How to Stop Buying Stuff You Don’t Need

Stuff is everywhere. It’s calling out to you wherever you look, saying, “This will make your skin look better than ever!” or “This will give you the energy you need!” or “This will look so good in your home!” They sound so believable in the moment.

But advertisers greatly exaggerate a product’s usefulness while playing on your insecurities. And you pay the price.

So, how do you stop buying stuff you don’t need? And why do you do it?

1. Know Your Triggers

Those stress-shopping purchases add up. And a big part of avoiding those expenses is to remove the triggers that make them more likely.

Think about the last few times you bought something you didn’t need and ask some questions:

• What were you feeling before and after the purchase?
• What were you trying to escape or to avoid thinking about?
• How long did it take for you to return to your baseline emotional state?
• When you get there, how desperate are you for another high?
• What are your go-to apps, stores, or products?

Only when you know your triggers can you take steps to minimize them.

2. Purge Your Inbox

One of those triggers might be emails with special deals, especially if you’re a bargain shopper. Ask yourself when you’re most vulnerable to promotional emails for products you’re most likely to buy.

Then unsubscribe from all retailer emails — especially those that tempt you with things that look good but that you don’t really need.

3. Go for Quality Over Quantity

Instead of trying to get a carload of semi-useful items for less money, focus on finding a few high-quality items that will last.

4. Get Clear on Your Values and Goals

Get clear on what you want to accomplish this year or in the next three years. Then make it a priority to only support businesses that share your values and support your goals.

5. Find a Support System

Talk to someone about your spending habits and what’s behind them. Enlist their help in controlling your urges to spend money on things that look tempting in the moment.

6. Set a Budget and Track Your Spending

At the very least, budgeting gives you a detailed breakdown of what you’re earning, what you’re spending, and how you’re spending it.

7. Plan Your Shopping

Set specific days, times, and spending limits, and you’re less likely to go overboard.

8. Find Other Ways to Boost Your Mood

Shopping shouldn’t be the only way you know how to make yourself feel better. Consider other no-cost pick-me-ups like going for a walk or calling a friend.

9. Impose a Waiting Period

Force yourself to leave something you like but don’t need in your shopping cart for at least three days. Chances are, your interest in that item will diminish.

10. Pretend You’re Moving

Take inventory of what you have and separate the stuff you don’t need, use, or love. Decide what your space really needs before doing any more shopping.

11. Be Honest About Why You Buy Things You Don’t Need

The more clearly you see what you really want, the easier it is to see how lousy all that stuff is at providing it.