3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Making That Purchase

Sometimes it can be hard to walk away from something that you think you want. Yes, I said think because often times you don't really need that purse or shoes or coat or laptop or watch. Instead it is something that has caught your eye that you want but would you still want it in 24 hours or 72 hours or even 6 months from now? Let's unpack three important questions to ask your self before you swipe that card!

Have you been out at the store minding your business and then bam you see this on sale and that on sale? Do you end up throwing those items in your cart and then a $40 trip turned into a $100+ trip. 👀 You're not alone! Many people struggle to walk away from something that looks like a good deal. But I want you to remember that buying something that was originally priced at $250 for $100 is still $100 spent. 

Before making that purchase that you think you can't live without ask yourself these three questions:

1. Does this purchase fit in my budget?

Even though this purchase wasn't flat out planned when you created your budget for the month, you should have given yourself a Fun Money or Miscellaneous Spending bucket. If you love the item and it is in budget, then you are more than 

welcome to purchase but chances are it is not in your budget. These means that you do not have the resources to currently pay for this item. That doesn't mean you won't ever be able to get it. Instead this means that next month or in the next couple of months you can incorporate this expense into your monthly budget.

​2. Will this purchase satisfy my needs or want?

It is ok to treat yourself sparingly but all expenses have two categories either it is a want or a need. Identify which this item is to you. If it is a want changes are you should walk away and get it once you incorporate it into your budget or pass on the item entirely. However, if the item is a need, then a similar principle applies. Do you need it immediately or can it wait until you can pay for the item in cash?
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3. Do I love it?

Like do you love it, love it? Will you wear or use this item in 3 months or 6 months or a year from now? Loving something in a moment should not be the justification that you need to spend money. If you aren't sure if you love it, then you don't and you should probably walk away from this purchase and keep the money in your pocket.

Not spending money may seem hard but it really comes down to these three questions. If you have to think twice about it then you probably don't need it. 

Make sure you save these questions for future use.