5 ways to become a smart consumer and start saving on purchases

We are surrounded on all sides by signals that make us want to buy something: TV spots, advertising on billboards, in transport and even in our own phone. Shops are attracted by discounts and tempting products. As a result, what we did not even think about before begins to seem vital. Plus, it's nice to buy something new. The very thought of it triggers a release of dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for anticipating rewards.

But acquiring more and more things will not make you happy. Quite the opposite.

When too much stuff builds up in the house, stress levels rise. Clutter makes it harder to focus and maintain a healthy diet. Add to this the feeling of guilt for the money spent, and you are not far from depression. If you find yourself spending too much on shopping, it's time to change the way you consume.

1. Understand what is behind your desire to buy something

Don't limit yourself to “I just like buying cool stuff”: it's too superficial. Think about what a particular purchase symbolizes for you (for example, status, professionalism, the opinion of others). Fashionable gadgets can signal that you want to keep up with others, while soft cashmere items signal that you lack comfort.

Once you've identified what kind of need leads to unnecessary spending, look for other ways to satisfy it.

To understand yourself while shopping, try mindfulness techniques. Let's say you're in a mall and you're ready to buy something. Exit the store and sit on the bench. Take three deep breaths and ask, "How do I feel?" If in response you feel hunger, irritation, fatigue, loneliness, it is quite possible that you tried to drown out the unpleasant state with purchases and you do not need a new thing.

If an inner voice keeps repeating like a capricious child: "Buy, buy, buy!" - refrain from spending, you are now unable to think rationally. And if you want to go to the store just to relieve boredom, watch the video with cats. This will cheer you up, calm you down and not harm your wallet.

2. Make a plan and stick to it

So, you are going shopping. First, make a list of the items you want to buy. Then estimate the real need for each item. If the thing is not needed at all, put the number "0" next to it. If you need it slightly - ⅓, if you really need it - ⅔, and if it is extremely important and necessary - 1. Now shorten the list by getting rid of the items that received a low score.

The next step is to write down with whom and to which stores you will go, how much time and money you are willing to spend, what and for whom you will buy. If you go to a regular shopping center, think about the road you will be getting, then imagine which departments you will go to. So you will help yourself in advance to avoid unnecessary temptations on the way. Set aside a limited amount of time for each store so that you won't be able to walk around and look at everything on the shelves.

Take this plan with you and follow it. If you are going to buy something online, write down which sites you will visit and what keywords to search for. It is more convenient to do this on paper to keep it in front of your eyes while shopping. The rest of the points of the plan are the same as for a regular store.

3. Take a short break before buying

This is not necessary when you only take bread and milk from a retail outlet. But if you came exclusively for bread and filled a full basket, a pause will definitely not hurt.

This advice is especially useful when you want to buy something expensive. Put the item back on the shelf and move away from it. Find a place to sit or stand quietly. If you've been looking for products online, step away from your computer. And answer six questions (you can even write):

Why am I here?
How do I feel?
I need this thing?
What if I wait with a purchase?
How will I pay for it?
Where will I store it?

These questions were posed by psychologist April Benson, who specializes in shopping disorders. They will give you time to calm down and weigh your decision. Buy only when you are sure that you need the item and you can afford it.

4. Don't give in to emotions

Large grocery stores think carefully about the location of goods so that shoppers spend more money. Food tastings and the abundance reigning around make you want to taste everything. And inscriptions like "Limited offer", "Special price", "Hurry up to buy" artificially cause alarm, creating the feeling that this is the last chance to purchase this or that thing. And now we are already carrying it to the checkout, even if we don't need it.

Don't let your emotions make the choice for you. Slow down for a minute and ask yourself a few questions.

Do all these bright colors and packaging help me choose or get in the way? Do I feel like my regular purchases are not good enough? Am I grateful for the diversity around me, or am I worried about choosing something wrong? It is possible that you will find yourself putting your groceries in the basket out of fear of being left without something “necessary”.

It's the same in a clothing store. If you've seen a stunning pair of jeans or a T-shirt, take your time with your purchase, no matter how cool you look in them. Consider if you really need a new item. Will you wear it at least 30 times? If not, walk by with a calm heart.

5. Stop identifying with what you own

The more things a person has, the higher, in our understanding, his status. We often measure our own dignity by this criterion. It turns out that things, and how “good” they are, decide who we are. This is a destructive approach.

No matter how many things you have, you will never be completely satisfied. Otherwise, there would be no billionaires who feel miserable. Separating who you are from what you buy is the key to smart consumption.