Let’s face it, we all have times that we buy things we don’t need. Though it can be so addicting to have the latest this or newest that, is your bank account surviving? But, you might reply, how can someone be expected to go to Target and only buy one thing? And what about that adorable vest that my favorite store just got in? If you are someone who has a problem with spending more than you save, I have some tips to help you out the next time you go shopping.

Make A List

And not just for the grocery store. Every time you go out to get anything you need, make a list of what you need and try your best to stick to it. This will come in handy when you go to check out at TJ Maxx and realize you didn’t pick out anything you came to the store for.

Have An Accountability Partner

And this can’t be someone who loves to spend as much as you! Try to pick your most responsible friend to be your shopping accountability partner. This is the person you can text when you need encouragement to not online shop or someone you’ll have to answer to when you go over the top at Sephora. Either way, make sure that someone knows you are trying to shop less and is there to help you through this difficult time. 

Don’t Wander

Are you going to Target? Don’t allow yourself to go down the aisles with things you don’t need. I’m talking about you homeware section. If you didn’t go to Target to buy clothing, you have no business being in the clothing section. You can’t be tempted to buy things you don’t need if you never see them.

Create A Budget

Sit down and realistically map out how much you have to spend each month. Make sure that you count up your bills, utilities, rent, etc. That way you can see how much you can spend, and stick to your budget.

Stay Home

If you don’t need anything/can’t afford anything, you have no business going to stores. You are just going to leave angry with yourself or terribly sad you can’t buy anything. Why not just curl up with a great book or a movie on TV?

Treat Your Self

Now, don’t treat yourself every single time you don’t buy more than you need to, or that will defeat the purpose. But celebrate your small victories. So for the first month, you don’t buy anything extra, treat yourself to that shirt you were ogling or go out to eat at your favorite restaurant. Try to make space in your budget to allow yourself to have those treats.

I know that being a shopaholic can be tough, but I hope that these tips helped! May your cart be empty and your bank account fuller this coming month.