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There’s stuff everywhere. Everywhere you look, it’s calling out to you and saying, “This will make your skin look better than ever!” or “This will give you the energy you need!” or “This will look like So nice at home!” They sound So credible at this point.
But advertisers vastly exaggerate a product’s usefulness while playing on your insecurities. And you pay the price.
So, how do you stop buying things you don’t need? And why are you doing it?
1. Know your triggers.
Those stress shopping purchases add up. And a big part of avoiding these expenses is eliminating the triggers that make them more likely.
Think about the last few times you bought something you didn’t need and ask a few questions:
- What did you feel before and after the purchase?
- What were you trying to escape or avoid?
- How long did it take for you to return to your baseline emotional state?
- When you get there, how desperate are you for another high?
- What are your favorite apps, stores or products?
Only when you know your triggers, you can take steps to minimize them.
2. Empty your inbox
One of those triggers can be emails with special offers, especially if you’re a bargain shopper. Ask yourself when you are most vulnerable to promotional emails for products you are likely to purchase.
Then unsubscribe from all emails from retailers, especially those that tempt you with things that look good but you don’t really need.
3. Go for quality over quantity
Those special ‘offers’ in your local supermarket’s seasonal range are usually low-quality items. Chances are it’s a matter of weeks before they end up in the trash or in a donation box.
Instead, if you really need an item like what you see on the discount shelves, do some research and look for something of higher quality. Instead of trying to get a car full of semi-useful items for less, focus on finding a few high-quality items that will last a long time.
4. Make your values and goals clear
When you know what’s important to you, you’re less likely to shop at brands or stores that don’t share your values. Otherwise, it’s too easy to justify taking advantage of every “mega sale” or bargain that pops up in an ad, email, or in your mailbox.
Make it clear what you want to achieve this year or over the next three years. Then make it a priority to only support companies that share your values and support your goals.
5. Find a support system
Talk to someone about your spending habits and what’s behind them. Make sure your friends and supportive family members are aware. Some of them may have some helpful insights on how to stop buying things you don’t need.
Enlist their help in controlling your urge to spend money on things that look tempting in the moment but will eventually end up in the trash (or donation pile).
6. Set a budget and track your expenses.
The more aware you are of the money coming in and going out, the easier it is to see if you can afford something you want. Unless you’re comfortable with mounting debt, spend less than you earn. Budgeting can help with this.
At the very least, it gives you a detailed overview of what you earn, what you spend, and how you spend it. And seeing the impact of your expenses (for example, the mounting credit card bills) can motivate you to take corrective action.
7. Plan your shopping
Unplanned shopping is an Achilles heel for most of us, especially when we’re tired, stressed or need a pick-me-up.
Once you have a budget in place and know how much you can spend each month, you can plan your fun shopping around the things you want most. Give yourself plenty of time to think carefully about which items will bring you the most pleasure.
Set specific days, times and spending limits so you’re less likely to go over the line.
8. Find other ways to improve your mood
Shopping shouldn’t be the only way you can feel better. Whatever the reason you’re feeling down, consider the following free pick-me-ups:
- Go for a walk.
- Make yourself a favorite food or drink
- Play music that calms or energizes you
- Take a power nap (not always possible, we know)
- Call or text a friend or supportive family member.
9. Set a waiting period
If you find something you like but don’t really need, force yourself to leave it in your cart for at least three days.
Close the tab or leave the store to escape temptation. Set a day and time to revisit your cart after the 72 hours have passed.
Chances are your interest in that item will wane somewhat in favor of new discoveries. If these are not necessary either, impose the same waiting period.
10. Pretend to move
Take an inventory of what you have and separate the items you don’t need, use or love. Use the Marie Kondo method if that works for you, or take it one room at a time – as long as you keep going everything.
When you’re done, take a moment to appreciate your newly decluttered space. And decide what it really needs (if at all) before you continue shopping.
11. Be honest about it Why You buy things you don’t need
When you buy things you don’t really need, you usually don’t think about the items in your shopping cart.
You think about specific changes you want to see in your life or in yourself – whether it’s clearer or younger-looking skin, the attention of your loved one, or a chance at a better life.
The more clearly you see what you are Real want, the easier it is to see how bad all that stuff is at providing it.