Do you ever have regrets after you go shopping? Do you have items in your home that you purchased and never opened?
Buying unnecessary things can keep you from the important things in life like vacations and retirement. Let’s look at how to stop spending money on unnecessary things.
Find Things to Do Besides Shopping
If you find yourself shopping for fun, you should look for other things to do. You can find thousands of free books on Amazon that can be downloaded to your smartphone or tablet. You can take up a hobby. There are hundreds of free gaming apps to download. The point is there are so many things you can do besides shopping.
Shop with Intent and Purpose
When you go shopping, you should do so because you have a need. Make a list and stick to it. If you’re coming home with stuff you don’t need, you’re shopping aimlessly. And, if you’re the type to hit those sales because the prices are good, remember you can go broke saving money.
Wait It Out
Do you really need or want that item? Instead of buying the item immediately, wait it out. Financial experts recommend waiting 24 hours. If you still want the item, and can buy it with cash, go for it. However, more often than not you’ll forget all about the item or it won't seem as important to buy as it was the day before.
Use What You Have on Hand
Before you go shopping, look at what you have on hand. For example, before you go grocery shopping, look at what you have left over from last week. You can then plan a menu to use up these items which means you’ll buy less at the grocery store. The same goes for doing activities with the kids. Recycle items into craft supplies or dust off those old board games.
Search Out Free Options
Last, but not least, instead of spending money, look for things you can do for free. It might be going to a concert in the park or a free community event. You might also watch YouTube videos or free streaming channels on Roku or another device. The simple truth is you can do so much for free.
Everyone buys unnecessary items from time to time but if you find that you’re spending a lot of money on things you don’t need and don’t use you need to rethink things. That money could be saved for a vacation or to fund your retirement or even to pay off debt. Don’t waste it.
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