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Home > How to Stop Yourself from Buying Something

How to Stop Yourself from Buying Something

April 25th, 2007 at 06:18 pm

This is a little frugal savings tip that works for me every time. Let's say I see a hand-painted "Home Sweet Home" sign at a craft show I've gone to with my two sisters-in-law. I think it's just the right thing for my living room. It costs $40.00, and I'm wavering on whether to buy. One sister-in-law says, "you like it, buy it!" The other sister-in-law says, "well, it's very nice but I wouldn't pay that much. If it were only $5.00 less, I'd get it, otherwise I'd pass". I can't tell you how much money this sister in law has saved me. This is just enough incentive for me to let purchases go. Time and time again, I say to myself, as my sister in law did: "If only this item were $10.00 cheaper, or even $2.00 less...." and I decide, yeah, I don't need it that badly. Although this works best where price is a subjective thing, I've used it everywhere I shop and have put things back down after saying "if only it were $1 less....."

5 Responses to “How to Stop Yourself from Buying Something”

  1. Elly Says:
    1177527142

    I was thisclose to talking myself into buying a Scooba yesterday. It's like a Roomba (vacuum robot) but it mops. I don't need to be "wasting" money like that so I waited and now I can step away and realize I don't need it.

  2. Brooklyn girl Says:
    1177536047

    I use a test question -- if I moved to a smaller apartment/moved to work overseas... would I take this with me?

    It is not only about money -- it is about CLUTTER. A sigh for the wall is in the clutter category to me.

  3. baselle Says:
    1177562241

    That's a really good tip for the decisions on the fence. I usually use the "will I want it 24 hrs from now?"

  4. librarylady Says:
    1177610817

    Yes, I have heard of waiting 24 hours and then if you still want it, go back and get it. But in the case of a craft sale, I guess they wouldn't still be there in 24 hours.

  5. Lisa Says:
    1223352500

    My idea on shopping is if you see something you like, DON'T look at the price at the beginning. Examine the item, decide what it's worth to you in $$$. Then, and only then look at the price tag. If it is the same or less than, you could make the purchase, if you really need it. If the price is more, you won't believe how easy it is to walk away!

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