And This is Why I Avoid Shopping - A Hijacked Cart

Candy is my gateway drug for higher spending. Tonight, I just wanted a box of Jujyfruits candy for $1.49, but I left with a bill for 10 times that amount: $14.80. My shopping cart was hijacked by poor planning, and I don't plan to make that mistake again.


Here's what how I veered off the frugal path, and here's how I plan to adjust:

• Candy: Although I feast on organic fruits and vegetables, I have a weakness for Gummi Bears and fruity, chewy candies. In contradiction of my all-natural health values, my sweet tooth involves ingesting lots of artificial colors and flavors. The hidden health and dental costs should prohibit me. I should eat less candy. As a gateway drug, it's clear that my urge to buy a small box of candy has sent me spiraling down the path of greater expenses.

• Automatic Doors: Why do so many stores have automatic doors? Answer: Even as you try to scoot by without entering, the automatic doors pull you in. And once inside, the cash register is a magnet for your wallet. Solution: Avoid automatic doors and don't take the first step inside of most retail stores.

• Shopping List: If I had entered the store with a shopping list, I would have left the store with more money. Without a list, I walked around and convinced myself that I needed: Burt's Bees Super Shiny Zesty Red Natural Lip Gloss ($6.99), Women's World magazine ($1.79) and cotton pads for my face ($2.99).

• Exit Strategy: Once I picked up the box of candy, I should have marched to the cash register and then headed to the red exit sign. The best exit strategy: Do not stop at "Go." Do not linger at "Free Parking." This is real life Monopoly, and the store is high-rent property.

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Here's how to buy my new book:

@ Amazon.com
@ Barnes & Noble
@ Borders
@ Target.com