10 Tested and proven ways to help you go on a shopping diet

Are your shopping habits getting the best of you?  Well, here are ten ways to help you stay away from shopping for a while, especially if your shopping habits are spiraling out of control.

1. Keep Track Of Your Spending

Financial consultants at Pronto Finance say “it is essential to keep track of how you are spending your money. In fact, tracking your spending can help you detect serious spending issues.”

Now, if you’re looking for an incentive to curb your shopping habits, keep track of how much you spend for a month or more; then write it somewhere … coffee, clothes, school supplies, entertainment, groceries, etc. Create another list for the things you want to purchase along with their prices. Having a clear picture of how much you spend and what you save will bring you more joy than any shopping spree. 

2. Delay

Timing is vital, particularly regarding impulse buys. No matter how badly you want to reach inside your wallet and retrieve your credit/debit card, delay the purchase for a month or so and then see if you’re still interested in purchasing as you were before. You may find out you no longer have the desire to make the purchase anymore.

3. Define The Reason Behind You Need Keep Shopping

Some people shop to kill boredom, is that the case with you? Or are you shopping to find an escape from a broken heart? Or perhaps shopping is a habit you can’t drop? Find the “why” behind your purchases. You’d be surprised to learn that listening to good music or just taking a long walk will be a much better solution. 

4. Declutter

Decluttering, as Marie Kondo would put it, helps you get rid of what doesn’t spark joy. So, when you’re continually decluttering, you’re left with only the things that spark joy in your life, and the need for the pleasure you get from a new purchase fades away. 

5. Donate

Are you on a quest for happiness at the mall? Put a pin on that. Studies show that people who donate money, possessions, or money are much happier than those who don’t. So, try giving. 

6. Location! Location! Location!

Identify the exact location where you spend your money. When you know a particular store too well, or become a regular and preferred customer, the chances are that you’ll end up feeling at home when spending your money there. Avoid local department stores and places you feel at home when spending as you would avoid a plaque! If an e-commerce business is courting you via texts or emails, unsubscribe.

7. Challenge Yourself To New Rules

Why not try a new approach and challenge yourself with the minimalist fashion project 333, where you only dress with 33 pieces of clothes, accessories, shoes, and jewelry and stay away from shopping for these items for three months? If you do, there are many benefits in store for you. If you struggle with buying other things, create a personalized challenge and make sure you set rules and wait to see what you’ll learn.

8. Start An “Urgent & Important Matters” Fund

What’s urgent and essential to you? Since there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, you’ll need to come up with a list of what matters to you. For instance, if you’re planning on building or purchasing a home, start a fund for that. When new items at the mall tempt you, remind yourself of what’s more important to you and choose how to spend your money. A new pair of shoes or dinner in Paris? 

9. Gratitude

Some people end up as shopaholics because they’re looking for a way to reward themselves. But there’s a far better way to do that than to spend all your money on online stores or at the local mall – start a gratitude journal! Make gratitude a part of your morning routine by writing down a couple of things you’re grateful for. The secret is to help you:

• Calm down
• Motivate yourself and boost your self-esteem
• Reduce the risk or depression

10. Presence

Regardless of how much you try to convince yourself, the truth is that you can’t shop your way out of pain or into a promising future, so start concentrating on now. 

Final Words

Make use of these ideas to help you stay away from shopping for a while. Become more aware of your spending habits may give you freedom and peace. You don’t have to quit shopping forever, only a little while. What you want to buy won’t go anywhere, but the odds are you won’t.

Featured Image – cnn