Big sales around any type of holiday can be a very enticing temptation. Who doesn’t want to save 25% off of an item that looks like you might need it in the future. Living mindfully doesn’t only look like journaling and practicing being present but it also means being a mindful person when it comes to your finances.
Let’s break down what it can look like to be a mindful shopper.
Strategize before spending
You may be receiving a ton of marketing emails about the latest sales but going into any type of interaction it’s important to notice the intention behind an action and what is the desired goal. Do you already know you need something in your life so are on the look out for it? Do you know where that product can fit into your life? By creating a plan, you will less easily become overwhelmed or influenced by the products you are seeing.
Take an honest look at your finances
Do you actually have the funds to be able to spend on items? Overextending yourself financially will create more financial burden in the longterm. Be mindful of what your true spending budget is and live within your means. Take a look at your overall non-negotiable expenses such as your rent, utilities and any bills and see what is left over and work within those boundaries.
Compare prices
It can be tempting to see a sale on an item you’ve been needing and then purchase it immediately. Before doing so, take a few moments and ask yourself if you’ve done research, is the item on sale somewhere else? Taking those few moments can either show you that you might not need the item after all or that you are giving yourself an opportunity to purchase it for a better price.
Take Your Time
You may feel you need a specific item that’s so cute on the mannequin at the store but take your time. Leave the store, walk around, and go revisit the item again in a few days. If you still desire it, that may be the time to gift yourself the item. But perhaps with the time away that will make you reevaluate and help you see that your finances could be better spent elsewhere. And you may even find that by waiting, the item goes on sale and you can reevaluate again to see if it makes better sense – or if you still want to move on!
Shop small
There’s no doubt that Amazon is extremely convenient. Is there another retailer in your neighborhood that you know carries that item? Perhaps a small business online that carries it? Life isn’t “perfect” but where you can supporting a small business makes such a difference in the lives of burgeoning founders and entrepreneurs.
Is there another tip you have that helps you become a more mindful shopper? Let us know in the comments below!
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