The following is a guest post from Heather Green.
I wish I had a dollar for everytime I’ve thought “THIS is the week that I’m going to stop spending so much money!” At the time, I mean it with every fiber of my being, then I get paid and get busy making excuses. So, I did a little research and came up with a few ways to curb my shopping addiction that seem to work for me.
Shop at home
Ladies, You KNOW you have more clothes than you need and even a few items with the tags still attached. So the next time you get bored or depressed or just feel like buying something, go straight to your closet and start piecing outfits together. You’ll declutter and save!
Ditch the Cart, Carry a Basket
I started doing this a few months ago so I wouldn’t buy more than I could carry. It worked. Whether I was at the grocery store or Target, wherever I was, if I couldn’t carry it, I couldn’t have it. The first few times, you’ll cut off the circulation in your arms and over time, you’ll learn to only get what you need.
Put the Stuff You Want on Hold
Walk away and think about it. It sounds like a lot of work, but it saves a ton of money in the long run. Being a compulsive shopper, I’ve started examining my items before I buy. Most of the time, I end up putting a good bit back or I never go back to spend the money that I didn’t have in the first place.
Get an Accountability Buddy
Just like Christian living, being held accountable helps us to keep track of how we’re living and what we need to change. The same principle applies for spending. If you feel the need to get out of the house and you are used to hitting the department stores, call a friend instead and meet up for a cup of coffee or something that’ll squish that shopping bug.
Say Goodbye to Plastic!
“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” Proverbs 22:7 Start paying for things with cash only. Seeing the cash go is hard to do and chances are good, you’ll spend a lot less.
Heather Green is a Christian mom, freelance writer and the resident blogger for OnlineNursingDegrees.org, a free informational website offering tips and advice on online nursing schools.
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These are such great tips, thank you. The little foxes spoil the vine! I just took a great financial class at my church, which addresses this and now I am reading a helpful book about identifying “hot spots” for potential compromise in our Christian walk, which can include finances. The title is “Principle Centered Living,” written by a wonderful man of God, Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams. You should check it out!
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