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10 Tips for Surviving Target on a Budget

July 30, 2016 by Jennifer 12 Comments

 

We’ve all been there. You stop by Target only needing a couple of essentials. But much like these handy tips on Surefire Ways to Blow Your Grocery Budget, if you don’t have a plan of attack, you’ve come home with a plethora of items you didn’t need. (Though this post contains affiliate links, it’s in no way directly associated with Target.)

It’s not like the grocery store either where you’ll just end up with a little extra food if you go in unprepared. You could find yourself with new clothes, throw pillows, wall art, furniture, cheap decorations, expensive decorations, or practically anything. That is precisely why I gave Target up cold turkey for FOUR months.

I thought the solution to the problem was simply not to risk temptation, and stop going in. Turns out we still needed things like toothpaste, contact solution, deodorant, and other necessities I used to get there.  I tried going elsewhere. I love the Honest Essentials Bundle, but they just don’t have everything. I used Amazon for some things, but it’s hard to browse for new shampoos online.

Ultimately what I realized is that as with so many things in life, moderation is key. I started going back to Target last month, but with some very strict guidelines. It’s been working for me so far, so I thought I would share some easy tips:

1) Walk Right Past the Dollar Bins

Don’t even look in that general direction. I know what you’re thinking… This stuff is cheap. It’s the place you SHOULD be shopping… Don’t be fooled! Unless you are looking for something specific that’s on your list (see below), you don’t need it.

2) Make a List and STICK TO IT

This is perhaps the most important tip. If you’re going to go, go with a purpose. Don’t stray from the list. That’s when you start getting in trouble and the final bill adds up quickly.

3) Don’t Wander

You have your list, which does not include a new decorative orb for your desk, so there’s no need to browse through the decor isle. You won’t find the deodorant next to the cute party platters, so avoid that area. Catch my drift?

4) Get a Red Card

I always resisted the spiel they’re required to give. “Want to save 5% today?” I never even listen to those requests. They could be genuinely offering me a million dollars and I automatically respond “No thanks not today”. My sister-in-law talked me into the Red Card, and I’ve never regretted it. It’s not a credit card. It’s just like a debit card, it comes right out of your checking account. And you save 5% every single time you shop!

5) Bring a Baby/Toddler

It doesn’t have to be your own, in fact you are welcome to borrow mine. He’s right at that sweet spot where he’s super curious, too busy to ride in the cart, and too crazy to walk on his own. There is NO time to dilly dally and buy excess stuff with these guys.

6) Get the Cartwheel App

It has all kinds of coupons that you won’t find anywhere else.

7) Shop Online

When you shop online, you really need to know what you’re looking for. It solves that whole wandering issue. Plus you get free shipping with the Red Card.

8) Don’t Bring a Preschooler/Kindergartner

In the same way that a baby/toddler will make you move your hiney quicker because you never know when a tantrum will strike, a preschooler/kindergartner will put a hustle in your bustle because otherwise they’ll put half the store in your cart. By the time you get to the register you’re so exhausted you end up buying all the crap anyway. Bad plan.

9) Use a Hand Basket Instead of a Cart

Plain and simple. You can’t fit a new end table in a hand basket.

10) Set a Timer

Thanks to Natalie for this suggestion. Give yourself an allotted amount of time. If you know you only have half an hour, you’re more apt to just get in, get what you need, and get out. I know when I have the luxury of time, that’s when I end up with an entirely new (and unnecessary) wardrobe for my little girl.

10 Tips to Surviving Target on a Budget!

 

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Filed Under: Homemaking, Money Tagged With: budget, hints, shop, shopping, target, tips

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jessica @ Domesticated Wild Child says

    August 2, 2016 at 4:09 pm

    Good tips, I can never leave Target with only what I went there for!
    Reply
  2. Happy Coconuts Travel Blog says

    August 2, 2016 at 4:12 pm

    Great tips! I call Target my $100 store, I can never leave without spending $100 on stuff I don't need.
    Reply
  3. Charlotte says

    August 2, 2016 at 5:05 pm

    Target sucks many people in including myself. Hello clearance! A list is a good idea, as long as a person is disiplined to stick to it. Not sure I want to at Target though! :)
    Reply
  4. Miranda says

    August 2, 2016 at 6:04 pm

    We don't have one close or I'd shop there. Love target!
    Reply
  5. Vy Tran says

    August 2, 2016 at 8:26 pm

    Smart strategy, Target is like the modern Siren's song from "the Oddysey" that lures sailors into the rocks and crashes their ships. Lolligagging around Target is incredibly dangerous.
    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      August 13, 2016 at 9:23 pm

      They should make that their new slogan!
      Reply
  6. Ashley Brooke says

    August 3, 2016 at 8:19 am

    I spend so much money every time I go to Target!! Thanks for the tips :)
    Reply
  7. Christine @ The (mostly) Simple Life says

    August 3, 2016 at 9:41 am

    Yeah, skip those dollar bins! Great tips!
    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      August 3, 2016 at 11:57 am

      I know, I have more dollar bin stuff than anyone ever needs in their lives!
      Reply
  8. Erika says

    August 3, 2016 at 7:17 pm

    Those pesky dollar bins get me EVERY time! haha Cartwheel is great though. Always something to save on. Every little bit helps.
    Reply
  9. Kim says

    August 5, 2016 at 8:28 am

    Oh my gosh. It's like you were speaking right at me. Target is my downfall, for sure.
    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      August 5, 2016 at 11:05 am

      Me too!
      Reply

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Welcome, I'm Jen! I'm here to offer realistic (sometimes semi-green) parenting, eating, and homemaking tips so that you can embrace life and let go of perfection. Because if I can do it, you can do it! Get to know more of Jen →

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