The mind is a powerful thing. As cheese-covered as that might sound, it is absolutely true. ‘Mind over matter’ is a very good mantra to live by. And, that includes while doing your shopping. It can be incredibly easy to overspend or to spend money that you don’t have – especially during the holiday season. Luckily, you can avoid that, if you learn the tricks of the mind trade.
01.Check Online Rates First
With the advent of the internet era, online shopping has become the hottest and best way to do it. The key is knowing who has the best deals. Do your research. Check several websites and stores before committing to a purchase. Price comparisons will give you the best bang for your buck and many stores will offer price matching.
02.Leave Your Bank Card at Home
Temptation is…, well, tempting. By leaving your bank and credit cards at home, you will be less likely to impulse shop. You can’t spend what is not accessible at the moment. And, in the time it takes to go home to get your bank cards, you’ll have time to think and will likely realize that you didn’t really need to make that purchase in the first place.
03.Shop Alone with a Positive Mood
Positivity is also a powerful thing. Staying in a positive mood, as well as shopping alone to avoid distractions, is a great way to keep focused and spend less money. Shopping alone also gives you the time to really take the time to consider the necessities of your purchases. When we are not in the best mindset we can tend to make not-so-great choices.
04.Make a List of What is Important for You
Making a list can help keep you, and your shopping expenditures, in line. It prevents you from impulse buying and overspending money. Before heading out to the store, sit down, write down everything that you plan on buying. At the store, the list you made will make it easier to stick to buying only what you intended to begin with.
05.Set a Realistic Budget
Setting a budget – setting a realistic budget and sticking with it – is imperative if you are looking to be more financially sound by spending less. Write down all of your expenses as well as the money available to take care of those expenses. Be honest with yourself. Once you have your realistic budget, don’t waiver from it – for any reason.
06.Only Pay with Cash
Studies have shown that using cash to pay for purchases can make it more difficult to overspend than when using bank or credit cards. Swiping a card can feel less like spending money than actual cash spending does. Although we live in a debit/credit type of world, making an effort to use cash whenever and wherever possible, can keep your overall spending at least somewhat to a minimum.
07.Buy on Needed Basis
Casual shopping trips are one of the biggest causes of overspending. Window shopping, browsing endlessly or without a purchase in mind is a recipe for overspending disaster. Shop only when you absolutely have to and even then, buy only the necessary items. Only take a shopping trip when completely needed – that includes online shopping (I’m onto you).
Regardless of the reasoning behind wanting to reduce the amount of money you spend while shopping, it is a very good goal. And, believe it or not, it is one that is easily attainable. Simply training your mind, by using the above 7 psychological tips to spend less money while shopping will only help to make that aspiration an actual reality. Happy holidays – and a responsible shopping experience – to you!
