Let's talk shop(ping). {How to Get Your Spending Under Control}
Hi interwebs!
It's been a minute since I did a blog post, but this week I've been working with clients around a common topic—money money money!
Since it keeps coming up for them, I thought more folks could use some info and insights around a part of our money mindset that we don't often talk about—walking away from the purchase.
It's not fun or sexy like manifesting tons of money, but sometimes, for a lot of people, there's some work to be done.
When working with clients around their spending habits, I use the acronym SALE to help them decide whether or not the purchase they’re going to make is something they’ll feel good about or they’re simply shopping just to shop or are anxious. This tool is something I developed after dealing with my own impulsive spending habits.
1.Start to become aware.
I work with clients around noticing how they feel whenever they’re nervous, anxious, or even bored throughout everyday life and maybe even find themselves window shopping online at school or work. They develop a list of ways they know they’re experiencing those feelings that they can reference later, that way, when they’re actively shopping, the dopamine is flowing, and their brains are primed to spend money they are able to quickly name their own red flags that may lead to impulse spending.
2.Ask yourself what’s going on.
Before clicking order, or handing the item over to the cashier, check in and ask yourself if the purchase is something you really want. This is the step where they check in with themselves and compare how they’re feeling in the moment to other times they feel stressed.
3.Leave the item.
I tell clients that if they have any hesitancy and think that maybe they’ll regret the purchase to leave it be for at least 24 hours. Most of the time, the store has no problem holding the item for that length of time, and if the website isn’t stating that the item is almost sold out, then it’s a pretty safe assumption the item will still be available in 24 hours. Getting out from the store or away from the messages to buy, even if only for a few minutes is essential to not get caught in the moment and just spend money.
4.Engage with someone else.
So often, when we shop impulsively we’re looking to fill a different void or seeking validation about something. Engaging with a friend can provide a source of connection and an outlet to vent about anything that’s going on, and even be a sounding board for the pending purchase. Additionally, engaging in a task can help someone feel accomplished and get their mind off of whatever was triggering the anxiety.
Whenever I’ve had clients utilize that process and they’ve actually gone back to make a purchase, they report feeling confident that it was something they feel good about. This helps reduce anxiety and increase confidence around the spending.
Ultimately, for anyone managing stress and impulse spending, the key to managing it is to be aware it’s something they do, and have the tools to not only recognize when it’s happening but to also step out of the situation.
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How do you balance spending and splurging?