How to deal with the overspending habit

Spending money can also be like a drug. It’s a quick way to feel better.

"Our eyes get a little big for our wallets, and we give in to impulse."

Eliminate your overspending habit: 

1. Spend according to your budget. Of course, you already have a budget? Right?

Make a budget and limit the amount you can spend. Ensure that you’re also saving consistently. If you have the urge to purchase something, whip out your budget and make a responsible decision.

2. Short-term pleasure leads to long-term pain. It’s practically a universal law. If it’s pleasurable in the short term, you’re going to suffer in the long term. The opposite is also true. A daily trip to the gym isn’t much fun at the moment, but the rewards are great. A $300 rhinestone unicorn might be satisfying today, but what about three months from now?

"Like other habits, overspending lacks thought. It's automatic."

• Some experts recommend causing yourself a little bit of pain when you’re about to overspend. Snap yourself on the wrist with a rubber band or give yourself a pinch. It will change your state and bring you out of your buying trance. You'll also learn to associate pain with unnecessary buying.

   

"It will change your state and bring you out of your buying trance."

4. Consider what your overspending is costing you. Too much debt can make it impossible to get a mortgage or a car loan. You won’t be able to take a vacation.

There may come a point that you can’t purchase the things you need to live. You might also get stuck working into your 70’s. Consider the consequences of overspending.

5. Avoid opportunities to overspend. When are you most likely to overspend? Is it while visiting your favorite store or website? Just stay away. Avoid the temptation altogether. Make a list of your favorite spending venues and remind yourself of the consequences.

 

6. Make note of how you feel before and after a purchase. Do you spend when you’re feeling out of sorts? What emotions trigger the urge to buy something? How do you feel afterward? Before making a purchase, ask yourself if you need the item or if you’re just making yourself feel better. If you’re just making yourself feel better, don’t buy it, and find another, a more beneficial way to feel better.

"Studies have shown that feelings of gratitude increase willpower leading to reduced spending." 

7. Feel gratitude. Ask yourself what you’re grateful for before overspending. Studies have shown that feelings of gratitude increase willpower leading to reduced spending. Gratitude can increase resistance to instant gratification.

Give it a try.

• Also, note that stress and anxiety lower willpower significantly.

8. Track every cent you spend. At the end of each day, review how much you’ve spent. Keep a running total. Be sure to include everything, no matter how small. You’ve spent a fortune on small items over your lifetime. Track it all.

"Overspending is a dangeroug financial habit."

Avoid spending money on things you don’t need. Overspending is a dangerous financial habit. Replacing your savings always takes longer than you think it will.

Relying on debt is even worse. If you currently overspend, give this issue the time and effort it deserves. Overspending is the fastest way to destroy your finances.

#masteryourmindandyourmoney