You know that when you do something over and over it soon becomes a habit.
Try out some of these ideas for developing some new habits that may help you save money.
Because a lot of it is in how you think; your attitude. The why and how of your buying habits.
The first one is fairly easy; just say no to purchases that are not necessary. If you have a perfectly good kitchen table you do not need to go out and buy a new one.
You may want a new one but it’s not an item you need to have.
It is just a want to have.
Learn that when it comes to material items less really is more.
If you can be happy and content with what you have now. You can spend a lot less on stuff, when you realize that things are not going to make you happy for long.
With the above realization you can also take a good look at what can trigger your shopping sprees. Is it that you cannot go into a mall without coming out with at least one or more purchases? Is it stress that drives you to buy?
Often causing more stress if you put the purchase on a credit card knowing you cannot really afford it. Does being really sad or even really happy get your spending in high gear?
Once you figure out what can cause you to spend you can change it.
When you do find an item you think you need to have.
Ask why are you buying it? Try to come up with at least a minimum of two reasons. ‘Just because’ is not a good reason for getting something. Ask if you already have a similar item at home.
Buying a new top when you have three at home that are almost the same colour and style, it doesn’t make a lot of sense.
I mean, really, how many black T-shirts you need to have in your closet?
After coming up with the reasons you do need to purchase that item, you need to stop and wait. Have a waiting period established. Establish a 24-hour period for a small purchase, up to a month for a large one. Wait before you buy. You can use this time to see if you can find it for a better price. You may even decide during that cooling off time that you do not want to buy it at all.
Most stores will offer a lay a way program where they will hold a small item for you for 24 hours before they put it back on the floor for sale.
Larger purchases often have a clause in the paperwork itself were you can cancel a contract within a 24 hour period as well.
People can get caught up in the excitement of buying, say a new car, but can come to regret it or worse realize they really cannot afford the payments without stretching their budget way too far. So take your time before you buy.
Sandra Nolan is a freelance writer from Rocky Mountain House. Contact her at slnolan@xplornet.com