2993: 8 Judgment-Free Ways to Change Your Shopping Habits by Courtney Carver of Be More With Less

[00:00:00] [SPEAKER_00]: This is Optimal Finance Daily, 8 Judgment-Free Ways to Change Your Shopping Habits by Courtney Carver of BeMoreWithLess.com

[00:00:10] [SPEAKER_00]: If you want to change your shopping habits, you may have experienced this shopping scenario.

[00:00:15] [SPEAKER_00]: You find the perfect thing, add to cart, and realize you have to spend a little bit more to get free shipping.

[00:00:21] [SPEAKER_00]: So you keep shopping.

[00:00:23] [SPEAKER_00]: Or like I used to do, maybe you buy things you don't really want so that you can get something for free that you don't really need.

[00:00:30] [SPEAKER_00]: How many times did I buy makeup so I could get the free makeup bag full of samples that were being offered?

[00:00:36] [SPEAKER_00]: Whether you walk in the store for one thing and come home with 10 things, or found a shirt and liked it so much you bought it in every color,

[00:00:45] [SPEAKER_00]: I've done that before, and then wore the black shirt over and over again,

[00:00:49] [SPEAKER_00]: you can change your shopping habits anytime.

[00:00:53] [SPEAKER_00]: Even if you couldn't resist a recent online sale, or you try to shop away your feelings, it's not too late.

[00:01:00] [SPEAKER_00]: The best part is that you don't have to torture yourself for your past mistakes.

[00:01:05] [SPEAKER_00]: There are judgment-free ways to change your shopping habits.

[00:01:10] [SPEAKER_00]: How to Check and Change Your Shopping Habits

[00:01:14] [SPEAKER_00]: Buying things and spending money isn't bad or good.

[00:01:18] [SPEAKER_00]: There's no moral value assigned to the dress you bought at Target while you were grocery shopping.

[00:01:24] [SPEAKER_00]: Been there, done that.

[00:01:26] [SPEAKER_00]: Instead, consider how your shopping habits support what you want in your life and for your life.

[00:01:32] [SPEAKER_00]: Simplicity isn't just about the outgoing stuff.

[00:01:35] [SPEAKER_00]: The incoming stuff is just as important.

[00:01:37] [SPEAKER_00]: If you're working towards a clutter-free home, you want more stuff going out the door than coming in the door.

[00:01:45] [SPEAKER_00]: If you're paying down debt or saving for something, notice when your shopping habits pull you away from what's important to you.

[00:01:52] [SPEAKER_00]: Remove any judgment you have about past spending and shopping habits.

[00:01:57] [SPEAKER_00]: Even when you're experimenting and creating new habits, choose noticing over judging.

[00:02:04] [SPEAKER_00]: Things may have to shift depending on your lifestyle, the time of year, and other things.

[00:02:09] [SPEAKER_00]: While there isn't a perfect solution that fits every person in every situation,

[00:02:14] [SPEAKER_00]: at least a few of these eight suggestions will help you change your shopping habits and simplify your life.

[00:02:21] [SPEAKER_00]: Eight Judgment-Free Ways to Change Your Shopping Habits

[00:02:25] [SPEAKER_00]: When you stop shopping, don't judge your past behavior.

[00:02:29] [SPEAKER_00]: Notice it, but resist making judgments or feeling badly about it.

[00:02:34] [SPEAKER_00]: You've already paid enough.

[00:02:36] [SPEAKER_00]: You've paid with your money, time, attention, energy, and emotions.

[00:02:40] [SPEAKER_00]: You don't have to continue paying with guilt or other negative emotions.

[00:02:46] [SPEAKER_00]: Number one, cultivate a museum mentality.

[00:02:50] [SPEAKER_00]: Living more simply doesn't mean you don't want to occasionally buy something.

[00:02:54] [SPEAKER_00]: Instead of finding gratification in the owning, find it in appreciation for the item.

[00:03:01] [SPEAKER_00]: For instance, when you walk through a museum, you can fully appreciate the art without owning it.

[00:03:07] [SPEAKER_00]: The same goes for new clothing, gadgets, and other things.

[00:03:11] [SPEAKER_00]: When you desire, admire, don't acquire.

[00:03:16] [SPEAKER_00]: This will help you shift your shopping habits because instead of approaching things with the

[00:03:20] [SPEAKER_00]: question of what's missing, you'll be asking, what do I enjoy and appreciate?

[00:03:26] [SPEAKER_00]: Number two, wait and see.

[00:03:29] [SPEAKER_00]: A purchase pause will do wonders when you're trying to change your shopping habits.

[00:03:34] [SPEAKER_00]: Sometimes the thing you want to buy right now isn't about the thing.

[00:03:38] [SPEAKER_00]: Instead, that impulse is about how you're feeling and where you are.

[00:03:43] [SPEAKER_00]: Let the moment pass.

[00:03:44] [SPEAKER_00]: That thing you want to buy now will very likely still be available next month.

