It is really hard to not spend money, especially when we are constantly tempted by pretty much everything the second we step outside the comfort of our own home. Then again, even in our homes, the temptations of buying things on the internet lurk every time we sit down at our computers. Living in a consumerist society is tough when you’re trying to save your money, but there are some ways you can lessen the amount you spend.
The easiest way to not spend money is to not have it available to you. But when you do buy things, try to only pay in cash. This makes you much more aware of how much money you are spending because you can physically see it leaving your hands. When you have spent your limit, you are done buying things because there will be no cash left in your wallet. Not only that, but having a card is convenience, and convenience is what has gotten us into this economic crises.
If you are still too tempted and end up swiping your credit card for purchases once your cash is gone, get rid of your credit cards and only keep one debit card. You can’t use it unless the place you are buying things from has a debit card pad that lets you put in your pin, so where you can spend money is limited. This will also withdraw directly from your account, meaning there is no way to overspend and fall into debt because your card will be denied if there is not enough money in your bank account. But let’s not let it get there.
Eliminating credit cards and debit cards from your life will also help you if you have trouble with Internet spending. If you do not have a card, there is arguably no way for you to purchase things online. You will be forced to go out to shop, which is helpful because when shopping is a chore it is much easier to save your money on things you don’t really need. For example, there is no way you are going to go to a mall and buy a huge amount of clothing that you can’t carry back to your car. When you have to physically go and do things as opposed to relying on the internet, the logistics of life are often enough to keep you practical. Another great thing about not having a credit card is that it eliminates the possibility of credit card debt, which is a black hole of despair to be avoided at all costs.
Lastly, only buy things that you actually need. While this may seem like a no brainer, people buy tons of items that they could do without on a daily basis, literally throwing away their money for cheap thrills. Before you purchase any item, take a second to stop and think. Hold that item in front of you, examine it, and seriously ask yourself, “Do I NEED this?” You can even go as far as imagining your life with and without that item. If your life would not be significantly different or disadvantaged or even over without the item, don’t buy it.
These are just a handful of ways to prevent you from spending money. Do you have any other ways you stop yourself from spending?
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
wonderful advice.Debit credit is a black hole to be avoided at all costs.
We can also make a plan prior to buying.
I wouldn’t go as far as doing away with credit cards as they are a handy financial tool. However, you don’t have to carry them with you. If you find yourself tempted too much, make it harder to pull out the card. Put them in a good quality freezer bag with a cup of water, seal them up, and put them in the freezer. They’ll thaw fast enough in an emergency but slow enough to make you think twice about an impulse purchase.
Excellent advice for those quick draw spenders. Luckily I am not like that. Except for the occasional movie I may purchase or rent, I am not a spender. I never carry my credit card or debit card with me to avoid temptation. If I need to go shopping i plan ahead, budget and only take that money with me. As much as I am cautious with spending anyone can be tempted. For my luxury spending. I have a food budget, but I coupon clip and any money I save off my budget goes towards that. It may not add up to buy a car, but it has helped me take my kids out to the movies from time to time.
I find that writing down what your top priorities are helps to curb your bad spending habits. Maybe keeping a diary on the things you buy, and reminding yourself why you wish to save up. Also, making a collage of the things your striving for is a good way to keep a visual representation of your goals near by. You can create a desktop wallpaper of the stuff you want. For me, I’ve got a few pictures of Jeep Wranglers, a photo of when I was a kid at Disney Land(looking to take my son there when I get enough money saved up) and other things. It’s all about reinforcing the why. If you don’t have a strong reason as to why your doing something, you’ll get complacent, and want to stop doing it over time.
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Nice article. Some of the mentioned ‘no brainer’ tips are actually often forgotten.
As far as credit cards are concerned, I keep them and use them wisely. Managing money is something that can be learned. It’s just that people are getting so many advertising right in their face, and they buy on impulses, thinking they can find the money later on. I never spend cash that I don’t have yet (on my bank account).
I have a budget for monthly and weekly food shops. At the beginning of the month I do a huge shop and buy the bulkier things – then on a weekly basis I buy fresh stuff. I take the exact amount of cash out at the beginning and take the week’s allowance, or part of it, each time I go errands.
The reason I do this is because when I used to pay for groceries with a debit card I’d overspend and I’d find it harder to make up that overspend by spending less the next time. So, if I’m nipping out for fresh bread, milk and salad I’ll take a small amount of cash and the temptation to add that rather fetching T-shirt or enticing DVD into the basket is quashed before it rears it’s ugly head.
I would spend so much more money if I couldn’t shop online. I order nearly everything on Amazon, or other sites with free shipping, and rarely pay tax. I never have to pay tax on Amazon purchases, because there is no distribution center in my state.
I absolutely agree with paying cash for purchases. I only buy groceries and household supplies with cash, because when I am swiping a card, be it my debit card or credit card, it just isn’t as painful as handing over that cold, hard cash. I started doing cash only for grocery purchases a little over two years ago and I was motivated to shave $90 a month off my grocery bill.
As I said, I love online bargain hunting for necessities, so I do have a credit card. But, it lives at home and I never take it when I am out shopping for fun. If I see something that I don’t think I can live without, I have to drive all the way back home for my card. I take a pre determined amount of cash with me when leisure shopping and its never much, just $20 or $30. I never make expensive impulse purchases this way, and I don’t wind up with a lot of clutter in my house, as a bonus.
Hello,
Very Helpful Advise for me, as i am addicted by online shopping I Really don’t understand how to stop spending money. But I think you have very deep knowledge about this. The strategies you shared, hope will help me.
That’s why I’m scared with credit cards. There’s that temptation when you carry them with you and you see some stuff worth buying along the way.