Here’s something I’ve done frequently.
I go to the grocery store for one item, and I come back with five. Or, I go to the mall to replace something that has ripped or fallen apart, and I come back with a few new pieces of clothing. Or maybe I’m ordering something online, and free shipping makes spending $50 seem like a good idea.
Why do I do this? Well, mostly because I give myself reasons to. And Amazon doesn’t mind!
Lately, I’ve been avoiding shopping. My weakness is Whole Foods, where I can’t seem to stop purchasing new spices, dried goods, bulk items like nuts and seeds and beans, and random bits of produce. None of this stuff really goes to waste, but I should be able to walk into a store and walk out with only what I planned to purchase. Right?
So, I thought about the reasons that I give myself whenever I end up buying more than I planned (or budgeted) for. And now, every time I hear myself stating these reasons, I’ll pause and think twice.
7 Reasons We Buy Things We Don’t Need
1) It’s such a good deal. Whether it’s 50% off sale or free samples with a $40 purchase, these types of things can be so tempting. Somehow we think we’ve tricked companies into giving us free stuff. But it’s kind of the opposite– companies have tricked us into spending more money than we planned.
2) I’ll need this eventually. Ah, isn’t it fun to buy things for the future? There are some items that are inevitable (like toilet paper and salt), but so many things I’ve purchased “for the future” just sit around forever. Use what you have, and when it’s gone, replace it.
3) I can always return it. I don’t know about you, but I’ve not returned very many things in my lifetime. Don’t count on yourself going back to the mall to return something– it’ll just give you another reason to shop more.
4) I don’t have anything quite like this. Whether it’s a new color or a new brand, I’ve often told myself that I need to add an item to my collection of items– yes, collection. So obviously I already have several of these items and I probably don’t need another one (e.g., lipsticks, sweaters, purses, colorful pens, etc.).
5) This will help me be more like (insert name here). Oh, man. I’ve been guilty of this. I see a movie, I watch a show, I open a magazine– and there’s some perfected image that I suddenly want to imitate. And here’s what I’ve learned: no product will ever turn me into someone else. And, I probably shouldn’t make that my goal anyway.
6) One for her/him, one for me. Ever purchased a gift for someone and decided that you should get one for yourself too? I totally have. Let’s commit to true generosity, rather than insisting we should get something just because we’re getting it for someone else.
7) I DESERVE this, and it will make me feel better about (insert problem here). I’m not talking about OTC drugs– that Tylenol will make your headache go away. What I’m talking about is retail therapy, that little concept that makes us think we can assuage our emotions via consumption. Hint: it doesn’t work.
I’m hoping that as you read these, some of them are resonating. I’m hoping it’s not just me.
So, how do we combat these lies so that we can actually put our resources to good use? How can we avoid the clutter and mess that usually result from these purchases?
- Think of something worth saving up for. Maybe it’s a trip to Yosemite. Or a gift you want to give to someone who matters to you. Maybe it’s a slow cooker or a blender you’ve been eyeing for ages but can’t afford. And every time you want to spend money frivolously, think of that thing.
- Before heading to the mall or grocery store, tell someone what you plan to purchase there. Have them ask you what you ended up purchasing when you come back.
- Ignore advertisements as much as you can. These pesky little things are designed to make us feel inadequate so that we’ll purchase something to fix that feeling. And who wants that?
- Force yourself to write down 5-10 real, legitimate reasons why you need that item, and show it to someone. If they approve of your reasons and agree with you, then consider it!
Do you find yourself buying things you don’t need? What are some reasons you give yourself, and how do you hope to avoid them in the future?
I have returned many items, for me it was a way to discover the feeling I had about the item. I would keep the item for a week and look at it and finally I reflected that I didn’t need the item. I had satisfied the urge and I could finally let go. I dont have to do it any more now. I also test myself by going to the store with no money. I desensitized myself. If I happened to see an item that I had been looking for a long time and that I WOULD USE, then I came back to buy it. I stay away from dollar store because of the quality, I buy only items that will last. This worked for me.
I hated to waste celery, I would use the first fat stalks and forget the rest. Now, I wash all the celery, cut it all up. I make sticks and mince the heart. I freeze the minced celery in ziplock and whenever I make a soup , spaghetti sauce or stew, the celery is already minced and ready, I save time! And money, I dont have to go to et celery for my recipe.