[00:03:49] [SPEAKER_00]: Wait 30 days for any purchase and see if it still is necessary or appealing later.

[00:03:55] [SPEAKER_00]: Spoiler alert, it rarely is.

[00:03:59] [SPEAKER_00]: Number three, buy it on paper.

[00:04:02] [SPEAKER_00]: Get a good look at your shopping habits in a risk-free way.

[00:04:06] [SPEAKER_00]: Carry a small notebook with you.

[00:04:08] [SPEAKER_00]: And whenever you think about buying something,

[00:04:10] [SPEAKER_00]: write down what it is and how much it costs.

[00:04:13] [SPEAKER_00]: Do this for 30 days and see how much money you've saved.

[00:04:17] [SPEAKER_00]: If you want to take this a step further,

[00:04:20] [SPEAKER_00]: set the cash aside for every purchase you don't make.

[00:04:23] [SPEAKER_00]: At the end of 30 days, you'll have a good contribution to put towards debt,

[00:04:28] [SPEAKER_00]: rent, a donation, or a trip, depending on what you want to do with your money.

[00:04:34] [SPEAKER_00]: Number four, establish gift policies.

[00:04:38] [SPEAKER_00]: Talk to your friends and family and come up with a way to change

[00:04:41] [SPEAKER_00]: and reduce exchanging gifts during the holidays.

[00:04:45] [SPEAKER_00]: Suggest a new twist, like gifting experiences over stuff,

[00:04:49] [SPEAKER_00]: or spending money on a dinner or weekend getaway in lieu of gifts.

[00:04:53] [SPEAKER_00]: If you're ready to call gift giving off,

[00:04:56] [SPEAKER_00]: be gentle with people who aren't there yet, but hold your ground.

[00:05:01] [SPEAKER_00]: Setting boundaries and having these conversations early can be really helpful.

[00:05:05] [SPEAKER_00]: You may be surprised that people agree with you.

[00:05:09] [SPEAKER_00]: Number five, try a shopping ban.

[00:05:12] [SPEAKER_00]: It's easier to recognize the behaviors and patterns of your shopping habits

[00:05:16] [SPEAKER_00]: when you break away from them for a while.

[00:05:19] [SPEAKER_00]: Try a spending freeze or a no-buy July.

[00:05:23] [SPEAKER_00]: You might try another simplicity challenge too, like Project 333.

[00:05:28] [SPEAKER_00]: A challenge will bring more intention to your desire to change your shopping habits

[00:05:33] [SPEAKER_00]: while leaving the judgment behind.

[00:05:36] [SPEAKER_00]: Number six, create shopping-free zones.

[00:05:40] [SPEAKER_00]: Notice when and where you shop the most

[00:05:42] [SPEAKER_00]: and declare those times and areas shopping-free zones.

[00:05:47] [SPEAKER_00]: For instance, if you notice you shop after work

[00:05:50] [SPEAKER_00]: or later at night when scrolling social media,

[00:05:53] [SPEAKER_00]: don't go there at all.

[00:05:55] [SPEAKER_00]: Steer clear of your favorite shops and unsubscribe from text and email notifications

[00:06:00] [SPEAKER_00]: reminding you to buy things you weren't even thinking about.

[00:06:04] [SPEAKER_00]: Give yourself some space from the places that make you want to shop.

[00:06:09] [SPEAKER_00]: Number seven, the buddy system.

[00:06:12] [SPEAKER_00]: If you have shopaholic tendencies,

[00:06:15] [SPEAKER_00]: team up with a friend or family member who likes to shop too.

[00:06:19] [SPEAKER_00]: Whenever you're about to make an impulse purchase,

[00:06:21] [SPEAKER_00]: call your friend and talk through it.

[00:06:23] [SPEAKER_00]: Do you need it?

[00:06:25] [SPEAKER_00]: Do you need it today?

[00:06:27] [SPEAKER_00]: Ask questions and be supported and supportive.

[00:06:30] [SPEAKER_00]: We all need a little help sometimes.

[00:06:33] [SPEAKER_00]: And number eight, you can return that.

[00:06:36] [SPEAKER_00]: If you do buy something during a shopping ban

[00:06:39] [SPEAKER_00]: or overdo it during a sale

[00:06:41] [SPEAKER_00]: and momentarily forget about why you want to change your shopping habits,

[00:06:46] [SPEAKER_00]: instead of judging yourself or giving yourself a hard time,

[00:06:49] [SPEAKER_00]: remember that you can likely return whatever is weighing you down.

[00:06:54] [SPEAKER_00]: Simply becoming more aware of how you spend and why you buy

[00:06:58] [SPEAKER_00]: will allow you to shift your shopping habits with more ease.

[00:07:02] [SPEAKER_00]: Becoming more intentional about how you want to spend not only money,

[00:07:06] [SPEAKER_00]: but your time, energy, and attention will simplify and enrich your life.

