We’ve all been there. A trip to the department store where you buy more items than you went in to purchase. Or doing a double-take when you see the total on your credit card bill at the end of the month. “I didn’t mean to spend that much.”
Especially with online purchases just a click away, spending is easier than ever. Overspending can seem inevitable. And putting your money toward paying off high bills rather than building up savings can be frustrating.
But overspending, even in a digital age, is avoidable. Here are seven methods that can reshape how you approach spending and help you take control of your finances, reduce financial stress, and pursue your financial goals.
1. Discover your “why”
Curbing your spending means saying no to purchases from time to time. Defining the larger “why” behind your decision can help you stay motivated.
To start, reflect on how overspending may have negatively impacted your life. Think back to surprise credit card bills and the financial stress you may have felt when you spent more than you intended. Then, consider the advantages you’ll gain by reining in your spending. Think about how that extra money can help you achieve your larger financial goals, like homeownership, retirement savings, and maintaining your quality of life in retirement.
Envision how your financial wellness would look if you successfully curb your spending, and call on this image anytime you’re tempted to splurge.
2. Review your spending habits
Identifying your unique spending patterns is key to breaking the cycle. Look over bank and credit card statements to get a sense of your discretionary spending habits, paying particular attention to purchases you regret or impulse purchases you may not even remember.
Take note of any patterns that emerge. You might notice you’re more likely to overspend when shopping with loved ones, for example, or that you tend to shop online when you’re bored, frustrated, or anxious.
Whatever your spending patterns are, don’t judge your choices. Simply make a mental note of these patterns so you can recognize them when they’re happening.
3. Redirect your behavior
Once you know your spending patterns, brainstorm ways to disrupt the cycle. Your strategy will depend on your particular triggers, but focus on finding ways to reduce your spending without sacrificing happiness.
If you tend to overspend while shopping with loved ones, for instance, allow yourself to splurge — but set a limit that won’t interfere with your other financial goals. If you tend to make impulse purchases when you’re in a store, shop with a list or shop online and pick up your purchases in a store so you only purchase items you need.
If your spending is driven by emotions, like boredom or fear, look for quick ways to meet your emotional needs that don’t involve spending. Resolving to take a walk around the block or calling a loved one for a quick chat may be just what you need to get your mind off a purchase.
4. Build a budget
Budgeting is the key to staying conscious about how you spend your money and helps ensure you can allocate money toward your financial goals. Create a budgetthat covers both your basic expenses and savings goals — including retirement, emergencies, and other larger purchases, like buying a home or a car.
Importantly, your budget should also give you an “allowance” to spend as you wish. Set a dollar limit that gives you the freedom to treat yourself from time to time without sacrificing your other goals and harming your ability to cover your expenses.
5. Pay with debit or cash
Credit cards are an important financial tool, but if you tend to overspend, consider paying with debit or cash, at least temporarily.
Making purchases with money you have on hand helps rein in spending since you’ll immediately see the effect on your account balance. Credit cards, on the other hand, delay the impact on your spending until you receive your next credit card statement, which increases the risk that you’ll accidentally spend more than you intended to. Overspending on your credit cards could also wreak havoc on your credit score.
If you strongly prefer to use your credit card, consider transferring money from your bank account to your credit card immediately after a purchase is made to avoid overspending.
6. Make the most of your mobile banking app
When it comes to monitoring — and reducing — your spending, your mobile banking app can be your best friend. Use your mobile banking app to set up auto-saveand automatically move money into your savings accounts at regular intervals to ensure you remain on track with your financial goals.
A mobile app that includes a budgeting function may allow you to set limits on your discretionary spending, as well as send you alertswhen you’re reaching your limit. Even if this function isn’t available to you, a mobile app allows you to review your account balance anytime, from anywhere — so you can review your finances before deciding to make a purchase.
7. Try a no-buy
If you’re looking for a clean break from overspending, consider a “no-buy” — a challenge to go cold turkey and temporarily eliminate discretionary spending for a set period of time, usually a week to a month. With splurges off the table, you’ll have an opportunity to practice redirecting your behavior and start forming the positive financial habits you’ll need to reduce spending long term.
When it comes to a no-buy, you make the rules. For shorter no-buys lasting only a week or two, you may be able to eliminate discretionary purchases entirely. For longer no-buys, you might relax the rules by, for example, allowing yourself to replace items that run out in order to keep the challenge realistic. Alternatively, if you find yourself spending too much on one type of item, like cosmetics, gaming, or clothing, you might opt to focus your no-buy on that particular category.
Taking control of your spending may feel challenging at times but should also feel rewarding. As you implement one or all the strategies above, you’ll form the positive financial habits you need to help your money work harder for you — and put yourself on track to achieve your financial goals.
Wondering where to direct those extra savings? Find the right kind of account for your goals.
