Home =>
Frugal Living => Shopping and Yard Sales => Shopping--Rule of Three
Related Articles: Consignment Shopping Pays Off |
Save Money Shopping Seasonal Sales
Shopping--The Rule of Three
by Nikki Willhite - Willhite@aol.com
Sponsored links:
When I was taking my Interior Design classes in college, in
one of my
classes I was given a special project. We were to go downtown
shopping.
We were to buy something for a small amount of money. It could be
anything...but
it had to be able to serve THREE Purposes.
It was interesting to see all the different objects people
bought, and
their explanations for what they could be used for. Most of all,
it was
a great lesson in creativity and versatility.
I call it the Rule of Three. If you can find three uses for
something
you want to buy, it will never be wasted- or better said, you
will not
be likely to try and sell it at a garage sale.
Here is an example. When you buy a dress, there is not a
lot
of versatility. However, if you buy a sweater, you can find
many
uses for it. You can wear it casually with pants, or dress
it up
with a skirt. It can also just be worn for warmth. It meets the
Rule of
Three.
An object like a glass bowl has many uses. You can use it for
food,
either serving or preparation. You can fill it with fruit and use
it decoratively
on your countertop or table. You can fill it with potpourri. You
can even
throw up in it when you are sick (sorry)!
Same thing for a simple basket. I'm sure you could come up
with a dozen
uses, from yarn to bills, magazines to food, floral arrangements
to endless
storage ideas. What could be more versatile?
Here's another way to look at it. Think of your hands. How
many purposes
can you think of for them? Probably more than about anything
else. Now
think of buying a pearl ring for one of your fingers. What
purpose does
that ring serve?
It is decorative, and worn for only one reason- to look good.
If you tire of that ring, or your fingers get larger and it
can't be
sized, is there any other purpose for that ring? Not really,
unless you
remove the stone and put it in another setting (which will be
expensive)
or give it to someone. So just be sure you really want that ring
before
you buy it.
On the other hand (no pun intended) when you buy a wedding
ring, it
has several purposes. It is a symbol of your marriage union. It
has sentimental
value. It is also decorative. It could be said to be used for
security
in some ways. It passes the Rule of Three.
Here are some other examples to further illustrate my
point:
Sofa Sleeper
Used as a bed.
Seating for company.
Seating for family.
Desk
Used to pay bills.
Used to write letters.
Used for studying.
Wire Whisk
Used to mix waffle batter.
Used to beat eggs.
Used to make cakes.
A Clock
Check the time.
Punctuality.
Keep your appointments.
Scotch Tape
Seal letters.
Sewing aid.
Wrap presents.
Some of these examples may seem a little silly, but I hope
they help
you to understand the "Rule of Three". You will not waste your
money if
you follow it!
Here is one last example of a single purpose item- a piano.
Now then,
I couldn't live without mine, but then, I play it every day.
However, for
it to be useful, someone has to play it. If someone does it is
money well
spent.
If, however, after you buy it, you tire of lessons, and it
just sits
there, you have made a mistake, from which you may or may not be
able to
recover your money. How many people do you know that have pianos
just sitting
in their home? The only time they are played is when company
comes. Since
it is probably not being maintained or tuned (which is expensive)
even
they won't want to play it very long.
Choose your purchases wisely, and they will serve you well.
Reprinted with permission from:
The Pennypincher
An E-zine for the Frugally Minded
The Conservative Homemaker & Home of The Pennypincher
E-zine
http://www.AllThingsFrugal.com
