We all love to shop and get new things, it is a sort of a fulfilling experience. Furthermore, online shopping has made this even more convenient which might have caused our habits to go a bit out of control. Very often we tend to shop not because we need things but out of pure boredom and that kind of behavior can easily lead to financial instability. So, if you also fall into this category of irresponsible bored shopper go through the following tips, as they can help you manage that behavior.
Limit your funds
The first thing you can do is simply count on your own responsibility. We tend to shop because we do have more than enough funds so we treat ourselves. If our available funds were more limited we might not have the same urge to spend it. So, you see to have a portion of your money sent to a savings account on each payday. This way you invest in something useful, and you are less likely to spend that money on things you don’t need.
Leave your credit card at home
Another thing you can do is make a commitment to only use cash for shopping and leave your credit card at home. This way you will always be limited with the funds you have in your wallet. If you know that you have to make a trip home and then to the ATM in order to buy something at the store, the desire to purchase it will likely subside. In other words, shopping becomes more trouble than it’s worth at least while you are on the outside.
Focus on something else while you are at home
The number one problem can be online shopping as your newsfeed is probably filled with ads for different stores, given your prior online behavior. You can limit your exposure by focusing on a TV show or a movie. Find something to binge-watch so that you are less tempted to spend money while trying to kill some time online.
Adopt a new rule for shopping
Shopping sites usually have a wishlist option that you can use to categorize all the things you wish to buy. Simply make a new rule that an item should be on your wishlist for at least 30 days before you decide to make a purchase. If you choose to wait this long you are less likely to make a purchase at all, since you will no longer find that item as interesting.
Finally, try to do something more fulfilling to redirect your attention from shopping. You can help at a local homeless center, read books, see what charitable causes you can support, etc.