Questions To Ask Before You Buy
We are targeted several times per day with ads and marketing. The goal is to get us to buy what they want us to. Amazon makes it easy with its user interface on the computer or phone. They even provide the instant gratification of same day, free delivery. But it’s not their fault. They are doing what they know how to do. Feed in to our desire to consume and want stuff. So Let’s talk about some questions to ask that are helpful to curve impulses and put you on a path to controlling your finances.
Can I afford to give this money up? If it’s on a credit card you cannot afford it. Do you have the available cash to buy the item? If you do, would buying the item impact your finances for that week or month?
Is this a planned purchase or an impulse? If an impulse, exhibit the self-control to walk away. While budgeting did you expect and based your budget around the purchase?
Can I afford the actual cost? Things don’t just cost what you pay for at the store. What about the hidden costs? Like storing it. Cleaning it. The anxiety that comes with protecting your purchase. Panic if your kids step on it or the extra space in your home and mind the item takes up. For example, a home has a ton of hidden costs. Things like repairs and maintenance. So does a pet. So do new floors or sofa.
Will it add value to your life? This one is hard for those of you that love to shop. The moment you buy is the only value you gain. This is a dangerous outcome. The act of shopping is what drives you. Hence the phrase retail therapy. This can lead to uncontrolled and undisciplined spending and debt. Does the item bring you long term value. Does it make your week or life more efficient? Does it help you get closer to your goals? Does it support your vision in life or a dream?
What else can be done? What alternatives can you come up with? Borrow the item? Rent it? Check a thrift shop. Or if you know what you’re looking for hit yard sales in your area on the weekends to see if you can find it. I found a wheel barrel two summers ago for $3.
Do I need it? What if you waited 24-hours to buy it. Does your life stay the same without the item or do you break out in hives without it? Again this is a tricky one. Since we all like stuff, we feel we need it all. A need is required to survive. Like food, water, and a safe place to sleep. A want is everything else. A need is basic clothing. A want is name brand clothing.
Am I in debt? If so, try slowing down your spending so that you can pay down and pay off debt a little bit at a time. The priority if you have debt is to get out of it so that you can have more money.
Thought Provoking Questions : What kind of a shopper are you? What have you found helpful in order to curve impulses?
Dan Roman is a writer that releases a daily meditation. A quick read. Sharing wisdom and asking thought-provoking questions. Influenced by the obstacles, success and failures in life and of others. Using history, books, current events, philosophy, and ancient wisdom. These writings are actionable, thought-provoking, designed to make your life better.
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