How to avoid compulsive shopping

Are compulsive shopping habits starting to affect your finances? Then it’s time to learn how to avoid them!

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Buy, buy and buy... why do people have so much trouble avoiding shopping? The simple act of acquiring something new already makes people feel a sense of pleasure.

The problem is that this momentary feeling passes very quickly. What really remains are the bills and, in some situations, the debts.

To increase your quality of life and financial security, it is essential to avoid impulsive purchases.

If you want to change this reality, but don't know where to start, read this article until the end.

We will give you several tips on the subject!

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What contributes to compulsive shopping?

It is essential to understand the reasons why many people are unable to avoid compulsive shopping.

After all, there are some factors for this, such as:

• Need for immediate satisfaction

• Insatiable desire linked to consumption

• Buy because you see other people buying

• Buy because you saw a product on sale

• Ease of access to credit, which gives the feeling of “easy money”

8 ways to avoid compulsive shopping

Everyone knows that buying too much is bad for your wallet and even your mental health.

But it's not that easy to solve this problem, is it? In some cases, psychological help becomes necessary.

However, there are relatively simple ways to avoid compulsive shopping. By following these tips, you will find it easier to save money and avoid the habit of compulsive spending.

Check out the tips we have prepared for you:

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1. Know your true needs

 There is no way to save 100% of your salary. After all, there are essential expenses, such as rent, buying your first property, food, transportation, etc.

So the first step is to understand what you really need.

Make a list and put everything that is essential for you to live or that you have already committed to paying for.

This way, it becomes easier to identify which expenses you can eliminate from your life.

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2. Leave with a limited amount of money

This habit is an excellent way to avoid compulsive shopping.

If you are a consumerist and are always in the mood to buy something new, start following this advice as soon as possible.

Basically, what you can do is go out with a limited amount of cash. Obviously, don't take your credit or debit card.

This way, you will feel obliged to spend only what you have or, if possible, not spend anything.

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3. Research and wait a bit before buying

You have certainly experienced the following situation:

He was walking around the mall, looked in the window and saw something he liked. He went into the store and bought it.

But when you got home, you realized that the product you had purchased was not something you really needed and that you might not even use in the future.

At some point, everyone has done it.

The problem is when you acquire this habit. That is, you make several impulse purchases, without analyzing whether it is something you really need.

Think about how much this has already hurt you. Buying without thinking brings a momentary feeling of pleasure, but it disappears soon after you get home and realize you have yet another bill to pay.

4. Make lists

Shopping lists help you save time and money.

Going to the grocery store? Before you leave home, make a list of the things you really need.

This way, you avoid buying things that you don't really need and that will only compromise your finances.

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5. Stay away from promotions

Do promotions help you save money? It depends.

If you buy something you really need for a lower price, you've actually made a good deal.

But if you make compulsive purchases just because the products were at a “cheap price”, you are actually wasting your money.

If you see that a product is on sale, before you buy it, think about whether you will actually use it. If the answer is no, it is best to avoid making that purchase.

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6. Invest in your dreams

Many people engage in compulsive shopping because they want to satisfy momentary desires.

But the truth is that by focusing on long-term dreams, you gain much more motivation and personal satisfaction.

How about saving money to take that trip you've always wanted? Or, how about starting your own business? Think about what you really want. Set goals.

This way, you can avoid compulsive shopping, as you will have bigger goals, for which it is worth making small sacrifices.

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7. To avoid compulsive shopping, set aside some of your money to spend on nonsense.

This tip may seem strange, right? After all, if the idea is to stop compulsive shopping, why should you set aside part of your budget for this?

By setting aside part of your money for these purchases, you can better control your budget.

In other words, you will know that the other part of your money, used for essential expenses, should not, under any circumstances, be used to make unnecessary purchases.

Obviously, the amount set aside for these purchases should be much less than what you use for essential expenses.

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8. Don’t shop with people who spend too much

Do you have friends who encourage you to spend and use the “you only live once” argument?

So it's a good idea to avoid going out with them, at least temporarily. Or at least, avoid going out with them to places like shopping malls, street shops, bars, supermarkets, etc.

If you want to control this habit, try to hang out with people who can control their shopping urges. That way, you'll avoid disappointment when the credit card bill arrives.

Conclusion

Compulsive shopping is a habit that gives you momentary pleasure. However, when the euphoria wears off, you may feel sad and regretful.

Therefore, financial education is essential.

By changing your purchasing habits, you improve your financial health and, consequently, feel much more motivated and calm, as you know that you will stay out of debt!

Take advantage and also read: Is investing in savings still advantageous?