Mar 16

 

I have this attitude that when I’m angry or stressed with work, I indulge myself with shopping (as long as the blanket’s not getting short). That’s my way of relieving all the burdens I’m feeling inside. But sometimes, it’s also not a good idea ‘coz when I’m out shopping —I’m an impulse buyer! I hate discussing prices and bargaining with vendors, the tendency is that when the price is ok with me and I really like the stuff then I’ll buy it right away. This is the reason why my sister always say - ‘do not make Joyce angry! for she’ll waste money’. Well, she’s got a point there! And now, before it’s too late I’m trying my best to compensate every penny that I can. So if you’re bitten by the ‘buying bug’, these strategies might help to curb your spending:

Keep track. Write down everything you buy for at least two weeks: groceries, petrol, even a cup of coffee. Being aware of where your money goes will put you in control.

Quell the urge. Postpone buying what you think you want for 48 hours. If you still want it, make your well-thought-out purchase.

Simplify. Figure out a weekly budget that includes only basics like food and transport. Don’t buy anything not in your budget for a month to discover what you can do without.

Quit cold turkey. Put your credit cards away and pay for everything with cash. Even better, institute a buy-nothing campaign.