How To Stop Wanting to Buy Stuff | Frugal Living

I'm almost 40 and for the past few decades, my best method to not wanting to buy stuff is not having the money for it. works like a charm.

1. Wait it out (ex. 30 day wait period) 2. Pros and Cons list 3. Unsubscribe and Avoid temptations 4. Find a hobby 5. Explore an alternative option 6. Consider financial goals

“Spending money in itself is a hobby here in the US” - is so true!

6:00 "Every nonessential purchase is ultimately a delay in my financial goals." Mind. blown. That's one of the best, most effective, and helpful lines ever. Thank you.

I just preordered my iPhone 15 Pro Max today. Something felt off, as I have a 14 Pro that I'm not really happy with. In the end after some contemplation I just cancelled my order. I don't need these meaningless year on year upgrades that are just sold so well by clever marketing people. Thank you for helping us with more perspective Nicholas

Great video! Stop people from pre-ordering iPhone 15 today!

I've started the habit of walking everyday with my dog for a few miles, rather than the quick round the blocks I usually do with him, and that daily routine itself has definitely cut down on my spending. I also need to go to the library more often, there's one less than a mile away from my house, and it's absolutely a missed opportunity for me.

The one trick that worked for me is going to your favorite store and not buying anything. It really taught me self control and made me question if I actually needed it.

I have the worst habit of buying food when I’m hungry, instead of eating what I already have. It’s infuriating.

If you spend 30 days just thinking about buying some items, it may not be the most optimal approach. It can be quite frustrating to constantly overanalyze your choices. Purchasing when you can is a more relaxing activity and is better for your peace of mind. If it doesn't fit your budget, then you should consider taking 3-5 days to think it over. I, too, used to overthink my purchases, and it exhausted me. My mind was constantly debating with itself. Now, I don't think too much – if I want something and it fits my budget, I buy it right away.

I bought a cheap $100 violin last year, and I can say that it has provided me with so many hours of usefulness over the course of a year and it’s still going. I have also been taking lessons so the overall cost has been higher than just $100, but it has been such a worthy investment. Much better than paying that on useless subscriptions or video games which you beat and probably never play again thereafter.

Spending👏money👏is👏a👏hobby👏[that you can replace!] and you’re right; the times one has the least going on are the times when window shopping becomes a fun activity. So glad I’m hearing this reminder as I become an adult

Shopping addiction is very real. I switched jobs with a better work life balance and initially I did spend a lot more time with my hobbies. But over some months I found I spent a lot of free time online shopping. It's funny because in my old job I had almost no free time so I never had a spending problem. It's something to be very cautious about.

The 30 day waiting period for large purchases is a great idea. Definitely going to try that one

Only food, drink, and house bills. Clothes only that need replacements. You need to feed and cloth the body and have a roof above your head depending where you live. That is it. Bliss is within. Nothing in the outside world is necessary.

Seriously. This is a problem I have. I do it from depression. I buy things for the quick excitement of getting something and something new then move on fo the next. It's bad. I have what I need and what I really need is to chill.

Buying stuff is not the problem. Buying things just because they are on sale, buying things that go to the back of the closet and stay there, buying things that you replace with something a little different - those kinds of wasteful spending is the problem.

I view every purchase not in $ but in the amount of time in my life I must use up to purchase it. Helps me keep things in perspective.

Waiting is the best thing thats worked for me. Giving something a week minimum and preferably a month before buying has helped a lot. Because then you get that "Huh, guess i didnt need that" feeling and move on.