I have wanted a new duvet cover and sheet set for my bed for probably close to a year now. Mine is going on eight years old and it’s frayed and worn – and frankly I’m kind of tired of it. But King duvet covers cost a pretty penny, so I’m waiting. . . waiting to find that perfect steal on that perfect duvet set and, well, it’s taking a while – but I’ll keep waiting . You see often times patience is the prime ingredient in saving big.
I credit patience (and luck) for the discovery of my original duvet set. It retailed at more than $400 (crazy, right?) and I happened to find it on super clearance at Macy’s, plus I used a coupon and I ended up getting the whole set for under $50 – pillow shams and all. I nearly 90% just by waiting for that perfect storm:
a.) It met my needs
b.) It was on super sale
c.) I had a coupon for extra savings
d.) I liked it, A LOT
Let’s talk about why I think this is a perfect storm:
It met my needs – So often I hear about people who buy items just because they are a good deal, regardless of whether they actually meet the needs at the time. For example, the shirt that doesn’t really fit but was only $3. Or the curtains that are the wrong color and are too short but they were only $8. You know what usually ends up with the deals that don’t quite meet your needs? You usually end up disliking them and never using them and/or replacing them sooner than if you would have bought exactly what you needed in this first place. This doesn’t simplify your life (more stuff and yet another thing to replace) and I think it just causes extra stress, at least it does for me.
It was on super sale/and you have a coupon – There are very few material things in life that you should have to pay regular price for. The super sales come along really pretty often if you think about it. Like I’ve mentioned before there is a season for every product – and you want to buy it when it’s at it’s rock bottom price. You can do it! The coupon is just the icing on the cake. Be patient. Watch clearance tables/racks and bring your coupons!
I liked it, A LOT – Like I briefly mentioned above – if you AREN’T REALLY IN LOVE with something than you’re settling. Sometimes this is necessary – other times, by being patient you can find something you just can’t live without. This is especially important on the bigger purchases – it’s a bigger investment, you might as well really believe in what your buying. By saving and being patient – I guarantee it will stick around a whole lot longer than the one you liked only so-so, which means you’ll have longer-term savings. And really, is there anything better than finding that amazing deal on that amazing item?
I can’t tell you honestly if it’s really patience or that I’m just too cheap to bite the bullet and pay more (when I know eventually I could get it for less). I’ve seen a LOT of great deals on duvet covers but I want to wait until I just can’t resist the deal – until that perfect storm. I don’t let it consume every shopping trip, I don’t spend weekends at the mall looking for that crazy deal, I just look when I think about it and I know eventually the stars will align and I’ll be sleeping like a baby under that super deal I just could live without.
I think patience is also a big reason I save at the grocery store too. Not too long ago I wrote a post called Want to save the most? Do without and it kind of boils down to the same principle – if it’s not on sale, wait until it is. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in “I need this” and so I’ll just pay whatever to get it. You’d be surprised when you evaluate your needs versus wants. I know it sounds harsh, but by honestly looking at the difference you can decide whether a purchase warrants patience or just prudence.
He that can have patience can have what he will.
– Benjamin Franklin
What kind of deals are you patiently waiting for? How do you help instill this patience in your kids? I’d love to hear your thoughts. . .
Jen B. says
is the duvet set in the picture the one you have? if not, where did you find it? it looks very similar to the one i want from west elm but don’t want to drop close to $200 for. in fact, i think it might even be a little cuter! any info you have on it would be great- we are in dire need of a new duvet cover, but i don’t want to settle for something that fits my price, but not quite my taste. thank you!!
Heather says
If price wasn’t an issue, the duvet in the picture is the one I’d think about getting (in cream color). I found in on the Anthropologie website. Good news is it’s on sale! http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=093561&catId=SHOPSALE-BEDDING&pushId=SHOPSALE-BEDDING&popId=SHOPSALE&navAction=top&navCount=138&color=091&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&templateType=E
Jen B. says
thanks so much!! it really is super cute, but it’s even more than the one at west elm (even on sale!, lol). i will keep an eye on it though- maybe it will go even lower. a girl can dream right? š
jolene says
The way we put it in my family is on the wish list. I like the term ‘perfect storm’ though, the best deal always are. On our wish list is a new sectional couch. We need new pots and pans because we bought really cheap ones when we got married but the ones we have still work. The big one: a mini van but the station wagon works for now. But our 2 little boys would be little for long.
ShannonP says
I am waiting for a love seat that is similar enough to my current black leather hide-a-bed couch. The couch is actually 10 years old, but in EXCELLENT condition and doesn’t look more than a year or two old. I have been looking for my own perfect storm love seat for close to four years now. It hasn’t been at the top of the budget priority list because it absolutely isn’t something we “need.” Some day, I will find that perfect love seat that has double recliners and is a close match to my beautiful couch at a price I can’t refuse (and I will pay for it with CASH).