My trick especially for grocery shopping is 1) don’t shop hungry. 2) recheck your basket for impulse buys and ask cashier to put them back. Limit your self to $20 of splurge items suck as snacks and dessert. 4) review what food that you threw out unused last week and cut back or eliminate if your menus have changed. Limit to one weekly trip for bread, milk, eggs. butter, and produce or meat sale items. and shop monthly the center of the store.
Lovely list that hopefully inspires readers to consume less! For me the worst part of it all is when I’m super broke travelling and I go through all the stupid things I’ve ever bought in my head ha! And I’m sure it’s not just me that does that?
Thank you Angelica! I appreciate you stopping by! 🙂
WOW! This is spot on. I’m sad I didn’t find your blog sooner.
Thank you Heather! Glad this resonated with you!
Yes, sales are so tricky! We think we’ve outsmarted these companies, but if we really did, they would all go out of business. I’m always pretty careful with sales because I can easily end up purchasing things I never planned to. Thanks for reading!
Yes that is an awesome idea!!
Thanks Anum! Glad this resonated with you.
YES!! I’ve stayed away from the mall and it has helped immensely. Also removing myself from promotional email lists has helped too.
Love this list. #1 especially hits home. And great suggestion, @disqus_6OKbCmzLbc:disqus of putting a photo of the goal with the cards.
Buying unneeded stuff is not a problem for me–in fact, I probably have more of an issue with not buying stuff I do need! But the chief hobby of someone in our household who shall remain nameless is buying things, always at a good price, I’m invariably reminded! My reply has become my household mantra: buying things on sale we don’t need does not save money. Sounds good, but has no effect. 🙂
Even just putting a picture of the item or goal you are saving for in with your debit or credit card can help keep away temptation!
Number 7 is pretty much the only reason I buy clothes and makeup. Thanks for the great article Daisy.
I used to be super bad about this, and I totally used to shop to make myself feel better. I finally came to the realization that buying something was just not the answer. And when I finally started just avoiding stores altogether, it was a big step for me. These days I rarely go to stores, with the exception of the grocery store. It’s made a huge difference in spending! I shop online a little more now, but I think it’s a lot easier to avoid impulse buys in the virtual retail world.
These are such great tips. Daisy! I have definitely (more than once) done the whole “one for you…one for me!” Especially when it’s inexpensive. My weakness is perishable foods that end up going to waste and clothing that I end up not wearing. Luckily, I’m getting better about the whole clothing thing and only buying staples.
Just letting you know I shared this on my February blogger love post! http://thenestednomad.com/2015/02/27/blogger-love-february/
I used to be really bad at this when it came to clothes and makeup. Then I decided my test was: if I still wanted it in a few days, I’d think about buying it. Usually, I just forget about what I thought I just had to have. Out of sight, out of mind 🙂 I’m STILL pretty bad when it comes to grocery shopping, but we’ve been combatting this by going to Trader Joe’s, where there’s just not a huge selection of stuff and everything is very reasonably priced.
I am so bad when it comes to the grocery store! I don’t like the feeling of empty cupboards despite the fact that I live across the street from a grocery store and work across the street from trader joe’s/whole foods. I just need to get better at meal planning/snack planning.
Wow what a great and helpful post! Decluttering is one of my NY resolutions too so thanks for this!
Best!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
I am SO guilty of using shopping as an excuse to fill an emotional void when I’m feeling down. I love the idea of having someone ask you when you return from shopping what you bought – although you also have to be careful with that one, as I’ve seen some people take that approach for the sake of accountability, then start lying about what they’ve bought!
If I ever get to that stage of lying to hide my purchases, I think I’ll know I’ve gone too far!
Great article as usual Daisy, you’re a wise woman 🙂
xx Anastasia // http://www.anastasiaamour.com
Thank you so much! I’m really glad this resonated with you. And I know, right! I always lose the receipt or just “forget” about it. Thank you for stopping by!
Thank you Naveen! Oh yes… hype and trends can really get people to spend money they shouldn’t to acquire things they don’t need. That’s a great one.
Thank you Mica! And yes exactly– if our goal is to simplify or downsize, it is not helpful to continue adding to a collection of things we already don’t need. So glad to hear this resonated with you, thank you for reading!
