We all have ways of entertaining and soothing ourselves. You might enjoy a leisurely old school shave. Some eat to excess while others use drugs or alcohol. Unnecessary shopping, while it may not be hazardous to your health, may be harmful to your finances. It can be exciting to go shopping and purchase something new, but the thrill doesn’t last for long.
It doesn’t take long before you need to purchase something else to capture the same feeling. The infamous shaving “acquisition disorders.”
Or maybe you’re just one of those people that leave the house for bread and milk and come home with bread, milk, two candy bars, a fax machine, and a crockpot.
6 Strategies To Control Your Urge To Shop And Preserve Your Finances Instead
Have a mandatory wait period. Some states have a waiting period to purchase a firearm. You can impose your own waiting period that applies to any non-essential purchase. Dying to grab that new shave soap from your favorite artisan? Make yourself wait.
- Impulsive shopping is just that – impulsive. You might make a different decision if you give yourself a little time.
- How long do you have to wait? Anywhere from 48 hours to 30 days. It’s up to you. You might use a sliding scale depending on the cost of the item. A $25 shave soap could invoke a shorter waiting period than a $500 razor.
Shop when you’re in a good mood. Many impulsive purchases happen during times of grief, anxiety, or other stressful emotional states. No one ever made themselves feel better for long by purchasing something. Shop when you’re in the best possible mental state to resist the urge to splurge.
Determine when you’re most likely to make an impulsive purchase. Is it mood-related? Is it on payday? Do you purchase unnecessary items when you’re bored or lonely? When you’re with a particular friend? Think about it. Why do you make these types of purchases and when?
Try to limit unnecessary purchases to things you can return. How many times have you purchased something only to feel let down afterward? Make it easy to return the item and get your money back.
- Be careful when unboxing anything you purchase. Save all the packaging and avoid damaging the item. Save your receipt, too. You might want to return the item in a week.
Make a list of the things you need and stick to it. When you want to purchase something, see if it’s on your list. Take inventory of your shave den and determine what you really don’t need. If you have ten vetiver-scented shave creams, maybe you don’t need a new one. Start making a list today and keep it with you whenever you shop.
Keep your money where you can’t access it easily. Move any excess money out of your checking account as soon as you’re paid, so it’s not as easily “seen.” Create an account just for shaving purchases. You’ll still have access to the money for emergency purchases, but it won’t be easy to splurge unnecessarily.
Summing Up
Some people purchase items they don’t need as a way of dealing with discomfort, while others enjoy the thrill of a good sale. Colorful items carefully with exciting sales copy entice a third group to make unnecessary purchases. The result is a diminishing bank account. Take steps to ensure that you’re not shopping irresponsibly.
About The Author: Otto Wright is a budding author and traditional wet shaver.
