What Dollar Store Shopping Can Teach You About Being Successful

On your next trip to the dollar store, you can pick up something more valuable than baking soda and shoe laces. Stock up on important lessons for living while you’re cruising the aisles for bargains.
Discover how dollar store shopping can make you smarter and more productive.
Serious Lessons from Dollar Store Shopping
1. Plan ahead. It’s easy to become carried away at the dollar store and start loading up your cart with specials that you really don’t need. Writing out a list helps you to resist impulse shopping and other temptations.
2. Seize opportunities. On the other hand, you want to take advantage of promising openings that come your way. Keep your eyes open for new friends just like you watch for marked down items.
3. Look beyond the surface. You probably know that retailers sometimes lure you in with low prices on certain merchandise so you’ll stick around and buy more. Think carefully about how you invest your money and efforts.
4. Manage your time. Part of the appeal of dollar stores is their convenient one-stop shopping. Check your schedule regularly for other ways to free up time.
5. Make a comeback. A lot of the merchandise in discount stores is leftovers that customers passed over in other shops the first time around. Give yourself a second chance when you need one.
6. Do it yourself. Some of the best buys are staples like cleaning goods and greeting cards. Then again, you may be able to save more money by making them yourself.
7. Appreciate quality. Finally, some items are overpriced even when they cost a dollar. Check the label to see what ingredients are in that chocolate bar or skin moisturizer. Sometimes you need to spend more to achieve the results you want. Pursuing ambitious goals could be more fulfilling than coasting along.
Light-Hearted Lessons from Dollar Store Shopping
1. Break free from labels. By now you’ve probably noticed that most of the merchandise at dollar stores costs a lot more than a dollar. Think twice if you’ve been letting any label limit you. A stay-at-home mother can return to college, and a bookworm can learn to play field hockey.
2. Throw a party. Dollar stores also specialize in party supplies. Why wait for Christmas when you can treat your friends to your hospitality all year long? Parties help you strengthen your support network and connect with others in a setting outside of work.
3. Hand out gifts. Studies show that spending money on others makes us happier than spending money on ourselves. Even better, dollar stores will stretch your money so you can enjoy more happiness. Give your coworkers novelty candies or toys. Surprise your babysitter with a funny t-shirt.
4. Change your look. A new hairstyle or home improvement project can lift your spirits and build your confidence. Try on a variety of hair bands. Paint an old chair.
5. Lighten up. As long as you love something and it’s functional, why worry about whether it comes with a prestigious label? If your kids seem to lose their socks after each gym class, buy cheaper pairs. If you want to save up for a house, simplify your wedding decorations with a visit to the dollar store or borrowing a cake stand from a friend.
Bargain hunters love dollar stores because they’re cheap and convenient. Now, these discount shops can make you wiser and more prosperous too. The strategies you use to find the best deals on toothbrushes can help you to overcome other challenges and live out your dreams.