Podcast Episode: Impulse Buying & How To Stop It

Hey everyone welcome to this weeks episode of the Simple Life Project Podcast!

KNOW YOUR YOURSELF KNOW YOUR MONEY

We are covering so many areas of the home in this particular season, and I thought it would be a good idea to talk about impulse buying today. What we buy ultimately ends up cluttering our homes which can make the process of simplifying our homes harder.

I know I have been the person that walks into Target and is immediately greeted by that lovely dollar section. Target in general just has the cutest things, and can really tempt you to overspend on items that were never on your list. WE HAVE ALL BEEN THERE. Or get the e-mail from Magnolia homes telling me their new kitchen line has come out (my weakness)  I have struggled with impulse buying, even though we do have a budget and I am fully aware of what we are able to spend each month.

I still impulse shop from time to time, but overall I have found a system that really helps me control myself and spending when I am faced with something that triggers a potential spending opportunity.

An impulse buy is acted on by a trigger. So let’s go over a few possible triggers. I know these have been true for me!

Some Common Triggers:

Boredom

Solution: try and find a cheaper hobby- maybe instead of browsing Instagram or online shopping try and learn a new skill or try a new meal in the kitchen.

Sales

Solution: just because it is on sale doesn’t mean you save money. If you were not planning on buying that item in the first place- you losing the money on the item even if it is on sale. There will always be another sale. Sales happen ALL THE TIME. You won’t miss out I promise- another one will happen again. Remove yourself from the e-mail lists. If you don’t know about a sale you won’t be tempted to purchase.

Emotional support

Solution: When you are in that vulnerable place instead of going straight to spending maybe go for a walk, hike or run. Talk with a friend. Or even grab a green drink (consumables) that is healthy and won’t leave you feeling worse.

Lack of confidence

Solution: Don’t try and keep up with the Joneses – the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Unfollow people who are tempting you to spend money you dont have- or who make you feel less than your best. Find something that fills up your soul – start building those areas to feel more confident about yourself. The one thing that NO ONE has that YOU DO… is YOU. No one will be you, so own your individuality and rock it with confidence slowly building it up one brick at a time.

My Top Tips For SIMPLIFYING THE URGE TO IMPULSE BUY

• Shop with a list
• Use a waiting period rule 48 hours is best
• Think about an items value in terms of how many hours of work would it take to purchase this
• See yourself in the future with the item
•  Try and not buy anything that cannot be returned unless you are 100%
• Unsubscribe from marketing emails
• Give yourself splurge money and enjoy every once and awhile!
•  Reevaluate your cart before check out. Ask the questions: Is this in my budget, do I need this, does this item have a place in my home 6 months from now?

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Thanks For Listening!