I have about $9 in Extra Care Bucks that will expire soon, and as I was trying to figure out how to spend them, it occurred to me that I don’t know what I need the most.
I got out my toiletry bin and took a quick inventory of what I have (it’s not finished yet, but you get the idea). I put it in a spreadsheet so I can quickly see what I need and easily update it when I run out of things or make future purchases.
It didn’t take long. Feel free to use my spreadsheet as a template for your own, if you want.
If I know what I already have, and what I’m running out of, I can best spend my money.
For instance, I have tons of shampoo. It would be unwise and unfrugal of me to buy more for my own supply, when I could use those extra care bucks on something I need more immediately.
Taking a few minutes now to get organized will save me money later, so that I’m not buying things I don’t need (even if it’s at a good price) and I will buy the things I do need, hopefully before I run out of the item.
Thanks to Paid Twice for the inspiration on this inventory.
Head over to Biblical Womanhood for other tips on Frugal Friday!
Hi Kacie,
I know what you mean about having to use up extra care bucks! We have an abundunce of sutff!I can’t stand to pass up those great deals for free or nearly free stuff: ) Due to these great deals we had plenty of personal care items to donate to our local shelter.
Take Care,
Trixie
That is a great idea. I have a surplus basket in my bathroom closet that I have to pull down to get stuff out. Not the most efficient thing! If I posted this on the inside of our bathroom closet, that would help me see what I have until I find a better solution!
Thanks for this great idea!
That is a GREAT idea!! I’m in the same situation since I’ve been working the CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid deals. I’ll be using this!!
I started laughing when I read your inventory. We have all the same stuff! I love it! Thanks for the inventory sheet! DM
A CVS cashier told me recently that ECBs are good for up to 7 days after their expiration date. I’d never heard that before. Not sure if it’s true, but it would be worth asking about!
It’s so smart to take an inventory of non-food items. I did this a while back and found out I had enough toothpaste to last several months, LOL! At least now I know to only buy it if it is free or ridiculously cheap. (Ya gotta love combinging ECBs with sales and coupons!)
Great idea and I really need to do this! I want to offer up my toiletry supply to my brother who is a student when he visits for Christmas. Having an inventory ahead of time and taking out what I really need will make this a better idea. Thanks for sharing.
Very much a good idea. I don’t have an exact inventory at the moment, but did one a couple months ago. I realized we had enough toothpaste for a year, so I don’t get it anymore even if it’s *Free (sales tax) — I have no shelter here to donate it to, and my family already thinks I’m nutty enough as it is, they won’t take my toothpaste. ;o)
Kacie–
I’d be curious to see how you have your inventory organized. I am pretty limited on storage space, however that hasn’t stopped me from stocking up! Every closet in my house has toilet paper, paper towels, or diapers in it!! I wondering if I should buys bunch of plastic bins, or maybe some shelving for the garage. I just need some ideas! Perhaps you could post some pictures of how yours is organized and maybe others will do the same. Since a lot of us are buying the same stuff, I’d love to see how the rest of the world lives! Thanks!
[...] me out of the houseKookaburra on How $15 could save me money and get me out of the houseSylvia on Taking inventory of your toiletries and household itemsMeredith from Merchant Ships on How $15 could save me money and get me out of the [...]
Hi, Kaci,
I think Mom2fur is right, I once had a coupon of 2 off 10 of CVS product that was 2 days expired and the cashier was very pleasent and said “oh it’s only expired by 2 days and she pushed it thru. I had another one(not expired) and she said to hold on to it:)
Kaci, great post–love the inventory idea–my house is under some remodeling and right now all my overstock is scattered in various places. When the remodeling is done I will definately take your tip on this up!
Great post. I do this all of the time - we run out & then I am forced to pay full price because we need it fast. Thanks for the idea of taking inventory.
Sara
http://bethriftylikeus.blogspot.com/