It seems as though more and more people are doing their shopping online. However, this can quickly become out of hand. Just a few clicks, input your payment, and voila! You have just spent money you probably didn’t need to to spend.
Does the shame set in afterward? Let’s stop this and and talk about some ways to curb your online shopping. While you may see some benefit to doing only one of these, they all work together. Doing all of them can work wonders in stopping frivolous online shopping and spending.
Why Do You Shop Online?
Start tracking with the reason you shop online. Are you shopping out of boredom or necessity? Are you buying items you need or just want? Are you stocking up on items out of fear? Once you understand the reasons you shop, you are better able to help yourself stop the frivolous purchases.
“Wants”
If you are buying “wants” and you really don’t have the money for that right now, unsubscribe from those stores’ lists. Removing yourself from the email lists will help with the temptation to click and buy.
What Can You Be Doing Instead?
If you are shopping online out of boredom, make a list of other ways you can fill that time – ways that are fun, free, or very frugal. Can you go for a walk? Can you spend time with a friend? Can you video chat with a long distance friend or family member? Making the list is important because that way you will have something written down that you can go back to when needed. You can also add to it as you think of new ways. If you’re stuck on free activities, click here to get some inspiration.
Declutter
If you are shopping a lot of “wants”, most likely there are items that you are not using often – if at all. Decluttering will also help you. What can you sell, donate, or give to another person? Remember though, when you do sell items, do not turn around and buy more! Put that money toward your savings and investment goals. Benefits of decluttering can extend beyond just in that moment.
Final Thoughts
Again, while you may see a decline in your online shopping only doing one of these things, doing ALL of these things can show a significant improvement. Start today. Start now. Let go of the past and move toward a better tomorrow.
If you would like help with taking control of your money, please click here to schedule your free consultation.
