We’re always looking for ways to get ahead financially so we can live our best lives, and that includes addressing sometimes sensitive issues. Specifically, if you feel your control over your online shopping habits is slipping, know you’re not alone.
Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to reign in your spending and regain control of your wallet. Here are 15 ways to help break your online shopping habit for good.
Make Money: 8 things to do if you're barely scraping by financially
1. Find an accountability partner
Harmful habits thrive in solitude, which is why we often hide them from loved ones. But if you ask someone you trust for assistance, they can help.
Check-in with them as much as you need, whether it’s daily or weekly. Tell them the truth, and listen to them when they offer heartfelt advice.
Own a car? Here's 7 warning signs you're paying too much for car insurance. 2. Identify your triggers
Recognize the triggers that make you want to spend, like boredom, stress, or unpleasant emotions. That can help you identify the void you’re trying to fill with retail therapy.
If you’re not sure what your triggers are, journal about your feelings and look for patterns that emerge.
3. Unsubscribe from marketing emails
Marketing emails target consumers and tempt you to spend money when you don’t need to, turning your inbox into a place of temptation.
Click that unsubscribe button, and the out-of-sight, out-of-mind principle kicks in. You won’t buy it if you don’t see it.
Enjoying our content? Click the Follow button above to see more from us.
4. Set up a shopping email
Protect your personal email by creating a designated shopping email account. That keeps the latter from cluttering up the former.
That way you can also set up rules for when you check your shopping email, eliminating tempting triggers.
5. Delete shopping apps
While many apps promise discounts if you download them, they also make it super easy to spend money — especially if you store payment info in them.
Delete the trap that gets you to purchase with one click. Having to take extra steps to checkout means you think twice before you buy.
6. Implement a waiting period
Everyone makes occasional impulse buys, but if you make too many, you’ll deplete your finances and end up with stuff you don’t need.
Set a rule to wait for 24 to 48 hours after adding items to your shopping cart. With time, you’ll likely realize you can pass on many items.
Get Out of Debt for Good: Try these 6 clever ways to crush your debt
7. Set a monthly budget
Everyone benefits from a budget that helps track your spending and stay aware of your limits.
Create your budget, and more importantly, stick to it. Pay only with cash if needed —that way, you won’t spend money you don’t have.
8. Block shopping sites
Browser extensions are your friend. Use them to block access to your favorite sites during certain hours — or altogether.
If you don’t trust yourself, have your accountability partner do the blocking for you. In time, you may realize you don’t miss it as much as you thought.
9. Stay off social media
Social media platforms are filled with ads that are targeted specifically to you via algorithms making scrolling an endless source of temptation.
You may find that avoiding or even limiting your exposure pays off in dividends. Don’t forget to unfollow influencers or accounts that encourage shopping as well.
Grow Your $$: 11 brilliant ways to build wealth after 40
10. Replace it with a new habit
There are more wholesome ways to get that dopamine hit — and they don’t come with the inevitable guilt of overspending.
Maybe it’s time to finally start that yoga practice or pick up that book you keep meaning to finish.
11. Switch to a cash-only policy
A surefire way to stop shopping online is to only buy things with cold, hard cash.
It will make it harder to spend money as you’ll have to shop brick-and-mortar, and if you absolutely need to make an online purchase, tap your accountability partner.
12. Create a wish list
Nine times out of 10, there’s something you need more than that clearance sweater or new fragrance you just found on sale.
Take the time to draft a wish list of what you really need. The next time you want to spend, if it’s not on the list, you’ll know deep down you don’t need it.
Are you a homeowner? Discover 8 savvy money moves to stretch your budget
13. Focus on long-term financial goals
Sure, buying something online is fun, but having a robust retirement savings account is a far more important goal in life. Make that your mantra when you feel tempted.
A bucket list vacation is another worthy goal to prioritize over whatever the deal of the day may be.
14. Declutter regularly
Even before Marie Kondo inspired all of us to ask ourselves what sparks joy, decluttering can be a great motivator — and a powerful reminder of our abundance.
Why buy more clothes if your closet is overflowing? When you really see what you have, it makes an impact.
15. Get counseling
If your shopping habit feels out of control, talk to a therapist who can help you restore your peace. There are many who specialize in this particular addiction and can offer compassionate support.
These excellent professionals have helped many before you overcome this hardship, even in some of the most extreme cases.
Bottom line
It’s not impossible to get out of debt , even if you’ve developed an online shopping habit that’s isolating you and making you feel guilt, shame, and panic.
Unmanagable online shopping habits can be treated with time, therapy, and a lot of hard work.
Money tips that can work for everyone
No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.
Focus on paying off your debt . Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.
Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.
Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).
Local News
Comments / 0