11 Ways To Stop Buying Things You Don’t Need

Stuff is everywhere. It’s calling out to you wherever you look, saying, “This will make your skin look better than ever!” or “This will give you the energy you need!” or “This will look so good in your home!” They sound so believable in the moment.

But advertisers greatly exaggerate a product’s usefulness while playing on your insecurities. And you pay the price.

So, how do you stop buying stuff you don’t need? And why do you do it?

1. Know Your Triggers.

Those stress-shopping purchases add up. And a big part of avoiding those expenses is to remove the triggers that make them more likely.

Think about the last few times you bought something you didn’t need and ask some questions:

• What were you feeling before and after the purchase?
• What were you trying to escape or to avoid thinking about?
• How long did it take for you to return to your baseline emotional state?
• When you get there, how desperate are you for another high?
• What are your go-to apps, stores, or products?

Only when you know your triggers can you take steps to minimize them.

2. Purge Your Inbox

One of those triggers might be emails with special deals, especially if you’re a bargain shopper. Ask yourself when you’re most vulnerable to promotional emails for products you’re most likely to buy.

Then unsubscribe from all retailer emails — especially those that tempt you with things that look good but that you don’t really need.

3. Go for Quality Over Quantity

Those special “deals” in the seasonal aisle of your local supermarket are usually low-quality items. Chances are, it’s a matter of weeks before they’ll end up in the trash or in a donation box.

Instead, if you really need an item like what you see on those discount shelves, do some research and look for something of higher quality. Instead of trying to get a carload of semi-useful items for less money, focus on finding a few high-quality items that will last.

4. Get Clear on Your Values and Goals

When you know what’s important to you, you’re less likely to shop brands or stores that don’t share your values. Otherwise, it’s too easy to justify taking advantage of every “mega sale” or bargain that shows up in an ad, an email, or in your mailbox.

Get clear on what you want to accomplish this year or in the next three years. Then make it a priority to only support businesses that share your values and support your goals.

5. Find a Support System

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