A few weeks ago I found time to make a special trip to CVS to get a tube of toothpaste for 24 cents using Extra Bucks and a coupon, but somehow I didn’t find time to call my insurance agent and find out why I hadn’t received the $501 refund I was due for an overpayment in November.
With thrift, as with so much else in life, it’s easy to miss the forest for the trees, focusing on small economies and ignoring the big financial issues.
It’s important to set aside time now and then to take care of all those chores we put off that could save us money, whether it’s making a will or looking for a cheaper cellphone plan.
What we really need is a “snow day,” a surprise day off from work that we can devote to taking care of pending financial matters. Since we’re not going to get that (we hope), we may have to give ourselves the tropical equivalent, and I don’t mean a day off waiting for a hurricane that veers away.
Start by making a list of all the money-related tasks you have been putting off. As you think of other chores, add them to the list.
When you believe your list is complete, award yourself a snow day, or at least a couple of snow hours.
Maybe you can use a lunch hour, a few hours in the morning before you go to work, an afternoon off or even a vacation day. Blitz through your list and your wallet will thank you.
And if you don’t make it to CVS to get the discount toothpaste because you spend the time getting your financial house in order, buy yourself a tube at full price. You deserve it.
