13 Strategies To Help You Stop Buying Things You Don’t Actually Need

Have you ever gone into the store for “just one thing?” Or received an Amazon package and had no idea what you ordered? In an era of one-click ordering, end cap displays, and ubiquitous advertising, it’s no wonder we often end up buying more than we need.

Confining your purchases to the things you really need and want is all about mindfulness. Here are a few ways to set your focus so you can avoid wasting money and buy only what’s important to you.

When you know what you want, it’s easier to say no to things that are just nice to have. For instance, if you’re saving up for a Mediterranean cruise, passing on drinks after dinner or a subscription service you no longer use is much easier.

Or tablet or phone or whatever device feeds you a lot of advertising. When you immerse yourself in ads, it’s easy to get interested in or distracted by whatever shiny object is coming out. You won’t be able to purge all advertising from your life, but by limiting your exposure, you can ensure you’re buying what you want, not what commercials are teaching you to want.

By purchasing high-quality goods that last a long time, you’ll need to buy less over time. Pay special attention to fast-fashion items like cheap clothing, furniture, and home decor. Opt for classic pieces that will last for years to come.

Whether you’re buying holiday gifts for loved ones or treating yourself, look for experiences over things. You’ll have memories to keep forever rather than items to figure out where to store, how to clean, etc.

How many times have you gone out for AA batteries, matches, or another item, only to realize that you had it all along but had forgotten about it? By decluttering often and keeping your home organized, you’ll reduce the times you go to the store for things you already own.

Many times we get to the end of the month and wonder what we spent all our money on. By keeping track of your purchases and reviewing your spending periodically, you can ensure you’re aligning your actions with your goals.

This is a classic way to stave off impulse purchases. Using a shopping list ensures not only that you don’t forget anything, but also that you don’t add any items you don’t need.

Tempted by a killer deal? Found something you just can’t live without? Promise yourself or your partner to wait at least 24 hours before making large purchases. That gives you enough time to sift through any sales pitch or buying impulse to determine if the product you’re considering is what you truly want.

People tend to spend more when using a credit card instead of cash. If you want or need to curtail your spending, using dollar bills rather than a card may help you do so.

Want to make saving money more fun? Turn it into a game. Do a no-spend challenge for a month. You can make it shorter or longer if you like, but use that time to only purchase necessities. You can do another version where you count how many days in a month you spend no money at all.

Want to see a movie? Check your local library for DVDs. Need a tool for a house project? Ask a neighbor to borrow one. Looking for something to do on your next date night? See if your community has a free concert or art walk. When you’re looking to spend money, see if you can find an alternative way to get what you want for free.

Apart from cluttering up your inbox, retail emails ping you repeatedly to buy whatever the stores are selling. Do yourself and your wallet a favor, and unsubscribe from as many of them as possible.

Retail therapy doesn’t provide any lasting relief to any distressing emotions, and shopping when you’re hungry is a recipe for buying all the foods that look delicious. Making purchases in either state sends logic out the window, and you’re likely to buy more than you need to.

Only buying what you truly want and need is difficult but possible. By implementing mindful spending habits, you can reduce unnecessary purchases and stay focused on your financial goals.

Adopting these strategies not only helps you get ahead financially but also fosters a more intentional and satisfying relationship with your spending habits.