The Great 'Tricks to stop yourself spending' Hunt Revisited

guernica · 12 March 2014 at 1:09PM

yorpington wrote: »

Using an app on my phone which splits my money into envelopes. I do actually use physical envelopes as well for cash, but the app splits the money left in my account down so I can see what it's for. I'm less likely to buy something if I check the app first and that particular envelope is looking a little slender!

I used to use Piggie.
Brilliant little app, although I got out of the habit with it recently.

Any purchases you make, you can quickly categorise (fuel, taxi, groceries, electronics, etc. as well as setting up your own custom categories) and can display per month or over the year so you can see the trends.

And it's free.

Mezzaroti · 12 March 2014 at 1:13PM

This might seem obvious, but going out on less shopping trips really helps (I used to pop out every lunchtime to the local market and would always come back with something whether I needed it or not). Going out once every two weeks instead of say, twice a week, will automaticaly save money.

One tip my mother passed to me was "if in doubt, go without". This is very useful - if you are unsure on whether or not to buy something, don't buy it as you don't need it.

saharapop · 12 March 2014 at 1:17PM

I was just going to agree with Mezzaroti. Don't visit the high street or shopping mall just to browse. I stay clear of them as much as possible, therefore I am not tempted to buy something I don't actually need or gimmicky.
I had a friend who used to visit town for something to do and would come back with a mechanical flying bat that hung from the lampshade or some such ridiculous item. And she was always complaining she was skint!

runrosyfox · 12 March 2014 at 5:26PM

I think that's admirable GraceD, but it can make you miserable to live like that. I mean, someone could benefit more than me out of every penny I spend. But you have to look after yourself, and be happy, to look after others and give the world your all. That means not depriving yourself of every non-necessity just because you think a charity could make better use of it.

Kate_fixing_it · 12 March 2014 at 6:37PM

Mezzaroti wrote: »

One tip my mother passed to me was "if in doubt, go without". This is very useful - if you are unsure on whether or not to buy something, don't buy it as you don't need it.

I LOVE this. Never heard it before and I've inadvertently done it today! I'm going to consciously try this from now on, thank you.

Kate x

GingerFurball_2 · 12 March 2014 at 7:08PM

My biggie is getting out of the 'it's payday, let's splash the cash' mindset. Even holding off for a week makes me less willing to spend the money.

bluecanoe · 12 March 2014 at 7:12PM

If I am on-line shopping I leave things in the basket at least overnight especially on Amazon. It is amazing how less essential things seem in the morning!

I have also reached the age were I have way too much stuff and think that at Birthday's and Christmas my friends and family should come and take stuff away.

sharon-d · 12 March 2014 at 7:17PM

If I just need a few things like milk and eggs I go to my local organic farm shop. The individual items may cost more but I am not tempted by all the offers that I don't need if I went to the supermarket. I definitely spend less this way.

matttye · 12 March 2014 at 7:19PM

Ask yourself before buying anything extravagant:

- Do I really need it?
- Will it make me happy?
- In a couple of months, will I still appreciate it?

Teacher2 · 12 March 2014 at 7:31PM

I had to retire earlier than I had wanted to due to stress (teacher!) and so I have had to cut down on my spending drastically. The following tips have helped:-
Go out shopping with a list and stick to it. No impulse buys
-If you can, find somewhere to shop with free parking. Combine supermarket shops with other shopping and you can use their free two/three hour free parking
-Go shopping less frequently
-Use comparison sites with offer alerts and stock up on goods when they are cheaper
-Look out for 'four shops at £50 and receive a voucher' offers
-Drop a brand and learn which cheapies are good and which not. Tesco's value butter and sweetcorn are as high a quality as the branded goods
-Look for vouchers but don't be tempted to use them if you don't need the item
-Mend rather than buying new. New soles and heels on shoes make for a 'new' pair at a frction of the price
-keep your shoes and clothes in tip-top repair. Polish and iron frequently for a 'Dry Clean' effect
-Get cash out for the week and use it rather than credit. Then get less cash out and manage on that
-Make your own sandwiches rather than buying them. Ditto drinks
-Buy a cheap breadmaker with a timer and make your own bread (Delicious fresh brioche loaf = 50p)
-Have 'bring a course' dinner parties where everyone contributes something, i.e, the pud or the starter
-Use restaurant vouchers

The Great 'Tricks to stop yourself spending' Hunt Revisited

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