In today’s economy, it’s important to be a conscious shopper. Most stores, get our attention with the latest, the boldest colors, the bling, or the sales. Be present when you get in your car to go shopping for clothes, food, or housewares and you’ll spend less. Buy what you need, and you’ll have no regrets.
The same applies when we shop online or watch shopping tv channels. Make sure you have the room for the latest gadgets, because if you don’t, you are sabotaging your efforts at getting organized.
Have list of items you need before shopping. Go through your pantry, fridge, cabinets or your closet and bureaus and write down what you truly need. When it comes to clothing, use the “one in, one out” to avoid duplicates or items you will only wear once or never wear.
To avoid overspending, pay with cash and leave the credit cards at home. Paying with plastic gives us the immediate gratification and the illusion of an unlimited budget. However, reality hits when it’s time to pay that bill. If you have a list, have set a budget, and have a plan, you’ll be making conscious buying decisions and not letting the advertising companies dictate what they want you to buy.
Don’t shop when you are tired, hungry, upset, feeling lonely or you are bored. These emotions can cloud our judgment and cause us to buy stuff just to fill that void or feel a temporary high. Don’t buy items you don’t need, just because they are on sale or it’s a good deal. You will regret the “I may use it later” justification once these items start piling up and taking up the space for the things you actually need and use daily.
The “it’s only $10 or $20 dollars” motivation is not a good reason to make a purchase. If it’s not on the list, or it’s something you don’t need or will just take up space, then put it back on the shelf. That money can instead be used on experiences, such as, date night, movie or dinner with a friend, ice cream with you kids, or even a good book.
Valentine’s Day is coming up and merchants are hoping to entice you to spend your money on showering your loved one with things that say “I love you.” However, nothing says that you love them, more than sharing an experience with them, and giving them the greatest gift, you can, your time.
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