Do you ever feel like you lose your sense of self-control the moment you enter malls? Do you find yourself carrying paper bags filled with thingamabobs you just bought but don’t necessarily need? Or, have you ever tried browsing on Instagram and ended up calling ‘dibs’ on a lot of clothes and shoes from online stores?
Guilty of any of these? No worries, I’ve been there and I’ve done that.
But then, I realized that hoarding stuff I probably won’t even use is not a good thing. Thus, I found out a way to stop this bad habit through creating a series of questions that now serve as my shopping gatekeepers, and I’m gonna share them with you.
While it may be so tempting to shop, especially now that you just got your 13th month pay and bonuses, here are five questions that will help you decide whether you should (or shouldn’t) purchase a product.
5. Why do you want to buy it?
The first question, or the easiest of them all, aims to identify why you’d like to buy those cute potted succulents, for example. Is it because they look totally cute? Is it because it looks good on your house? Is it for a present? Is it going to make your life so much better? Ask yourself why.
What’s important here is to pinpoint that there really is a reason for buying something, whatever that thing is. All answers count in this round. So, go on, give yourself a point.
(Succulents from Herbs and Thorns)
4. Will you use it at least once a month?
Planning to buy clothes, shoes or bags? Ask yourself how often you’ll use the item before buying it. If you don’t think you’ll be wearing it at least once a month. then it’s probably not a good purchase.
You wouldn’t want to add another piece on the pile of unused clothes in your closet, right? However, if you think it’s really gonna be useful, then give yourself a point.
(Bag from Giovanne The Label)
3. Is it cheap?
Is it a good deal or is it too expensive? The affordability of the product is another factor that you have to consider when buying something.Also remember that just because it’s cheap, doesn’t mean you’ll instantly buy it. A group of ten P 100.00 worth of useless things is the same as a P 1,000.00 useless item.
But then, if the price is right, give yourself a point.
(Emoji Powerbanks from Rainbow Splash PH)
2. On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the highest, how much do you need it?
Be honest and justify your answer.
If your answer was 5 and above and you were able to justify it, then give yourself a point. If it wasn’t, sorry, honey. Maybe next time?
(Mermaid blanket from Shnukum Manila)
1. Will it truly make you happy?
The most important question lies on happiness. Of course, we’re just humans and if that relatively expensive cat purse would truly make you happy, would brighten up your day and lighten up your mood, then go on and give yourself a point.
After all, isn’t the goal of everything we do is for us to be happy?
(Dog onesie from Snooze PH)
***
That’s it, if you got 3 points or more, then it’s a good indicator that you should purchase that thing. If you didn’t, well, you still have the last say. At the end of the day, whatever comes out of your wallet and goes into your bag is a decision only you can make.
Also keep in mind not to be too harsh on yourself.
A little shopping fun won’t hurt anyone.
Good luck and let us know how it goes! *wink*
Do you think this guide is useful? Share your thoughts with us.
