Control Spending Through Smarter Shopping

How many times have you gone into Walmart to pick up some aspirin only to come out with a bag full of bargain DVDs? How many times have you intended to buy a birthday card only to add a new pair of jeans to your cart? How many times have you broke your monthly budget because you just couldn't control spending?

Trying to control spending is akin to being on a diet and having a piece of chocolate right under your nose. Not having the ability to control spending can cause stress on your mind and your pocket book, making it impossible to properly budget, and even doing some damage to your personal relationships.

When faced with the inability to control spending, follow these simple spending tips:

1) Remember what you originally came for.
2) Bring a list with you, and don't allow yourself to stray.
3) Put time between yourself and any potential impulse purchases.

To be more specific about point #3; if you find yourself looking at an item you had not originally planned on purchasing, walk around the store for 10 minutes, asking yourself if you really need the item. Get a drink from the water fountain or go to the isle where the product you originally wanted resides. In most cases, you will have "cooled off" after those 10 minutes, passing on the impulse buy.

And then ask yourself the following questions:

1) Does it fit into my budget?
2) Can I maintain the purchase?
3) Do I need it?
4) Will I use this product six months from now?
5) Is it a valid replacement, or can I repair what I have?

To learn more about budgeting, spending tips and how to get my book, visit The Budget of Your Life.Com.