I noticed that when I read the Sunday paper (and the store sale flyers) or catalogs, that suddenly I would "need" something because it was on sale. I also noticed that when I got catalogs in the mail, I would also find that I "need something" and I had some un-necessary magazine subscriptions (free of course) that provided tons of articles about which celebrity was wearing, what the best hair and makeup products and new fashions, home decorating). The list of temptation was pretty much endless.
I know it sounds super-easy and probably all of you already do those things, but to tell you the truth, I didn't realize how much those sales pitches were influencing the money I spent, until I ended up with two of the same bedding sets that I didn't need.
My bank account and my peace of mind thank me for this, and I no longer envy or crave the products that I really do not need.
Thanks for listening to me. It was an epiphany for me. Now I'm enjoying ThriftyFun much more than those other sales pitches and glossy colorful advertisements (like buy more save more, hahaha).
By Bella Swan from Forks, WA
This page contains the following solutions.
At least it is for me! When I am thinking of buying something, I make myself stop long enough to consider the following questions:
I love looking through mail order catalogs. In the past I ended up with many items I didn't need because I would fill out that order form and send it in. Now, I fill out the order form with anything that takes my fancy.
No matter what MasterCard executives want you to believe, those scenarios presented in their television advertisements are not priceless; in fact, they're quite expensive. The ads ask an array of appraisal questions all ending with the same answer - priceless.
If I watch, really, really watch, I'll be able to pay off my credit card bills within a year. Sound familiar? It's a promise many of us make but few keep.
It seems really simple but some people still go over their spending limit when they shop and have to put stuff back at the checkout. I hate to do that, so what my husband and I do now is we set a limit and I put that limit into the calculator when we get to the store.
When I receive catalogs or those thick fliers in the mail, I go through them and turn down the page for anything I "think" I want. Then I put it aside for about 1 week. At that point, I look at those items again.
Set a daily allowance on spending, once it's gone don't go to the ATM or bank for more money. Keep track of your expenditures.
One of the most effective methods of plugging those leaks in the budget and buying impulsively is to stay out of the stores and malls. It was hard at first but now it is much easier. I noticed the difference in my budget immediately.
When neighbors and friends come around trying to sell items, if it's not something that you're going to be able to use or give as a gift, don't feel like you have to buy from them. Learn to say "no" to frivolous spending.
Don't buy things just because they are on sale! Only buy things you use and then wait until they are on sale, and use coupons!
This page is about avoiding shopping impulsively. Making sure you really need and can afford what you buy is important.
