7. Only Buy If You Love It
One of my biggest shopping rules is that I can only buy something if I love it. I can’t just like it, I have to love it. I know that if I don’t buy the item that I love I will forever regret it. Too often I have walked out of a store and didn’t buy something that I absolutely loved, then went back a few days later to get it because I couldn’t stop thinking about it, only to find that it was gone. It’s heartbreaking and I don’t wish that upon anyone. So, if you really do love it and know you will forever regret not buying it, then it might be okay to purchase, as long as you can afford it.
8. Ask Yourself, “Is It A Need, Or A Want?”
I know this goes back to early school days where they taught you the difference between needing something and wanting something, but it seems like we too often forget this principle. When you are about to buy something ask yourself if it’s a need or a want. If it really is a need, then it’s justified to purchase. If it’s only something that you want and don’t really need, stay far away.
9. Never Go Shopping Just To Look Around
Last, but not least, never, under any circumstance go out to shop just to look around. Only go to stores with a purpose and a shopping list (remember #2?). If you do this, you will avoid making so many unnecessary purchases. If you do go out to shop just to look, chances are you’re going to find something that you really love, but don’t really need, then you’ll buy it and you’ll be out of some money. Just stay away from the stores unless you absolutely need to go.