Today, in Seattle, the Amazon Go store will open its doors. This newest endeavor in shopping experiences is highly technical, easy and convenient. You enter the store, pick up what you need, and exit, without interacting with the cash register or entering the checkout line. It sounds intriguing. It sounds different. It sounds impossible. Yet, like many other things in our lives today, technology makes almost anything possible and is changing how we live, and especially how we shop.

There are many opinions, discussions, debates about Amazon Go. Yet, regardless whether we agree or disagree with the concept of Amazon Go, how we shop is changing and will continue to change. So what to do? Be prepared. Train in the new ways of the consumer and teach the younger generation.

Understand. The changes of today, is and will be the younger generation’s norm. Although the HOW of shopping is changing, the need for understanding its influences will not.

In general, food, whether eating out or in, is one of the easiest budget categories to blow and control. There are basic principles in our budget, that will hold true – no matter how the shopping world around us changes, or how we choose to participate.

Make sure you are holding on to these principles during the ride:

1. Control the excitement of newness. New is fun. New is exciting. New enhances our desire to spend; discipline keeps it under control.
2. Know what you are spending. Like everything else in the budget, you must know what is available and planned for spending in any category. The convenience of Amazon Go or any other store like it, can create a sense of independence and ability to conquer. The ‘rush’ can be misleading and may make you forgetful!
3. Know what you need. No matter the reason for shopping, there should always be a purpose. It is a dangerous proposition to go into a store without knowing what is needed and/or a planned purchase. Make a list. Take it. Follow it.
4. Be ready and prepared. Know yourself. Know the temptations. Allow yourself opportunity to enjoy the experience.
5. Invite your kids into your learning lab. What are you learning? How do you deal with temptations? Share your experiences with your children. Let them participate. They need to know how to manipulate the changes to their financial benefit.

As technology continues to change how we live, shop, and interact, we need to be prepared and ready, yet following the principles. When you have opportunity, enjoy the experience of Amazon Go and the followers.

For the love of family,