| One of the worst times to go shopping is when you are depressed or
sad about something. We make the biggest mistakes in our spending habits during
this time. We may be great at making a budget, but it does not do you any good
if you are not going to stick to it.
With all of the commercials and the voices say that their product is the
best, we are talked into making purchases, just because everyone else has one.
However, is it something that you really need, that fits and enhances your
lifestyle or improves your life? These are the questions that you need to ask
yourself, before making a purchase.
Going into a store and purchasing something on a whim, is one of the most
careless acts that we make in our lives. We ruin our budgets, create clutter and
junk in our lives. You know when something is a whim, when you get home and
cannot remember what you have in a bag. That is the time to put it right back in
the car and return it the next time that you go out. It proves that you did not
need it and it is not something that is going to make your life better. However,
seeing the money in your wallet, will
1. Don't believe everything you see, hear or read about
products
a. Is the item 'really ' on sale and a good deal?
b. Just because it is the fashion trend, does not make it a good
product
c. Check the reports and chat lines to find other peoples opinions on the
product
2. Be Picky
a. Don't spend money on things that are a whim when you go into a store.
Wait three
days,
if
it is still high on your priority list, money smart and
a smart buy, and then
consider
purchasing
it
b.
compare prices at different stores, Name stores, discount stores, online and
trend
stores and look for the best deal.
3. Take Your Time
a. Be patient, what you purchase today will go on sale tomorrow.
b. Don't impulse buy, think over spending your money
c. Wait until you find out if the item you want is a fad (in today and
out tomorrow) or
everyone will have it.
4. Stick to Your Plan
a. Don't let anyone talk you into buying another piece to match or
upgrading to
something
better for more money.
b. Be careful of salespeople that are too helpful and keep adding items
that you
cannot
afford.
5. Make purchases for your lifestyle
a. Don't buy according to your friends likes and wants…buy things that
you like and
look
good or match your lifestyle/
b. Don't become a carbon copy of everyone else. You do not want to wear
the same
clothes
as 10 other people.
6. Become Educated on Your Purchases
a. Read up on the pros and cons of what is best, will last the longest,
cost and
efficiency
before you buy.
b. Check if there are hidden costs, such as a maintenance package,
insurances, extra
taxes, installation costs etc.
c. Know what you are getting for your money. Is something included or do
you have
to
purchase another product too
d.
Cheaper is sometimes just as good, Name Brand does not make it better.
7. Is this a Necessity or a Whim?
A, If you buy on a whim, chances are that after the newness wears off, it
will hang in your closet or stay in a drawer.
b. Are you smarter keeping your money and adding to it for something you
'really' want?
c. Don't spend more than you can afford
8. Resourceful Spending can be fun
a. can you borrow a book from the library instead of purchasing it?
b. Can you add it to a birthday or Christmas list and not have to spend
your money for it?
c. Are you creative or know someone that is, can you make it or decorate
it yourself?
9. Remain in Control
a. You have the power to set the price you want to pay and to decide if
an item is worth it
b. You may have allotted $10.00 for something that does not mean that you
have to
spend
the full $10.00
c. The more that you say 'no' to, the more money that you will have
10. Control the 'down times'
a. We spend money when we are 'down', instead of doing that do something
that get's
you
back to a 'happy' place, without spending money
b. Make a list of things that make you feel good that does not involve
spending money and
use it to your advantage
c. When you are down, put five dollars in a bank and then keep track of
what made you get there in the first place.
Become a 'Money Smart' shopper and watch your savings grow. Become a
collector of money instead of stuff!
Jan Hayner is a Professional Organizer, that helps to organize your life with
tips and hints on finance, your home, business, and your lifestyle. She offers
her expertise to men, women young adults and children to live life the simple
way. Go to Jan's website and get her free pamphlets, checklists and check out
her books on organizing your
life the easy way.
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