When you go shopping are you looking at everything with rose colored glasses or do you administer a dose of reality?
Some people are born shoppers. One of my good friends, Angela, is a FABULOUS shopper. She can spot a deal from miles away. The other thing that makes her a good shopper, however, is she can walk away from that deal if it is not what she really needs.
Keep reading for some ideas that can help you be smart with your shopping.
The best way to eliminate financial stress is to make sure that you only buy what makes sense for your situation. Really think before you buy. Here are some questions you can ask yourself before you pull out that credit card.
Can I afford it?
Really can you? Today, many people are up to their eyeballs in debt. When not shopping, that debt can cause depression and stress. Sometimes we go shopping to get a "fix" and feel better. Make sure you are not making it worse for yourself down the road.
Do I already own something that can fulfill this same purpose?
Unless you are a gourmet chef, do you really need one more pot in your kitchen? In almost every client situation, I come in contact with a client that finds they have duplicates of a certain type of item. Before you buy, think about what you already own.
Will I use it?
Ok, I admit it! I'm human. I have had instances where I have impulse bought and regretted it later. In every instance I should have asked this particular question. Just recently, I was honest with myself and got rid of (donated) some beautiful deep orange high-heels. I had bought them 4 years ago on a sale and fell in love with them. I should have asked this question. In over 4 years, I had NEVER worn them!
Will it last? Is it high quality/ timeless in style?
Just because the item is "to die for" now, will it be tomorrow?
Do I love it?
This is the question that Oprah says she now asks when looking at her closet. She used to have a closet filled with clothes that she did not really like! Either she would get a good deal on it, someone would talk her into buying it or it was given to her. Doesn't really matter, though. If you don't love it--what ever it is--don't get it!
How much of my time will this require? Do I have the time?
Are you buying a new tech gadget? Keep in mind the time it takes to learn how to use it, install it, clean it etc.
Do I need someone else to help me set it up- how much of their time or my money will this take?
Are you buying something that needs to be put together? Is is something that you can do on your own or will you need help?
Is it healthy for my body, my home, and the earth?
Do I have a place for it?
Where will this item go once you get it home? Make sure you have space!
Could I borrow this from a friend instead of buying my own?
We used to be big buyers of books, but now we visit the library every two weeks. It is a great way for us to save money and we have a lot of fun famlily time too!
Last but not least -- One In -- Two Out
When you bring something new in your home, try to give two similar things away – that way you will always maintain a clutter-free equilibrium. Before you buy, think about what you are going to let go. Then follow up with:::Will it replace something? Do I have time to find a home for what this is replacing? (i.e. drive to the charity/ mail it/ recycle it, etc…)
What do you do to control your spending and accumulation?
Comment and Share!
What do you do to control your shopping? Do you control your shopping? Please leave your comment below. Like what you've read? I'd love it if you would click the Share-This link below and share this post with your social networking friends.
To your success!
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