Mindful Spending.
There are days when living on a budget can be challenge, and the simple idea of living within our means is questioned.
When those times happen I remind myself of these five simple questions:
- Is it a want or a need? – I am amazed at how many things I can talk myself out of buying just by asking myself this one question. Most things are not a need, and if I just walk away the want goes away.
- Can I find it used? – There are very few things we buy that are not used. I am a regular shopper at the Goodwill and try hard not to buy things that are not on sale. We are always looking for a used alternative to anything we buy. Hubby’s tractor is a 1950 Ford; we drive used cars, and recycle old pallets for many of our farm projects.
- Am I making this purchase out of habit? – Just this week I caught myself filling my cart with things out of habit when I could have easily taken the extra time and make them myself.
- Will I still be able to use this item six months from now? – How many times have you found something in your closet or cupboard and not even remember why you bought it? I know I have, but now I think about every purchase and determine if it is important enough for me to spend money on and will it still be important six months from now.
- Is it worth going in debt? – All I can say is the answer is always no! The only thing I can ever think of that would be worth going in debt for would be healthcare. If whatever we need is worth buying then is is worth saving for.
I know how hard it can be to stay on budget…I struggle just like the next person! But if you can remember to ask yourself these few questions the next time you go to make a purchase you may be able to walk away and still have money in your pocket.
It is easier to live within your means then it is to blow it all it one quick swipe of a credit card.
What do you do to live within your means? I would love to hear any advice you have!
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Here is a list to some of our favorite self-sufficient and homesteading tools:
(Contains Affiliate Links)
1500-Watt Portable Generator
Century Heating High-Efficiency Wood Stove Fireplace Insert
7 Gallon Rigid Water Container
Whitmor Natural Wood Clothespins, 100 pins
Large Wooden Drying Rack
Vintage Windup Alarm Clock
The Complete First Aid Kit
All good points Tracy. We haven’t used our credit cards in ages, and it feels good knowing that we are paying our way each and every day. I guess that’s motivation enough for us. Things don’t make us happy, it’s the experiences that count. And they don’t have to cost a thing. Enjoy your day!
Is feels wonderful not using credit!
So very true! Great list Tracy! I also have a hard time buying new when I know that Goodwill Stores exist!! Also, never window shop… It just creates more temptation… Thanks for sharing your wonderful posts with us on the Art of Home-Making Mondays!
I agree! Window shopping is too much of a temptation for me, so I never go!
I love this post, and how timely it is! This time of year is difficult because several of my friends plan holiday overnight shopping trips. The credit card comes out every time.
This year I’ve politely declined each one! Even though I’ll miss catching up with everyone and the laughter, I realize I can’t handle the temptation. I’m glad I’m not alone!
Karla I have had to do the same thing. Sometimes even when I would love to spend time with my friends it is better on my pocketbook to stay home.
These are wonderful tips that I think many others would love to hear! And, since it has some beautiful ‘Fall’ flower I am going to call it Fall and invite you to link at the Fabulous Fall linky party! You’ve inspired me to be more thrifty!
http://myjourneyback-thejourneyback.blogspot.com/2014/10/fabulous-fall-linky-party.html
Thanks Sherry I will check out your Fall Party!
We have just one question, usually, a dramatic one that suits my personality, “Will I regret it for the rest of my life if i don’t buy this thing?” And usually, as you can imagine, the answer is no, i won’t regret it forever.
I love it!!!! I am going to have to add that one to my list. Thanks for sharing it with me.
Most things are definitely not worth going into debt for! I started making my own bread (it’s been over a year now) and I still find myself in the bread aisle every once in a while thinking that I am forgetting something, LOL!
I do that every time I walk past the cleaning supply isle!
This is a wonderful list! It is so important to learn to be content with what we have… Thank you for sharing this. 🙂
Such great tips! I go through a similar checklist in my head before I buy something, and I often wait a few weeks or months, just to make sure it isn’t a passing craze. Thanks for sharing!
I often have to wait to make sure what I am planning on buying is not just a passing craze! Most times in a few days I have forgotten all about it!
I love posts like these – constant encouragement and reminders to stay on track with our spending. Thank you
Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Tracy!
Awesome list 🙂 My husband plans to retire in 5 years and we hope to move back to the small town where I grew up. To make that happen, we know we will need to downsize on the house…which means less space for ‘stuff.’ I’ve already started going through our things little by little, giving away items to friends who can use them. As I let go of things I am reminded that buying new stuff will mean less money for our move, and more things to pack and find a place for! This makes it so much easier to walk through a store and leave all those cute items right on the shelf. 🙂
I’ve also been looking at the Salvation Army thrift store for clothes first, before I buy anything new. Other than replacing needed items that are wearing out, I am rarely tempted to buy anything. Thanks for the reminder!
This month we decided to pull out cash for our expendables because we are determined not to add to our credit card balance. We spent the rest of our cash for the month today and have enough groceries to get us through the end of the month. It was like a little game at the grocery store today;0) Everyone can use a good challenge once in a while!
Everyday I go to the grocery store it is a game for me…It is “How am I going to beat the cash register!” Thanks for sharing with us!
I found this great post from the Frugal Friday Link Up Party! I have a huge issue living above my means. I spend way to much unnecessary money. Thanks for the great tips.
Great tips. Our culture constantly bombards us with “great deals” and encourages us to go into debt. We need to keep encouraging and reminding each other to stay strong and live within our means!
I love the term you use “Mindful spending”! So many times we spend off of emotions. We need to take those out, and really focus on what we need or don’t need.