Another way that I have learned to save money is by making lists and doing what I call "pre-shopping". Doing this has made a huge difference in helping me to avoid both impulse buys and buyer's remorse.
This method has two parts (both easy): first, make a list, and second, research the item. Its not rocket science, and I'm sure many people already do this, but I think its worth talking about anyway. I'm a big list maker, so step one is easy for me. I use this method most often when it comes to clothes, but it works for anything you want to buy. As I see or think of an item of clothing I want, I write it down (I have a list on my phone that I add to) and then I will look online or window shop for the item and compare styles and prices. Keeping a list (which I review while I am shopping) helps me to remember all the items I am hoping to get, and not just splurge on something that I don't really need. If I see something that I really want that is not on my list, I have to decide if I am willing to cut something else in order to get it. I don't just buy it all (I have to stay within my budget, remember?) so I decide to either add the new item to my list and hope to get it later, or buy it now and push something else back for a later time (or cut it altogether).
Another benefit of making the list and researching the item is that it helps me decide if I really want the item or not. Often, I see something and think I have to have it, but after a few days have gone by I usually realize it wasn't so great after all. If however, I am still thinking about the item after a few days or even weeks its a good sign that its something I really want and am willing to spend the money on.
Remember, just because you have a list and know that you really want the items, doesn't mean you can just blow your budget. Sometimes you just have to go without (Phil and I are really good at that) and never get the thing you long for. But at least having a list and doing some research helps you prioritize the spending that you do do so that it doesn't get out of control.
This method has two parts (both easy): first, make a list, and second, research the item. Its not rocket science, and I'm sure many people already do this, but I think its worth talking about anyway. I'm a big list maker, so step one is easy for me. I use this method most often when it comes to clothes, but it works for anything you want to buy. As I see or think of an item of clothing I want, I write it down (I have a list on my phone that I add to) and then I will look online or window shop for the item and compare styles and prices. Keeping a list (which I review while I am shopping) helps me to remember all the items I am hoping to get, and not just splurge on something that I don't really need. If I see something that I really want that is not on my list, I have to decide if I am willing to cut something else in order to get it. I don't just buy it all (I have to stay within my budget, remember?) so I decide to either add the new item to my list and hope to get it later, or buy it now and push something else back for a later time (or cut it altogether).
Another benefit of making the list and researching the item is that it helps me decide if I really want the item or not. Often, I see something and think I have to have it, but after a few days have gone by I usually realize it wasn't so great after all. If however, I am still thinking about the item after a few days or even weeks its a good sign that its something I really want and am willing to spend the money on.
Remember, just because you have a list and know that you really want the items, doesn't mean you can just blow your budget. Sometimes you just have to go without (Phil and I are really good at that) and never get the thing you long for. But at least having a list and doing some research helps you prioritize the spending that you do do so that it doesn't get out of control.
No comments:
Post a Comment