How To Knock Out Impulse Spending
Here is a little quiz that will help you to avoid the impulse-spending gremlin:
- Does your spouse or partner complain that you spend too much money?
- Are you surprised each month when your credit card bill arrives at how much more you charged than you thought you had?
- Do you have more shoes and clothes in your closet than you could ever possibly wear?
- Do you own every new gadget before it has time to collect dust on a retailer’s shelf?
- Do you buy things you didn’t know you wanted until you saw them on display in a store?
If you checked to any two of the above questions, you have an impulse buying problem. You spend money to make yourself feel better.
This is BAD. Impulse spending will keep you from being able to get (and keep) the things that you need, such as a house, a car, a vacation or retirement. Set some financial goals NOW and resist spending money on items that really don’t matter in the long run.
Impulse spending will not only put a strain on your finances but also your relationships. Learn to separate your needs from your wants, if you ever want to overcome the problem.
We are bombarded 24/7 buy advertising. The trick is to take some time before you buy anything that you have not planned for.
When shopping, make a list. Take only enough cash to pay for what you have planned to buy. Leave your credit cards elsewhere.
If you see something you think you really need, give yourself two weeks to decide if it is really something you need or something you can do without.
By following this simple solution, you will mend your financial fences and your relationships.
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© Copyright 2009, John A. Simpson. All Rights Reserved.
