How To Resist Spending Too Much

Those of us who decided to go all out for the holidays are now probably having a little bit of buyer's remorse... It's always a great idea to use coupons, especially when you see the great deals for Bloomingdales or other popular stores available on Discountrue.com. Still, there is often something to be said about resisting the urge to spend too much in the first place. It can be tough to see things that we want and walk in the opposite direction, but with these useful ideas, you can finally turn your wayward spending habits around!

1. Make a List of Wants and Needs 

Knowing the difference between the items you truly need to have and those that you want is important. Making a list can help you to differentiate between the two. Instead of making an immediate purchase that you'll inevitably deem unnecessary, take the time to write down the items you're considering purchasing. This will provide you with the perspective and urge to make the right choices. 

2. Initiate a Waiting Period 

Let's say that you have recently bought one new item and you are considering purchasing another. As anyone with experience in these matters can attest to, this is how shopping sprees get started. If you are someone who is used to making one purchase after another and helplessly watching that snowball roll down the hill, institute a waiting period in between major purchases. It could be anywhere from 24 hours to two weeks, depending on your financial status. 

3. Reduce Your Excitement 

There is something about shopping that taps into a special area of the brain and we often become far too excited. By the time we've come down from our shopping high, we have spent hundreds or even thousands of dollars on items that are not essential to our daily living. We don't make good decisions when we are overly excited, so be sure to take a step back and a few deep breaths before an excessive splurge takes place. 

4. Think of the Context 

One of the easiest ways to resist spending too much is to consider the particulars of your finances. Are you going to be able to pay your bills on time if you make the purchase in question? Will this expense cause you to go into debt? Considering the context of each purchase that you potentially make will keep you from getting too carried away. 

5. Know Yourself 

If you are someone who shops because you are feeling blue, it is important to know this about yourself, so that you can avoid frivolous spending. Those who seek instant gratification as a refuge from their inner feelings should avoid shopping when they are depressed. The same principle also applies to those who shop as an expression of their happiness and tend to celebrate something this way.

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