I was listening to a How to Money podcast episode recently (while sanding Sonia and Zoe’s beds!) and they said something about spending triggers…which triggered some thinking for me.
I’ve read in multiple books/posts/articles that we only have so much willpower to use over the course of a day. Because of this, it’s smart to design your life so that it requires less willpower.
How do you avoid using willpower?
You get your gym clothes out the night before so that it takes less willpower to work out.
You put your alarm clock on the opposite side of the bedroom so that it takes less willpower to get out of bed.
You get drive-thru coffee so you don’t have to use self-control to avoid the pastry.
You take a time-consuming game app off your phone so that you don’t need to use self-control to avoid it.
You don’t buy thin mint cookies at Aldi because then you don’t have to spend willpower resisting them.
(Ok, that one is mainly applicable to me.)
The idea is that if you don’t waste your willpower resources on those things, then you have more willpower left for other stuff.
Also, if you set things up so that they don’t require self control or willpower, you are much more likely to stick with the habits/actions you want to stick with!
Think about your spending triggers
What things/places/times make you want to spend money that you shouldn’t spend?
If you figure out what those are, then you can be mindful about avoiding them in the first place.
There’s the trite classic: grocery shopping on an empty stomach.
For me: arriving at the 5:00 hour of the day with no meal plan. Takeout spending: triggered!
Maybe there’s a store that woos your dollars from you (Can you shop somewhere else?)
Maybe there’s a website that makes it too easy to spend (You could block it on your browser.)
Maybe having cash in your wallet makes you spend (That’s Mr. FG. He’s better with no cash on hand!)
Maybe having a credit card in your wallet makes you prone to spending.
The spending triggers are going to vary widely depending on the person, but pretty much everyone has them.
Take some time to think about your triggers (if you share money with someone, figure out the triggers for each of you!) and then see if you can think of a way to avoid or minimize your contact with the trigger.
Your financial situation will benefit and you’ll be left with more self control for other things in your life.
Monica Booth
Thursday 4th of July 2019
Beginning the journey to a more minimalist lifestyle has helped me avoid spending triggers lately. I still make mistakes but whoo boy, I used to just buy whatever my little heart desired right when I wanted it. I'm getting so much better at asking myself, "do we NEED this"? and most often I pass on it.
Here are some of my triggers:
1. Promotional emails. I've unsubscribed to pretty much all newsletters from companies that sell things, keeping only emails from bloggers and companies who mostly operate to share information about various topics I'm interested in. Occasionally there'll be promotions from them but they're frequently for online courses or things of that nature, so it's easier for me to assess if I have the time/energy/interest for it, rather than "omg I need that in my home now!".
2. Social media. I've also been whittling down my following lists, removing companies who just promote products rather than curating information on the topics I'm interested in.
3. YouTube. Some may put this under social media but I'm singling it out because I used to follow tons of "review" channels for things like makeup, hair and skincare products. I'd buy things because they got a high review but I ultimately would return to a small handful of products that I know work for me. I've since unfollowed all those accounts and just replace my core products when I run out.
4. Mental health. I find that I spend more when I'm feeling down. Back when I was working at a job that was making me miserable, I used retail therapy as an escape, something to fill the hole. It definitely ties in to the other triggers on this list because it made them even more *triggery*, and I wasn't capable of exercising willpower at all. Addressing my mental health issues has lead to a drastic lifestyle change that's still in progress, but progress is definitely progress. I now feel more in control of my thoughts and make fewer impulse purchases.
I'm trying "click and collect" at my local grocery store for the first time today, where I do all my grocery shopping online and then have it delivered to my car in the parking lot during a scheduled time. I'm excited because I could search for just the items that I need and I don't have to push my cart past aisles full of junk food and impulse buys. If all goes well, it'll probably be how I grocery shop from now on :)
Susan
Wednesday 3rd of July 2019
I’m not a shopper, so I’m not really tempted by Amazon or Target. We do have outlets near us, and I love the Polo Ralph Lauren store. I’ve lost quite a bit of weight in the past year, and I’ve replaced my entire wardrobe. That has been expensive. I tend to hoard coffee pods and Mrs. Meyers bath gel, as well as Bath & Body Works shower gels, but I only shop online for that stuff during the sales a few times a year. I’d rather sit at home with s good book and cup of coffee than go shopping or browse websites.
Amanda
Wednesday 3rd of July 2019
Oh this is so true!
Planning ahead helps me. I knew I was going to a wedding this month in Iceland. If I hadn't planned my outfit carefully I could see me impulsing a bunch of clothes the week before. Instead I was able to pull together what I already had and try a few things from Thredup.
Even planning ahead for the day helps. I knew if I didn't pack lunches for me and the kids to eat immediately after an appointment yesterday we would have ended up at a fast food place.
Karen B.
Wednesday 3rd of July 2019
College vacuum pack as much as possible. Don’t forget Amazon Prime Student. Right now they have a 6 month trial offer. Unsubscribing from em offers is a good way to stop temptation as well.
Suzan
Wednesday 3rd of July 2019
My children are grown and I live on a very limited income. Each fortnight I draw $300 from after I have bought my groceries and I have to make that $300 last fourteen days. It is very difficult. But I do try. It is a huge bonus if I have saved some money at the end of the pay period.