We love shopping as much as anyone and if you have room in your budget for new shoes, you should never feel guilty for buying them. But it’s the splurges you weren’t planning on that become a problem. You know the ones, the book you ordered when a stranger in line recommended it or the bag you saw in your Instagram feed as you were scrolling before bed and just had to have.
Thankfully, even if you’re prone to online shopping binges, chances are, you’re not a compulsive shopper - only about6% of Americansare, although 80% of those are women. But if you buy things you don’t need, even when you can’t afford them, or shop impulsively, or hide your spending habits, there is a way to shop smarter. Financial expert Farnoosh Torabi says this is how to resist the urge to splurge.
- Smash that unsubscribe button- You want to stop getting all those emails that encourage you to spend, especially since your web browser and social media sites are constantly sending you targeted ads.
- Get off social media- Instagram can be a source of inspiration, but it can also leave you feeling less-than after looking at a post of other people’s lovely, filtered lives. And to fill that void, you may be tempted to go for a quick fix, like buying something you don’t really need. So stop scrolling on the ‘gram.
- Use the 24-hour rule- When you see something you want, add it to your cart and wait 24-hours. Research has found that when you wait a little while before buying, dopamine levels drop and you can make a more rational decision about how much you really need or want it.
- Be honest with yourself and others- If you really are struggling with compulsive shopping, let your loved ones know and get help and encouragement from them.
Source:Glamour