Are you spending too much money on coffee? Electronics? Lunch at the cafe? Uncle says the Do Not Buy list will help keep the wallet full.
The Do Not Buy List is a list of items and items that you are not going to buy for a specific period of time.
Using this method, you can control your expenses, which will save money. Here are some tips to help you create this magic list.
Recognize your cravings
What do you want? Understanding what you gravitate to or desire, whether it is chocolate or the latest gadget from Apple, will help you make sure that it should be in the top of the Do Not Buy list.
In many cases, we crave something when we are trying to satisfy an emotional need, and therefore, to understand what you crave and at what moment, can help you understand whether you really need this thing. Or does this need just satisfy your craving for it?
Track your expenses
If you spend ten dollars a day on latte, you probably already know what you need to include in your list. But if you are not sure what you spend the most money on, then you may have to look through bank statements to understand this. Keeping track of your expenses over a period of time will give you an idea of meaningless spending.
By tracking a couple of months, how much do you spend on food, clothing, entertainment, questions such as: “What does my money go for?” Will disappear on their own. You can objectively look at your expenses.
Once you understand which area you are spending more than you would like to, write it down on your list.
Ask yourself: what purchase do I regret?
Another way to evaluate your negative habits is to accept your guilt. If you don’t like certain purchases, add them to your list. These are purchases that contradict your values or do not correspond to your real priorities.
Do you regret buying another dress? Or maybe you spent money on alcohol again, although you didn't really want to? Do not drown out your guilt and do not make excuses for your expenses, but fill up the “Do Not Buy” list.
Keep track of your emotional state while shopping
Some people tend to shop when they are bored or in a period of depression. For such situations to occur as little as possible, you need to analyze how you felt when you bathed some thing.
When you understand how your emotions affect your spending, you will better restrain these impulses.
Don't be too strict
You can buy something from the "forbidden" list, if it is really necessary.
For example, you have banned the purchase of electronics. But you are a graphic designer. You urgently need a tablet, because the former has become unusable. Here really is a purchase - this is a necessary measure.
Set saving rules
Once you have accumulated enough money, you can start buying products from the Do Not Buy List again. But you must establish a set of rules for spending to make sure that you do not return to your old habits.
For example, if you buy a new jacket, get rid of the old one. And if after a few days you realize that you don’t like the jacket, return it back to the store. This will allow you to be more conscious about your purchase.
Make your list
So, to summarize what you need to know in order to make a Do Not Buy list:
- First of all add to the list what you just crave, but do not need;
- track your expenses;
- turn on guilt;
- test your emotions;
- do not limit yourself completely;
- set the rules.
Such a seemingly simple list can save your money. Also, you take a different look at your spending and develop immunity for meaningless purchases.