Are you struggling with impulse shopping? You’re not alone!
What’s your go-to tip, trick, or story to tell yourself to stop you from making stupid purchases?
Let’s talk about some weird things to do that actually work!
Time Is Money
When you translate the money into the time it takes to earn it, it’s easier to ask yourself if you would trade that much labor and time for what item you’re considering.
One person from the frugal community challenged people to take it a step further. Subtract your mandatory monthly expenses from your income. Then, divide that by the number of hours worked. You may make twenty bucks an hour, but your discretionary income is five dollars, not twenty. Now, ask yourself, is that thing worth eight hours?
Do I Actually Need That?
“Do I actually need that?” It’s a question one user asks herself before making any purchases. Additionally, she asks, Where will she put it? What will she get rid of to make room?
Wait Until Next Time
One frugal shopper shared that their father’s grandfather suggested that if you see something you want, wait until the next time you go to the store. If you continue to think about it, then it’s ok to buy it. However, you didn’t need it if you did not, and the urge is no longer there.
House Down Payment
Coffee is an impulse for one shopper who uses several things to detour her from going to the shops. First, she has favorite tumblers and mugs to drink from at home.
Next, she keeps a wide variety of coffee and flavored creamer. Finally, she reminds herself that she is saving for a house and chooses to go home instead of whatever overpriced drive-thru she used to find herself in.
Death Lessons About Stuff
Have you ever cleaned the home of a deceased loved one? According to many, it changes a person’s understanding of materialistic stuff. A bunch of the items winds up being donated or trashed. So realizing how unnecessary it is has helped shape a mindset of purchasing only food, necessities, and experiences.
Using a Budgeting App
There are dozens of budgeting apps that help people gain control of their finances. One is called You Need a Budget (YNAB) and is recommended highly by many frugal shoppers in this thread. “It’s cut out SO MUCH thought. Do I want something? Put it on the wishlist. Is everything funded and budgeted for? Buy it.”
Read More: The 9 Best Budgeting Apps To Make Managing Your Finance Easy
Cash Is King
Finally, only pay with cash, and “if you don’t have it, don’t spend it.” Several users swear by this method of limiting wasteful and impulse spending.
Read More:
- 30 Ways To Get Free Stuff (That Aren’t Scams)
- 12 Best Coupon Apps To Try Now
- 13 Ways To Earn Money From Paid Surveys [At Home, Online & More]
