When you are always aware of what you are spending and how you are spending, you’ll save money every time.
Whether you seem to always be heading out to the mall, or you can’t resist creating a wall of canned goods while extreme couponing, consider reviewing a checklist of questions that will reveal the real answers behind your shopping.
The urge to shop can often be a coping mechanism. It gives us a lift in the day and may be an attempt to meet emotional needs. Sometimes we simply find ourselves shopping or adding extra things to our list without even being all that aware of our real needs.
The next time you are shopping ask yourself the following checklist of questions.
Why are you shopping? What is the purpose of the trip?
How do you feel in the moment, emotionally, physically, etc.?
How will you feel after the trip is over and you’ve bought some things?
What would be the worst thing to happen if you decided to wait and make your purchase later or not at all?
What makes you sure that this purchase is the right one?
When and how will you be using the items?
Can you afford this purchase without financial stress or harm?
How will you pay for your purchases?
Is there something better that you could do with the money you are about to spend?
Answering these questions honestly to yourself will help you understand an identify what is driving you to shop: stress, boredom, loneliness, etc. It will also help you determine if you have down enough research and are consciously choosing to shop for the right reasons. It may just stop you in your tracks before you make some spending mistakes.
On the other hand, if you determine that the item or items are useful and a good exchange for your hard-earned money, then you can make your purchases guilt free and fully enjoy them.
Related Articles:
Pull the Plug on These Money Drains