Your big goal is to become a smart planner and a consumerism critic. Acquire a whole new mindset following my splurging-proof tips. Open up a text document, or grab a piece of paper, and shape up the new, financially responsible you. Just like a strenuous workout, self-discipline practice hurts, but the results feel so good, that you forget all about the temporary pain.
First Things First
Before you buy an item just stop right there and think for a moment. Make it a habit to ask yourself: “Do I really, really need this?” and “How will this make me feel happier?” You’ll be shocked at the percent of the unnecessary things you used to buy, and clutter your life with.
The secret of how to spend less than you make is contained in the enlightening realization that “they” are making us all believe that we need what we in fact don’t need. Even though the media celebrate consumer society and its culture, you want to keep a mind of your own. No one will fool you that you need the latest designer shoes to be chic and cool.
You know that you’re cool as much as you feel good about yourself. Knowing that you always have a nice, hefty amount on your savings account will make you self-confident, which is super sexy.
Credit Cards are So Last Year
Fretting about your credit card balance stresses you out, and makes your face look wrinkled. Just cancel, and shred these little plastic nuisances, and request a debit card if you don’t have one.
Choose Visa Electron or a similar product for safe online shopping which will never get you to the red sub-zero account zone. International debit cards will get you anything you actually can afford anywhere in the world.
Smart Classic Cliches
It’s always good to revise on the well-known, time-tested saving methods. First, always set aside the funds for paying your monthly bills. Find out if your bank offers an automatic bill paying service. You’ll never again have to spend hours on calculating and paying your bills. Your bank will do all the hard work, de-cluttering your mind.
Also, forget about shopping malls and start exploring small, independent local stores. Expect discovering epic finds that you’ll be bragging about to your friends who still shop generic goods on autopilot. Well, you’re not a zombie consumer, but the one who cares about quality, originality and great value for money.
Be open-minded, don’t hesitate to buy a second hand item, or to sample home-made food and locally grown vegetables. Remember, you’re the one who sets the standards of cool.
Don’t let your hipster friends talk you into buying unnecessary clothes and accessories. Show them who’s a real trend setter. Not only will you save money by shopping around the block, but you’ll inevitably meet interesting new people.
Write It all Down
When I first faced my own shopaholic behavior, I opened a cute pink notebook and started maintaining an expenditure log. This puts all bills, taxes and purchases neatly into perspective for even smarter financial planning.
Don’t be lazy to write down each Margarita and delicious cup of coffee consumed. You want to gain control through analysis of reoccurring spending patterns. Only then you can cut down on luxury goods systematically, and spend less than you earn. The feeling is priceless and the prices you carefully choose are barely there.
Saving doesn’t come down to austerity and lack, but represents beautiful mental balance and responsibility for oneself, which is very enjoyable.
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