How to stop buying things - tips from a reformed spendaholic
A few weeks ago I wrote about how I used to be a BIG shopper and how I often struggle to buy things now. A few people got in touch to ask for tips on how I got here. So here are my main tips for change:
Slow down. If you someone who thinks of something and then jumps straight on Amazon to order it or who buys things when they see them, my best tip is slow down.
I have a list on my phone. If I see something that I think I might need or want (different things), I make a note of it and check in every now and again. I just checked mine, its about 6 weeks old and says ‘Fancy Watering Can’. I don’t need a fancy watering can, the one I have will do.
Remove Easy Payment. I used to put everything on a credit card through Paypal. That way I just got a bill at the end of the month (often large), it was a very passive way of spending money. It also used to horrify me when I saw the numbers.
The biggest change I made was removing the credit card from PayPal. This meant that I had to check my bank balance or move money to pay for something. This simple change meant that each purchase was really thought about before I made it.
Birthday/Christmas lists. Get used to waiting for things. The list on your phone, such as my fancy watering can would make a great gift. I don’t need to buy it myself and my family will get me something I really would appreciate.
Save up. A similar tip to the last one. Wait for things. Buy nicer things, every £20 pair of shoes that you don’t buy can equal one nice pair that you will enjoy every time you put them on your feet.
Nothing is too nice to be used. A beautiful pair of boots covered in mud is so much better then a pristine pair in the wardrobe. You are worth it, use the nice things.
Ebay Maths. This is something I often do now. If I want something I challenge myself to sell things on Ebay to pay for it. I tend to buy quality things now (often second hand from Ebay) and the great thing about this is you can sell them once you are bored of them. You would be surprised at how much the unwanted items from your home can add up to.
A few weeks ago I really wanted a nice jumper which was expensive, I asked for it for Christmas but it sold out, now it was back. I set myself this challenge and after selling unwanted Christmas decorations, a pair of trousers, a vinyl record I never listened to and a vintage mug that was too small to use, I had enough to buy the jumper. I could have just bought it but this was fun and it means I will really appreciate it when I get it. It also helped me to get four things out of my house I no longer need.
Ebay can seem complicated at first but its pretty straight forward once you get the app and the hang of listing things.
Remember that change takes time and don’t beat yourself up for not being perfect. It took me a long time to change my habits. Decluttering played a large part. Once you have gone through the pain of getting rid of things you have spent money on, it makes you think more about what items you allow into your home.
If you have any questions, thoughts or opinions please get in touch or comment.