help me how to restrain myself from buying things?

Yumi

hi,
i am a newie here,i really want somebody to give me some ideas of how to restrain myself from buying things? it's so hard for me. when i go shopping. i just always buy something useless thing home. like clothes, when i fitting it, i like it a lot.but after buying home, i didnt wear it any more cuz i found it hard to match to other clothes, and many other stuffs i bought, every month it ends up the spend out of my salary.:( i feel really frustrated of my bad habit, but i just dont know how to restrain myself from buying things when shopping.
sorry my english isnt that good for reading, but i do appreciate you guys give me some ideas.Thank you!:)

duchy

Use cash -leave debit and credit cards at home. It's amazing how if you are handing over REAL money (and know you can't just go get more cos the card is at home NOT in your purse or wallet) makes you think a bit harder about if you REALLY need it !

Oh and next free day on ebay put up all those unwanted bits on and get some of your money back

diable

Just say "NO"

Linton

Put a fixed amount of money into a savings account as soon as you are paid.
Dont use your credit card - use a debit one instead

opinions4u

Find something else to do instead of going shopping.

I find internet addiction is dirt cheap!

TimBear

As other posters have said, use only cash leaving your card at home.

Don't go shopping for fun, only go if you really need something and go only to the shop where you will buy it.

Of course, treats are nice but it sound like you're buying stuff you don't actually really like or want. When buying clothes, mentally check that it will go with at least three other items in your wardrobe otherwise you're unlikely to wear it much - if at all - or end up buying something else to go with it.

Go through your existing wardrobe to see what you have. You could customise old pieces to bring them up to date and you will feel like you have something 'new'. I often find things I forgot I even had so that's always nice! Or get a friend over, ask them to bring some stuff they no longer want and you can swap bits and pieces that you like without having to spend any money.

Primrose

It also helps to have a goal to be saving up for, like a car, a holiday or a deposit for a house with a specific financial target in mind. Then every time you're tempted to spend money on something you don't need. remind yourself that you're pushing yourself further away from your target. If you want something badly enough you will soon discipline yourself towards saving for it. Keep a spreadsheet or simple list and every month list how much money you've saved towards your target. it will help keep you on track and focused.

Have a direct debit deducted from your salary every month and paid direct into a savings account so you are forced to live on the remaining income.
Go shopping without a credit card and just take cash.

gnvqsos

Why not give your spare money to a good cause;remember you are helping fat cats like Sugar,Branson and Green to purr all the way to the bank.They profit from your vulnerability and inability to control your impulses.Give to the needy and cut their cream supply.

whitewing

Yumi,

I find using online banking and transferring money out of my current acct helps. I use the debit card as I would fritter cash.

Pop in to the debtfree wannabe board. They will have a lot of tips on there as a lot of them are existing on tight budgets to pay off debts and you can pick and choose the ideas that work for you.

mike88

At the point of purchase ask yourself two questions:

Do I really need it and Can I live without it.

Sublime_2

Just don't! :eek: