In today’s day and age, over consumerism is one of the biggest problems that we are faced with. All of us have at least once given into the temptation of buying something that we don’t need because it was on sale, was trendy on social media, or even because we had a bad day and needed a quick and accessible source of dopamine. However, impulse shopping is bad not only for your wallet, wardrobe, and mental state, but the environment too, as it generates tons of waste that pollute our planet. If you want to learn more about how to avoid spending your money irrationally, here are the top ways you can stop impulse buying.
Do a Digital Detox
Social media often plays an important role in fueling our shopping addiction, and if you feel like you can’t go a day without getting a package from Amazon, it is time to do a digital detox. Unfollow any pages and accounts that promote products and over consumerism, since the neverending array of flashy screens and short videos can create a severe spending problem and financial instability. Trust us when we say that you definitely don’t need a new Stanley cup just because an influencer got it or the $30 Shein dress in every color under the sun.
Avoid Shopping During Sale Season
Sales are wonderful marketing strategies that mass market stores use to get rid of their old collections, especially during transitional seasons, but they are also the reason most people spend their money on things that will later on serve them no purpose. If you want to buy something on sale that is not a necessity or a high-quality product, ask yourself ‘Would I buy this for the full price?’. If the answer is no, there is a high chance that you don’t like the garment as much as you think you do. And remember: 20% off still means 80% on.
Plan Your Spendings
It would be impossible to completely stop going shopping, and there is no harm in getting an occasional new top or accessory that you actually need in your wardrobe. However, to avoid ending up stressed and in debt, budget and plan your spendings in a healthy way. For instance, with Mother’s Day coming up, you might feel tempted to spend a lot of money on gifts for your mom to show her how much you love and cherish her. But even during these high-spending seasons, you can find great alternatives. Gaelsong is an authentic Irish online store that has a wide range of gifts for her for all budgets, so you can get your mom a lovely present without spending a fortune.
Give Yourself a Budget
If you’ve ever struggled with a shopping addiction, you are familiar with the stress of having a credit card debt or even having no money for essential things like rent, utilities, and food because of some poor financial decisions. To avoid ending up in such situations, give yourself a strict budget when you really need to go shopping and don’t want to overspend. Allocating an exact amount of money will help you reflect before buying something, considering if you truly want to get that certain item or if you are simply seeking instant gratification.
