I don’t like to spend money. To avoid buying something only to regret my purchase later, I have a system that works well for me. I’ll put the item on a wish list on Amazon or I’ll make a note about it in my daily log (diary). Then I’ll think about it for a few days. If I am still obsessing about how “I need this thing” a few days later I might buy it. More often, I’ll stop thinking about it altogether until I revise my list a few weeks later. Usually, by that time, I’ve realized I didn’t need (or even want it) after all.
However, I’ve also come to realize that sometimes I’m just being a cheapskate. If I’ve been thinking about a purchase for a while I’ll ask myself “Is this something I use a lot? Will It make my everyday experience better?”
When the answer is yes, I’ll bite the bullet and buy it.
Here are some things I’ve purchased in the past year as a result of this approach:
- 3 pairs of Prana pants that fit me perfectly.
- Foam floor mats for my garage gym.
- A toilet paper holder with a small shelf to hold my cell phone.
- 2 new hats.
- Several dog leashes, harnesses and a dog coat.
I didn’t “need” any of these things. I had what I consider, perfectly acceptable alternatives for all of them that I was using everyday for years.
But, what I was using wasn’t ideal for reasons I won’t bore you with.
Suffice it to say, all of these items bring me a spark of joy almost every day and almost every time I use them.
And as for the money spent, I’ve found it didn’t bother me at all. (Although, I must admit, it helps that these were are low cost purchases.)