Once in while we pay for things we don’t really need to pay for because we feel we should or they make us feel good in the moment. Most times if we are honest the time is not right to be forking over money.
The moves we can make to save money are
Not Upgrading
The urge to upgrade and be on trend is one that is always around the corner and is fueled by the many commercials on radio, television and the online influencers promoting various products and services.
It is hard to avoid messages saying you need a new and better car, the latest version of a phone or to upgrade your home. That second, bigger or better something may not always be something that you need at this point in your life. So, the move here is to not fall into that temptation to upgrade or get a bigger better or a second of something.
If it is working, don’t up-grade it and focus on using what you already have.
Not Buying
The temptation to buy when you have money is always there and the channels to buy from are more and more these days. Anything you could possibly imagine is available, and is literally at your fingertips but just because it is on sale, is easier to order and can be delivered should not be an excuse to buy.
Stop buying because it is convenient. Ignore some of these messages and promos in the groups you belong to telling you “do not miss” such a product or service going at such and such a discount. Remember there are people whose sole jobs are figuring out how to encourage you to buy.
Don’t save your card information in your browser or on websites because by forcing yourself to re-enter your card information every time, you will give yourself time to think. You will give yourself a few extra minutes to think about not buying.
Also, opt out of some of those groups and texts that are highly-targeted and pressure you to buy. Make it harder to be sold something you may not actually need or want.
Not Giving
Avoid always giving because you think (or hope) it will be appreciated, or because it will make you feel good about yourself, or because you feel you are obligated to. Sometimes a no is OK. This no goes not just to charities but to relatives or friends that ask for money. Other people’s bills are not always your problem, no matter how much money you have. This is so because there are some people that have that habit of always asking for handouts.
A no is a word some of these people need to hear once in a while. And if your first refusal doesn’t get the message across, stand strong. Tell them again that you can’t and that you aren’t going to change your mind. Be firm especially if the person asking is a repeat asker. Remember that you aren’t obligated to help, and you aren’t a bad person for saying no.
Giving is good and it comes from a generous place however, it also implies that you have taken care of your own and your family’s needs and so can help others. However, even when you are not stretched not giving is a move that can save you money so that you can give it away at another time.
Set limits and keep track of the amounts you are giving so that you remain consistent or as a guide to when you should give more, less or nothing. If you’re worried about disappointing or upsetting, remind yourself that no one is automatically entitled to your money.
