How to stick to a Spending Ban

I usually go on a spending ban when my budget becomes tight, when I need to save for something or when I just have too much stuff and it's getting ridiculous. I do try to keep to it but social media is a crazy influencer particularly Instagram which is super visual. Whatever the reason is, it should be a strong one so you can keep to your spending ban. In January, I find it difficult to stick to my plan and on the other hand, I find it easy and I would tell you why. It is easy because if you are broke, there is no need for a spending ban and believe me, January can leave you broke. However, it is also difficult to stick to because they are too many tempting offers. Regardless of the month, I have some tried and tested tips that work for me and I would like to share them with you all. I would also love to read any tips you may have. Majority of these tips are just common sense really but as one of my managers would say, "common sense is never really common".

 

1. Temporarily unsubscribe from “tempting” retailer emails: I have to say I am one of those people that click through from an email straight to purchase a product. I am sure people who control various brands' newsletters would love me for that and I am usually tempted if there is a discount or an offer. It is good in a way because I usually get good deals early and make tiny savings. However, it is very counter productive for a spending ban. I use a service called Unroll Me and I can’t remember where I first heard about it but I have not looked back since. It’s amazing as I just add all the tempting retailers to the list and that way, I don’t see their emails for a limited period. I find it very handy to use as opposed to completely unsubscribing from these retailers. You can also use it for spammy emails and leave them there permanently. The best part is that you can remove your precious retailers from the unroll me list after your spending ban is over, so you can get emails again from them. It’s pretty genius and I love it.

2. Resist Window Shopping: I already mentioned in another post that I am quite good at window shopping and if I make up my mind not to spend, I won’t. However, window shopping is not the best in January/February because you would definitely find one or more deals. It may even be a deal that you were eyeing before Christmas which is now available at a ridiculously cheap price. It is best to avoid window shopping and wandering aimlessly along the shopping centre because you would be tempted. I even find Grocery stores' beauty aisles super tempting these days especially M&S, Sainsbury's and Tesco as they have amazing beauty aisles. I just pop into grocery stores with a food shopping list, stick to it and not meander to any beauty aisles. I just keep it moving...

3. Have a strong reason for the spending ban: I think this applies to so many things in life. If you want to lose weight and your reason is a strong one (e.g. health related), you would be very motivated because you can envision the end goal. It applies in a similar way to a spending ban. It is more realistic to stick to a spending ban if your reason is a strong one. For example, let's say I was saving to buy a house, I know the amount of happiness a house would bring me would be much more than any stash of makeup. That alone would be my motivation. It could be anything really but ensure it is something that would help you stick to your spending ban and achieving your end goal.

4. Try and Sleep Early:  I am sure you are wondering what has that got to do with anything? Well, it has to do a lot!! First off, many people do late night online shopping because they are awake and bored. When you are bored, it is the worst time to go shopping because you are not focused and you'd spend more. It’s even worse being bored at night and not being able to sleep as shopping online may seem like the next best thing. Don’t do it; it never ends well and you may find yourself breaking the spending ban. I try my best to sleep early but if I don't, I am not browsing shopping sites even when I have just spied an amazing product on Instagram or blog.

5. Make a wish list instead of checking out: If I am on a spending ban, I make a wish list and populate it with products I am lusting after. Every week, I add and remove products and I know that any product that stays in that list is one I really want. I don't dwell on the shopping list and start pondering what product needs to make it to the basket. Instead, I just just add the products in there and exit.  I know that sounds super dramatic but it is so necessary. If you start looking at your wish list, you may search out on the internet for one or two products and the rest is history because a purchase will be made.


6. Shop your Stash: Granted, I do have quite a lot of beauty products which I have purchased myself and some were gifted to me by brands and PRs. Still, it does not stop me from trying to buy more which is why I go on spending bans. I only recently started fully shopping my stash and it is an amazing experience!! All I do is just rearrange and rotate the products in my Muji drawers and it's always an interesting task for me. I always find old favourites, start using them again and wonder why I left them in the first place. There is a satisfaction you get that is almost similar to shopping and it's a perfect way to stick to your spending ban.

6. Forgive yourself if you mess up: I am sure many people would raise their hands and say they mess up when they start something new especially a spending ban. It is possible to slip up and make a purchase. First off, move past it and don’t be tempted to postpone your spending ban. The good thing is you can always return an item so there is no excuse. If you have ordered it, you can always return it but don’t beat yourself up too much about failing. I know it may be difficult  to return some items. It is easy when you have not used these products (beauty products) and clothing is so much easier to return. I actually hate returning things because I cannot deal with the hassle and stress which is why I try not to tempt myself by checking out shopping sites.

6. Give yourself a nice reward ONLY if you are successful: I think the best part of being on a spending ban is knowing you can reward yourself. I only reward myself if I have kept to my spending ban completely. This makes me feel much more disciplined. For example, I am going to reward myself with a NARS Foundation (or two) when I am done with my spending ban. The problem with rewarding yourself is that you may go crazy. If you do, it may defeat the purpose of the entire spending ban. It's best to just treat yourself within reasonable limits or whatever you think is best for you.


I hope you found these tips useful and do share with me what tips you have tested and tried for sticking to a spending ban. I go on spending bans every now and then and I do like the experience when I succeed. It makes you feel like you can exhibit a lot of self control which is always inspiring. That's pretty much it!! Let me know in the comment box, you top spending ban tips....xx