Spending money isn’t the best way to save money, but unfortunately, depending on money, it is super easy to do. You can start with great intentions and a budget, but then you kind of get caught up in the buying. It’s so easy to spend money and not even realize it.
When I decided to live frugally, I needed a way to make sure I was only buying the things I needed and only spending the money on the things that actually will make my life better and saving my money for things that are the most important to me.
Take each item and ask yourself the following questions to help you figure out what you need and what you can return or try to resell:
1. Ask Yourself: Do I Need This or Want This?
I don’t like asking, “Does this spark joy?” or “Does this bless my home?” when talking about things you are buying. It’s great for getting rid of things, but when we buy something, the answer to both those questions is usually a resounding Yes!
When we have things we need (or want) we can’t afford, that is a problem. We can’t stay within our budget and spark joy. If you could do that, you wouldn’t be reading this post. It’s important to differentiate between a need and a want. We can buy things that we want- we have to make sure that we recognize that it is, in fact, a want and not a need.
2. Ask Yourself: Why Do I Need This or Want This?
We buy many things that fill a need or a want- but sometimes we lie to ourselves about what that reason is. Is it because you have no clothes to wear that you bought that new top, or is it because you dread a holiday party, so you want something to wear that will make you feel pretty?
Is it because your kid needs to read more so they don’t fall behind in school, or is it because you like watching your kid’s face light up when you give them something special? Is it because you need to give your sister a holiday gift, or is it because you know she is going through a hard time, so you want to give her something extra particular this year? Do I need that vase, or do I want to be the kind of person who has a statement vase in their living room?
Remember: there are no right or wrong answers to these questions. All of these are valid reasons to purchase something- but when you get to the “why” of it, you can solidify for yourself what you really need or want.
3. Ask Yourself: Would I Buy This if It’s Not on Sale?
If there was no deal, would you have gone out and bought it anyway? For example, diapers you would have purchased even if they weren’t on sale. Maybe even a sweater you would have bought at full price. But would you have bought this particular item if it wasn’t on sale? Or did you buy it because it was “just $5”?
4. Ask Yourself: Am I Getting Caught up in the Moment?
Sometimes, there is the pressure to buy something TODAY because the deal won’t last, or because the ad is just so appealing, or because the atmosphere in the store was festive, so you figure, why not? You really have to stop and think about whether you bought it because you needed or wanted it or because you just got carried away.
These questions can help you clarify which items you need and which should be returned. Continue doing this with every item until you are once again under your budget.
You should get into the habit of asking yourself these questions BEFORE you buy items.
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