It’s been a busy week – at least, it has been for me. Feeling like you’re in a rush and overspending out of convenience? Completely understandable. However, these small expenses really add up over time. In this article, I’ll outline my key tips on how to stop buying stuff you don’t need.
Why Do You Buy Things You Don’t Need?
There are many reasons a person may buy things and experiences they don’t need, but they boil down to these:
1. Filling a Void
Feeling bored or stressed? Retail therapy is a common way that many use to soothe wounds or fill some kind of void. Think about it – after a stressful day, is there any better way to combat feelings of anxiety with a new purse, jacket or phone?!
2. As a Result of a Lack of Planning
Life is busy, no doubt. It can be easy to just jump in the car and drive over to the mall without a plan. Before you know it, your cart is full of hundreds of dollars worth of clothing and housewares that you really don’t need. There’s nothing wrong with a treat every once or while, but overdoing it long-term will derail your goals.
How to Stop Buying Stuff
Preparation Steps When Learning How to Stop Buying Stuff
Identify Your Core Values
What are your values? Depending on who you are, you will value specific experiences and things more than someone else. For example, some people value feeling polished and classy. They have a tendency to overspend on formalwear. On the other hand, some value special experiences such as a spa day. When you understand what you value, you’ll identify which areas of spending you’ll need to watch out for.
Set Financial Goals
Understanding the impact of learning how to stop buying stuff on your current and future financial situation is key to staying motivated. What will you gain if you give up buying stuff and experiences you don’t need? When I committed to stop buying handbags and shoes I didn’t need, I freed up hundreds of dollars to:
- Save for travel, and,
- Invest in my retirement account
Practical Steps When Learning How to Stop Buying Stuff
Declutter Your Space
Keeping a clean space is key in preventing purchasing stuff you don’t need. When I had a messy room, I struggled with finding that tank top or bag I knew I had. However, my room was so chaotic and dirty that I ended up purchasing a duplicate item, essentially pouring money down the drain.
In addition to being able to find your stuff, a decluttered space means deceased stress. When I have a peaceful environment to live in, I don’t feel as if I need to escape it. Common places I used to escape to included stores and the mall. Needless to say, I was overspending on stuff I didn’t need!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed about where to start decluttering, start with a small space such as your car or bedroom closet. After you’ve mastered one section, move on to decluttering another room. Over time, you’ll have a cleaner space and a clearer head!
Practice Delayed Gratification
Delayed gratification is the process of resisting indulging in an experience or task now in exchange for waiting longer to enjoy a similar or better reward in the future. As humans, we are wired to want rewards now – this is why many struggle to maintain a healthy diet or save money – they want to enjoy life now! Write down your goals and how much better off you’ll be if you refrain from buying that pottery piece or throw blanket you don’t need.
A Final Word on How to Stop Buying Stuff
There you have it – my quick guide on how to stop buying stuff. I hope that this compact guide will help you create better financial and general living habits!
Janita is a frugal living expert and owner of Frugal Fun Finance. With over five years of personal experience finding and trying out the best ways to make and save more money, she's eager to share her knowledge. Janita's strategies have helped her save thousands of dollars for funding investments and traveling to over 20 countries.
Janita completed training in personal finance at The University of Western Ontario and McGill University, two prestigious Canadian universities. Her expertise has been shared on GoBankingRates, Yahoo Finance, and NASDAQ.com.
