Today I'm going to post on something that I think is actually the most effective way of saving money... but also the most difficult (ain't that always the way?). Just not buying stuff.
Yeah. Sounds simple, but really takes a lot of willpower.
First, get rid of the TV. I know, that might sound weird, and I don't mean to literally get rid of it, but to stop watching it. You see, television is the main way that companies advertise their goods to us... and I think of advertisements as having an element of 'want it need it' syndrome. You didn't know you wanted the item, never mind even thinking you'd need it, but you watch a commercial enough times and you'll think you need it. Or that you want it. Or when you see it on sale in a store you are more tempted to buy it. It's been proven that the more you see an object, the more you feel you want it. And you know what? Most commercials for food items are for junk foods anyway... or restaurants. All very pricey in comparison.
I think this is one of the reasons that people generations ago didn't 'need' to work as many jobs or hours to make ends meet in their homes. They weren't spending so much of their money on the extra 'want em need em's like we do today. They weren't bombarded with advertising like we are, either.
Another thing... keep yourself busy. I don't mean being a busy body... I mean things like cleaning house, doing laundry, working outside, playing with the kids, going for walks together... work. The more free time we have, the more we spend online and watching tv, and the more we are bombarded with the 'wants'. Shopping is not a sport, contrary to what many say. If you can't walk into a store without buying something, don't walk into the store unless you have a specific goal. I always loved window shopping (what my mom called 'shopping' without buying anything) because it was fun to see different things and imagine what it might be like to have said item. But, we'd never get it. Instead, we'd go home and often I'd come up with my own version of it using whatever we had around the house. Making things is a great way to keep busy and you end up with 'stuff' without spending the money on it. Plus, it's great for making you feel like you've accomplished something. I feel much better after putting something up I've made myself, than I do when I've bought the same item. There's a sense of accomplishment that comes with it. Also, it's a great thing to teach the kids! They love making things! And imagining stuff is something else.
Something I often do when tempted by items... is imagine where that item will go. If I do not know what I'll do with that item when I bring it home, or if it will just go into storage for 'if I may need it later', I won't buy it (even if it is a great deal). It is very rare where I actually regret my lack of purchase months later. I may regret it immediately, but within a week I'm usually fine without it and don't miss the item I never had anyway. Plus, if I really find myself wanting that same item, it is generally available to buy later on anyway.
Now, I'm not saying we should never buy extras. After all, a treat now and then is great! However, the less 'extras' we buy, the more meaningful the ones we do buy will be. Plus... less clutter, haha.
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