Waste of money is a negative habit that can seriously harm your financial situation. How to stop spending extra money and get a little richer?
Many people spend money very lightly. In this case, we are not talking about those who are mired in debt, taking out loans for huge amounts only in order to have things that they, in principle, cannot afford.
Let's talk about ordinary people like us. Have you ever walked out of the store buying something completely unnecessary and then thrown it away? Or, for example, do you constantly buy new books even though there is a good library nearby? Or maybe you shop online when you just surf the net in the evenings?
Waste of money is just a habit, but it can seriously harm your financial situation.
Here are five tips on how to get rid of it and start controlling your expenses.
Always pay in cash
If every time you go to the mall you buy a lot of extra money, which means you spend more money than you should, stop using your plastic card. When going shopping, take with you exactly the amount that you agree to spend that day. This will give you a clear idea of how much you have spent. When you pay in cash, you know exactly how much money you have on hand and how much you owe. In the case of a credit card, you will spend a lot more.
Make a list
It doesn't matter if you're looking to buy groceries, stationery, or any supplies to renovate, always make a list of the essentials. You should not go shopping if you do not clearly understand the purpose of your trip. That way, you will probably buy things again that you don't need and are unlikely to use. These items will simply clutter up your home until you decide to get rid of them. Plus, if you don't make a list, you might not buy the essentials. And then you have to go shopping again, which means you will spend more money. Therefore, you should not return to the store for just one forgotten thing.
Arrange yourself "fasting days"
In the fight against the senseless waste of financial resources, this practice is very helpful: arrange "days without money" as often as possible, namely days during which you will not spend a penny. For example, try to refrain from shopping over the weekend. When going to work, leave your wallet at home and take something to eat during your lunch break. If you are accustomed to constantly buying newspapers, drinking coffee or eating candy, these "fasting days" will help you get rid of these features of your lifestyle. The same goes for weekends. On these days, do you prefer to eat in the city or with friends, go to the movies or go shopping? You will be surprised when you realize that you can entertain yourself for free.
Keep track of your expenses
For two weeks, write down all the money you spent. Indicate the time, place, what exactly you bought and how much it cost. This way, you can find out exactly where your money went. Some points may surprise you quite a bit. Perhaps an extra cup of coffee and treats are already your weaknesses, which you cannot do without a day. Moreover, the very thought of having to record every item you buy will make you think twice before purchasing another book or disc.
Do not visit certain stores and sites on the Internet
Each of us has a list of stores that attract more than others. If you are sure that you cannot leave such a mall without a purchase, it is better not to enter at all. Try not to visit this store for a period of time. If you constantly find yourself on the site of such a shopping center, block access to it in your browser. Such actions may seem superfluous, however, it is very easy to spend money in online stores, because in such cases we do not think about the real amounts. And if you accidentally stumble upon such a site, blocking it will remind you that you yourself have forbidden yourself to view it.
