How To Not Splurge

Ooh this is good, I should buy it. But I like this too, which one should I get? Eh I'll get both. Oh no this is getting over my budget. You know what I think I'll get this one, I can get that later, *puts back the one that I clearly will use a lot and buys the one which is more visually appealing and never uses it ever*.

Does this happen to you too? You just can't decide and then end up buying something you don't need but apparently like more.

Now you would be thinking, isn't the point of buying something is that you like it, potentially more than the other one (it can be anything, but it mostly happens with clothes, makeup, video games, electronics, shoes, and just anything like that, you get the point). Yes and No.

Why yes? Because you like it and look forward to use it and love it.

But why no? It's because most of the time you like the idea of it and don't take enough time to think so you can realize that.

Now yesterday my mom gave me a budget of 5000 bucks to spend on whatever I want, but after that I won't be allowed to casually spend any money (and by that I mean I won't get to buy stuff that is more of a want that is clearly unnecessary) for the rest of the year. And whenever I get such a budget I spend it all like it is nothing (I wish I was kidding right now), but I have an excuse, hear me out alright. Whenever I used to get a budget it would be as a prize for doing something, mostly getting good grades in the finals. It was not like I wouldn't get more stuff for the rest of the year so I was irresponsible. And also I was a stupid little kid until last year and I had new hobbies everyday. Does that make up for it? Probably not. But I learnt from my mistakes.

This time it was different. I took time to explore and think and rethink. I went through all the products I was buying again and again and thinking practically about if I needed it or not. For example, there was this t shirt I saw, and I liked it, why? Because it was trendy, so I liked the idea of it. And don't get me wrong, it was really good and I would definitely wear it, but will I like it as much? There was this other t shirt that was so much better and I would have a better time wearing it. But it was a little more pricey. And this brings to my other point, I was trying to get more items and thought if I bought the t shirt that I liked less and was cheaper, then I could buy one more thing. But then I thought to myself, is it better to invest in something that's better or something that's cheaper? After constant thinking, I came to the conclusion, that no matter how costly an item is if it is practical and I just have to get it, I should make room for it but removing some other items I don't like as much.

You see? Thinking helps. A lot. And the same happened with the jewellery I was buying and some nail polishes.

Now let me narrow it all down into simple points:

1. Put all the items you like together (maybe create a wishlist)

2. Start shortening the list

3. Compare the pros and cons of similar products with which you are having a hard time choosing

4. Think and rethink about 5-10 times maybe even more until you are sure

5. When you are sure, think one last time and if you still don't change your time, go for it!

If you follow these simple points I am sure you won't regret you decision and spend money irresponsibly. I have to say I don't regret buying any of the items this time!

source:pinterest