So glad you could relate to this Brittany! I agree that even if something will be back to full price in the future, it’s better to buy it then– because by then you might realize that you never needed it in the first place! 😉 And yes, my husband and I really want to go back to Yosemite some time. It’s stunning!
Thank you Joy! Oh yes, imitating celebrities or even people I’ve known has been a weakness for me since I was little. Simplifying and decluttering has actually helped me be more comfortable in my own skin. So I totally understand what you’ve said here!
Great point Becca. It sounds like you’ve been really financially responsible which is awesome. Unfortunately I know people who spend money that they literally do not have (hello credit card debt) and it’s terrifying! And I’m so glad you don’t do clutter either– that’s what I”M going for!
Thank you so much Laura!! Oh and yes, Target is a labyrinth of stuff– it’s hard not to see something you might want at any point there! 😉
Yesss giving yourself time between seeing something and purchasing it can be a great way to cut back. And so glad I am not the only one! I always see things I want at the farmers’ market. Subscribing to the CSA has helped me keep things under budget!
Thanks girl. You are so kind! And I’m so glad you can relate.
I ALWAYS use the “I can always return it” excuse. Haha but then I never do. This is a great post! So much to remember and think about.
Daisy,
You have covered great points here. Another point I would like to add is ‘ our own weakness of succumbing to hype’.
Hype overrides logic with temptation.
The moment, we become logical, hype dies its natural death !
These are such good tips!
I often found myself buying clothes “for the future” like a special event or a situation..and I just end up with an overflowing wardrobe that doesn’t work for my current lifestyle! I’m trying to downsize the size of my wardrobe, and a big part of that is looking more critically at what I buy and why I buy it. Slowing what comes in makes it more effective when I do finally decide to let something go, I don’t have 10 other things waiting to take its place!
Away From The Blue
Oh dear, I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve said, “I can just return it” and then I forget all about it, lose the receipt, etc. Also, “I’ll need this eventually,” especially if the item is on sale! I’ve learned to just tell myself, “Okay great, I’ll buy it then, even if it’s full price.” I try my best to avoid shopping unless I absolutely have to, because part of being strong is just avoiding tempting situations as often as you can. Also, a trip to Yosemite is excellent motivation!! One of my favorite places in the world. 🙂 Thanks for sharing these ideas, Daisy!
So much truth here! I think #1 and #5 get me in the most trouble. #5: It’s embarrassing to admit, but only in the last year or so have I realized that what makes someone else look good doesn’t necessarily work for me. It seems so obvious on the one hand, but I took a looooong time to learn it. As I’m learning to minimize my wardrobe, I think I’m getting better at figuring out what my style really is and what works for me. And like you said, I shouldn’t be trying to look like anyone else! Great post!
I actually don’t think I do this too much — Having a time in your life where you have little to no money will train you to put off purchasing things you don’t need! Now, I only buy “big” (and by big I mean more than $20) purchases after I’ve read reviews, price compared, and wanted it for an extended period of time! Once I realize I’m no longer using something, I toss it, give it away, or sell it. I don’t do clutter. Haha!
Great list Daisy! I can’t tell you how many times this has been me. I’m trying to avoid Target altogether for this reason. With online shopping I’ll usually put something in my cart and then close the window If I still want/”need” it in a day or two I just might buy it. But I think this keeps my impulse buying in check.
.. Laura ..
Great post — I can totally relate! For me time is a big help in not spending money on things I don’t need. If I give myself 24 hours, I usually lose that desire to splurge on whatever the item is, which means I can definitely live my life just fine without it! If it’s still on my mind and makes sense, I’ll budget it in.
Grocery stores are the worst! Lists, lists, lists. Otherwise I would come home with everything in whole foods!
Good job Daisy ^_^
http://www.threadandbones.com
I was thinking back over the story and it turns out that when I went to the store I ended up spend 150% more than I was planning to pay for the dress online. Maybe that was the ploy!: get me to go into the store so I would buy everything in sight!
I’m especially guilty of the “I’ll return it”. And I’m a disaster at Whole Foods as well! What a good reminder, thanks friend! You are just so lovely xoxo
Camille
The Lovely Theory
Ah thanks Kiki, so glad to hear this resonated with you. 🙂 Hope you have a great weekend too!!
