Have you ever spent countless hours in stores, shopping or traveling from store to store to find a specific item, only to end up spending way too much money on things you really didn’t need in the first place? Then, you try to hide your purchases or rationalize them to your spouse. Next, you try to return your purchases, learning that some stores only offer store credit which prevented the purpose of the return.
Yes, we have all fallen victim to our own insatiable appetites for things that are really quite unnecessary but at the moment seem like such a necessity. Below are 5 amazing things that will happen when you stop buying unnecessary stuff.
1. You’ll witness better relationships in your life
There are quite a few things that will contribute to having better relationships in your life. Less stress, fewer arguments, more time to spend with family and friends, will all contribute to better relationships in your life when you stop purchasing unnecessary stuff.
Imagine the thrill of having more date nights with your spouse, more outings with your family and friends, less stress and arguments about debt or bills piling up. Sometimes the best ways to save is to cut back on spending. You may not always have the luxury of overtime, so cutting back on certain expenses can definitely help.
2. You’ll have more money to save
It is a wonderful feeling to be secure and have a sense of relaxation and relief about your finances. However, having better control over your finances is a process. The goal is to keep your spending habits in control, in order to have more money to save. You may be wondering, why should you save when money is made to spend. Saving money will allow you to reach the goals you want in life and leave room in case emergencies come up unexpectedly. Examples of emergencies may consist of unexpected vehicle repairs, injuries or illnesses that require medical treatment, or a job loss.
3. You’ll have more money to invest
Yes, I indeed said invest! Okay, so you may not be quite ready to invest in stocks, bonds, or even mutual funds; however, you have other investment options such as your education, a business, or real estate (purchase of a townhouse, condo or home). Investing in yourself sometimes can be the best investment you could ever make. Investing in your education doesn’t have to include higher levels of education like Associates degrees, Bachelors, Masters, or PHds so don’t feel bad if you don’t possess this. You can also invest in your education by attending seminars, workshops, reading books, and participating in webinars. Investing in a business could be as simple as turning your hobby into a small business.
4. You’ll become more appreciative
When you stop buying unnecessary stuff you will learn to become more appreciative for things that don’t require money. Happiness doesn’t revolve around material possessions. There are so many wonderful things in life that are free. What about the beach? Have a family picnic at the beach or your local park. There is plenty of fresh air, as well as room to run around and play games like a scavenger hunt. These activities could really build your family relationship and you don’t have to purchase anything. You could have a list of different things to find, like certain sizes or shapes of seashells or whatever interests you. Then, as a family, you can take a picture with your seashells or items at the beach or park. When you get home you can write your names on the inside of the shell you found and write the date and write “family outing at the beach”. You can save it as a souvenir.
5. You’ll feel better about yourself
When you stop buying unnecessary things you will start to feel better about yourself. You will see life and yourself in a whole new light. You will no longer be chained by the temptation of unnecessary spending. You will feel less stressed because you no longer have to work so hard (double shifts and overtime) to make up for all the things you purchased that you didn’t need. You will no longer have to conceal your poor spending habits and risk jeopardizing your relationships. I have observed so many people borrow from one person to pay another and just end up ruining relationships – as well as ending up with so much debt.
Conclusion
Our society targets us to spend. It’s just how the economy operates. However, you don’t have to fall victim to buying unnecessary items. Yes, you need a car to commute, but you don’t need an expensive luxury car for that. Yes, you need food to eat, but you don’t need honey buns or caviar to survive. Yes, you need clothes to wear but you don’t need expensive name brand clothing (including purses, ladies) that can cost as much as a car note or down-payment on a house. Some items we think we need are really just items to impress others, which is not important.
Featured photo credit: Family on the Beach/Visit St. Pete/Clearwater via imcreator.com
