How can I stop myself spending money?

Question

I keep buying things, things I don't need, and expensive versions of things I do. I need to stop but I keep making plans to, putting my debit card away nad only taking out a certain amount but that only lasts a couple of days and then I've managed to justify myself into buying something and while I'm buying that I buy loads of other crap too.
I'm not in debt or anything, but I don't have a lot of money and I'd like to start saving.
How can I stop myself from getting carried away by consumerism?

I can't stayt home because I have a small daughter and she needs to go to playgroups etc.

SOmetimes when I am ut and I haven't taken my card I go to the bank and withdraw some there anyway without it.

Answer 1

First off, record every single expense you have or purchase that you make. This will be instrumental in giving you an idea of how you spend your money. It's not necessary to do without everything, but pick out an area that provides you a lot of pleasure and see how you can cut back in other areas. Next you want to write out a realistic budget so you have an idea of how much can be spent in various areas. Think about why you spend. Are you bored? Are you looking for comfort, security? If you can identify what triggers your impulsivity, you have the opportunity to head it off at the pass or indulge yourself with a low-cost or even free reward (for doing such a good job of not spending in other areas!). You may also want to consider getting involved in more activities or interests and expanding upon either your social life (if you are reclusive) or your 'me' time (if you've got a crazy social calendar). When you enjoy what you are doing or who you spend your time with (this includes yourself too), you may feel less inclined to shop as shopping is often just a short term fix. Saving is very important. Set aside a set amount to go into savings on a regular basis, e.g., $25 a month, $5 a week or whatever. Even better, see if your bank can automatically deduct your predetermined amount and put it directly into savings (you're less likely to miss what you don't see). Personally for me, I am well aware of the lure of shopping. For many women, shopping can be a therapeutic activity, particularly browsing. It is common for me to spend an hour or more in a store just looking (there might be something really interesting I didn't know about). If I think I want something, I put it in my cart. When I'm finished looking around, I mentally calculate how much I would be spending if I brought this cartload of items to the register. It's at this point I realize that I don't really need that fancy robotic silicone spatula in matte stainless steel or a third pair of cute fluffy slippers that lets you record a personalized message that plays back when you push a button. Good luck to you.

Answer 2

You actually need some psych counseling...and that's a fact. The best thing you could do for yourself right now is take any debit cards or charge cards you have and get them into a safety deposit box, and lock them into the bank. Be sure you have a little cash out to get you through on month for food, and gasoline; but otherwise leave the debit card in the vault. When you do your banking to cash your check, then only keep enough for food and gas. Also, if you have a checkbook, keep that in there as well, and pay you bills on line.

That would be the best start I could think of. Good luck.

Answer 3

Put your cards on ice. Seriously. Pour some water into a ziploc bag, put in a card, and stick it in the freezer. Make an ice bag for each card you have. Take them out to thaw when you NEED to buy something. If there is something you WANT, you have the whole time while it thaws to think about whether you REALLY want it.
There is no surefire way to stop spending other than to just STOP! Dont make excuses that you just take it out of the bank, and you cant stay home because you have to take your baby places. Do you take your baby to a play group at a store? No. So, go to the play group and go home. Dont go browse at the mall. Save the money. Thats it

Answer 4

Stop assuming you can reward yourself for being careful. That's where the problem seems to start. You say your money only lasts a couple of days, then you're off on a spending spree again. Make your money last FOUR days instead of two - & DON'T buy yourself rewards at the end!!! Put £3000 in an ISA - that'll tuck it away for a year, so you can't touch that. The rest should be for essentials - food, bills, etc. Remember, when you go "reward shopping", it'll be for things you only use once or twice & never use again, so cut down on that.

Answer 5

It takes about 30 days to change any bad habit. So give yourself 30 days.
This took time for me (more than 30 days) but a few things that worked for me :My husband either goes or goes with me grocery shopping. I get cash for walmart etc.. and only cash .I leave my emergency cc my debit card my checkbook all at home. You might say I can not carry all that cash around. Ok then just throw it away.(Overspend).. Make a budget and stick to it. Let someone else Spouse or Best friend see your progress. There is nothing worse than spending all this time and energy getting finically fit and noone notices. Also praise yourself. And save for something. We have two savings account. I know this may seem weird but we have a family vacation savings and a housing savings.

May your true riches come from within.

Answer 6

u need to cut up all ur debit cards and then open another bank account, a savings, and always put a lil bit of money in it, but never take out any, the money in ur other bank account is the one you can touch, i've been doing it for about 1/2 a year and already have like $800. once u see how much money ur saving in the other one, then maybe you will change ur mind about spending it all the time. dont waist things on things you dont need that is stupid, you need to save for a new car or a house or something that ur gonna need in the future, i hope i have helped you in some way..... :o)

Answer 7

Give yourself a certain amount of 'pocket money'. Then either cut up your debit card or give it to someone to look after and they can only give you back on a certain day. Doesnt matter how many times you ask for it, you can only have it on that day.

The other thing to do is to get rid of one thing every time you buy something new, that way you can see what you really do use and want. Works with me and books.

Answer 8

Cut up all credit cards but one and keep that one only for emergencies, or see if you can get a credit card that deposits the change to a savings account. Whenever you go shopping make a list and only buy what's on the list. Do not go shopping with girlfriends and if you have to get something like makeup or clothing see if you can get a better deal on ebay first. If you have the urge to buy something ask yourself, do I really need it? Do I really love it?

Answer 9

See a counselor. Both a financial one & a psych one. I have similar responses. Every time you leave the house it costs money.
Go through your stuff & get rid of everything you don't want or need anymore. It will help.

Set goals. What big purchase will you buy next? Car? House? School? Wedding? Vacation? You need mega money to do any of these things. Keep a picture up to remind you of why you are saving.

Answer 10

All the people above have given good advice:-

Don't use credit.
Budget yourself.
Set yourself long term goals etc.

However I think the problem may run deeper than any of these good ideas will address.

I don't know you and I could be way off the mark but often people overconsume (alcohol, food, gadgets) because they feel that their life is missing something. Maybe you have concerns and problems that cause you to exhibit this kind of behaviour and maybe these need to be looked at before you can solve your shopping habbits.