Thank you Natalie! Oh and I know that feeling– especially when you’re in a store that sells everything you love or are interested in! And I agree that it’s just easier to not think of shopping as a legitimate activity. And a smaller space definitely helps with that, it forces you to choose the important stuff and leave the rest behind!
Thanks girl, glad to hear it! 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Hahahahah that’s a great point. My husband (usually) doesn’t pick up anything extra, at least not for me. 😉
Thank you Robin!! Yes, something about seeing those thoughts on paper helps me to think even more carefully about where I”m putting my resources. Thanks for reading!
That’s awesome– I like saving for vacations too! 🙂 And really, it’s totally out of control especially in the US.
Oh yes, I know the feeling. I’d justify going out for dinner all the time just because I didn’t want to eat in. And it’s amazing that you made that career change– sounds like it was a really great decision. You’re so right that the “urge to splurge” is usually related to other perhaps more serious forms of discontentment in our lives.
Thanks girl!! 🙂 And that’s a crazy story– it was more expensive online?! That’s not cool. Hope you’re doing well too, friend!
Thanks Nabihah, so glad it resonated with you. I have accumulated tons of stuff over the years (and I”m not even that old, hah) and it’s crazy the reasons I give myself to buy more.
Ah yes, it’s a hard one!! Glad to hear this was helpful, Chrissy!
Oh I am so guilty of everything in this post. I’ve been finding your posts incredibly therapeutic though. Continue and perhaps some sense will be knocked into me. I cannot wait for your wardrobe challenge post. I’m very interested to see how that plays out. Have a fantastic weekend Daisy! (:
http://www.accordingtokiki123.blogspot.com
This is very wise. I have tried so hard to get better about this. Target and Hobby Lobby are my two worst places to go! I have just avoided stores except when I really need something lately because I always get suckered in. I had to go to hoblob this morning to get a few things for my daughter’s birthday and I stuck to what I needed but it was HARD. They had soooo much cute stuff and Valentine’s stuff was on super clearance so obviously I needed it right?! 😉 Didn’t get any though. I have just forced myself to stop shopping just to shop. I think having moved into a small house helps too, because we don’t have space for clutter anymore like we did in an old big house.
You are so right, and I often fall victim to each of the above listed. But your tips below are oh so helpful!
xo
Michaela
http://michaelajeanblog.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/MichaelaJeanArt
Let me add, send husband to the store cause hell grab what you said and that’s it… Lol. This post is taking straight to me… Lol
These are such great ideas! I love the idea of writing a list of reasons you need something. That will help me cut back on a lot of the purchases I make.
YES! I’ve been passing on purchases for the past few weeks because I’m trying to save up for our vacations, and I want to invest in quality items.
Needless spending is out of control.
This is fantastic! I used to be so guilty of many of these, especially the “I deserve this” mentality that I had when I was working insane hours at a job I absolutely hated a few years ago. I was miserable and would use my bad mood as justification for shopping or treating myself to Starbucks.
Often times buying items we don’t need is masking deeper problems. After I quit my job and started working for myself, I suddenly didn’t have the urge to splurge anymore. Funny how that works!
AHHH this is great! Online stores are sooo smart to do the whole “free shipping is your spend 50$”. Recently I almost fell for it via Gap, but they also have this new thing where you can reserve the item in store and go pickup there. Well to my surprise, the item was 15$ CHEAPER in store! Free shipping wouldn’t have made up for that!
Hope all is well, you beautiful, lovely woman, you! xoxoxo
Definitely guilty of this! My inner monologue includes all of that minus number 6! I’ve been trying something out where, if I see something I like, I wait till I get home to see if I still need it. If I do, I treat myself but, almost every time, I realize I don’t need it and so I save my money! I love the idea of thinking what we’re saving up for and writing down reasons I need a certain thing. Thanks for this Daisy!
thesundaywardrobe.blogspot.com
I’m totally guilty of spending more to get free shipping!!! I was buying a coat on Forever21’s website yesterday and they said €26 more until free shipping! I almost clicked back to add more to my cart and then I realised “no. Shipping costs €6.. me spending €26 to avoid spending €6 doesn’t make any sense!!”.
All it takes is slowing down and actually thinking about what you’re doing to make the right decision!
Chrissy x
http://www.chrissylilly.com