals in 2009!

**dcompton** · 01-02-2009, 01:07 PM

I think that definitely qualifies as frugal. You'll save money in the long run for sure. Frugal is as much about taking advantage of opportunities when you can as about simply not spending money.

**homesteadmamma** · 01-02-2009, 01:10 PM

I would say it was very frugal. You're right on track.

**foxxyroxie** · 01-03-2009, 03:52 AM

I totally agree on the point of it being frugal!! Have a gift closet is a perfect way to store clearance purchases for use as gifts later, whether it specifically for a person or just a general spur of the moment gift when you're caught off-guard with an unplanned party. I have done this for years. I've also been known to purchase unused items at thrift stores, ones found still in the original packaging, for future gift-giving.

I do the same thing for greeting cards for birthdays and such. Many times Dollar General has cards for as low as 25 cents a card and it makes much more sense paying that than $2.50 or more on a quick card purchase at a card shop when you've forgotten someone's special day.

**kittykatstrong** · 01-03-2009, 04:11 AM

I think it is a great idea. THere is nothing better then needing a last minute gift and going in your closet and getting one instead of spending a ton of money.