How do you NOT spend?

tsharp

The principle of staying out of debt is the same as losing weight:
Debt free: spend less, earn more.
Fat Free: Eat less, move more.

Simple, but difficult at the same time.

MinnieSpender

Get this book out of the library - The No Diet Diet Book by Professor Ben Fletcher. It's about weight loss, but I think it would help with spending too.

Basically, it's a day to day programme about breaking habits which lead to weight gain. As spending can be a habit too, you've got nothing to lose by reading this!

molit

now this might sound a bit wacky, but heard it does work - kind of paul mckenna/self prgramming way idea - great for confidence/giving up etc. Here goes:

First of all think of a time when you were happy, but exclude when you have bought something, kids first steps, nice meal, nice company, when you recieved an unexpected compilment etc - and try and remember that, remember the sounds the tastes, anything which makes the memory vivid. While you are doing this create a trigger for this memory, e.g. press your forefinger and thumb together.

Secondly, think about a time which makes you upset which involved money, getting that credit card bill, having to explain to someone that you cant do something that you want to do because you dont have any money. Create a different trigger for this memory - clench a fist etc.

Finally, try thinking of a success you have had with money, or imagine yourself debt free, being able to do something you want to do - and follow the previous process of creating a new trigger

Now, you might have a coping mechanism - if you are felliong a bit down, use trigger 1, if you are tempted to spend something use 2, etc.

I dont know if this will work, but think it helps confidence, and smoking, so it stands a chance

please feel free to ignore this if you dont think its you, or you think its pseudo woffle, but if it will give you stength then giev it a go, what have you got to loose