[00:07:11] [SPEAKER_00]: You just listened to the post titled,

[00:07:18] [SPEAKER_00]: Eight Judgment-Free Ways to Change Your Shopping Habits

[00:07:21] [SPEAKER_00]: by Courtney Carver of BeMoreWithLess.com.

[00:07:25] [SPEAKER_00]: You sign up for something,

[00:07:27] [SPEAKER_00]: forget about it after the trial period ends,

[00:07:29] [SPEAKER_00]: then you're charged month after month after month.

[00:07:32] [SPEAKER_00]: The subscriptions are there, but you're not using them.

[00:07:35] [SPEAKER_00]: In fact, I just learned that 85% of people

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[00:08:31] [SPEAKER_00]: Uncontrolled shopping

[00:08:33] [SPEAKER_00]: often stems from something deeper

[00:08:35] [SPEAKER_00]: than the thrill of a purchase.

[00:08:36] [SPEAKER_00]: It's not just about wanting things.

[00:08:39] [SPEAKER_00]: It's about seeking comfort,

[00:08:41] [SPEAKER_00]: distraction, or validation.

[00:08:43] [SPEAKER_00]: When we're not at peace with ourselves,

[00:08:46] [SPEAKER_00]: shopping can become a quick fix,

[00:08:48] [SPEAKER_00]: a way to momentarily numb the discomfort

[00:08:51] [SPEAKER_00]: of loneliness, stress, or insecurity.

[00:08:54] [SPEAKER_00]: But at its core,

[00:08:56] [SPEAKER_00]: every dollar we spend

[00:08:57] [SPEAKER_00]: reflects what we value,

[00:08:59] [SPEAKER_00]: whether consciously or not.

[00:09:01] [SPEAKER_00]: When there's a gap between what we truly value

[00:09:04] [SPEAKER_00]: and where our resources go,

[00:09:06] [SPEAKER_00]: it can create inner conflict.

[00:09:08] [SPEAKER_00]: That glossy new purchase

[00:09:10] [SPEAKER_00]: might bring fleeting joy,

[00:09:12] [SPEAKER_00]: but it doesn't address the underlying feelings

[00:09:15] [SPEAKER_00]: driving the behavior.

[00:09:17] [SPEAKER_00]: Instead,

[00:09:18] [SPEAKER_00]: it often leaves us feeling empty or regretful

[00:09:21] [SPEAKER_00]: and the cycle begins again.

[00:09:23] [SPEAKER_00]: Breaking free from this cycle

[00:09:25] [SPEAKER_00]: isn't about depriving yourself,

[00:09:27] [SPEAKER_00]: but reconnecting with yourself.

[00:09:30] [SPEAKER_00]: For me,

[00:09:31] [SPEAKER_00]: financial discipline

[00:09:32] [SPEAKER_00]: became a catalyst

[00:09:33] [SPEAKER_00]: for personal growth.

[00:09:35] [SPEAKER_00]: I wasn't much of a shopper,

[00:09:37] [SPEAKER_00]: but I used other forms of spending,

[00:09:39] [SPEAKER_00]: like lots of partying in my 20s,

[00:09:41] [SPEAKER_00]: to escape my feelings.

[00:09:44] [SPEAKER_00]: When I decided to prioritize

[00:09:45] [SPEAKER_00]: paying off debt,

[00:09:47] [SPEAKER_00]: I found myself spending more time alone,

[00:09:49] [SPEAKER_00]: cooking,

[00:09:50] [SPEAKER_00]: journaling,

[00:09:51] [SPEAKER_00]: and working out.

[00:09:52] [SPEAKER_00]: It helped me uncover

[00:09:53] [SPEAKER_00]: why I needed those distractions

[00:09:55] [SPEAKER_00]: in the first place.

[00:09:57] [SPEAKER_00]: The process of confronting those feelings

[00:10:00] [SPEAKER_00]: and learning to enjoy my own company

[00:10:02] [SPEAKER_00]: was transformative.

[00:10:04] [SPEAKER_00]: Changing your perspective on shopping

[00:10:06] [SPEAKER_00]: isn't just about saving money.

[00:10:08] [SPEAKER_00]: It's about reclaiming your time,

[00:10:11] [SPEAKER_00]: energy,

[00:10:11] [SPEAKER_00]: and emotional well-being.

[00:10:13] [SPEAKER_00]: You deserve a life

[00:10:14] [SPEAKER_00]: where your choices

[00:10:15] [SPEAKER_00]: reflect what you truly value.

[00:10:18] [SPEAKER_00]: But that should do it for today.

[00:10:20] [SPEAKER_00]: Have a happy rest of your day,

[00:10:21] [SPEAKER_00]: and I'll be back here tomorrow

[00:10:23] [SPEAKER_00]: where your optimal life awaits.

[00:10:24] [SPEAKER_00]: I'll be back here tomorrow.

[00:10:24] [SPEAKER_00]: I'll be back here tomorrow.

[00:10:24] [SPEAKER_00]: I'll be back here tomorrow.

[00:10:24] [SPEAKER_00]: Thank you.