Since the first rule of finance is spend less than you make- or earn more than you spend- what are some practical ways for spending less?

Shopping is NOT your hobby- Stop hanging around folks for whom shopping IS their hobby, and find something else to do with your free time. Shop less frequently saves a ton of greenbacks! The science of item placement and ways to entice you are important to retailers. If staying out of the store is the only way you can resist spending money, then stay away. So don't shop because you are bored.

Emotions that trigger spending- Besides boredom and peer pressure, which I have spoken about before, we shop when we are angry or feel entitled. 'I deserve this. After all, I put up with those annoying people at work and give more than I'm paid.' WOW! That's an attitude that will get you nowhere fast.

What CAN you do?- So, if you can't shop when you're bored - well, you can shop, you just can't SPEND- how could you spend your time? You can shop at cheaper stores, you can walk and talk with friends, you can help others an afternoon a week. You can invite folks over every week for potluck parties at which you provide modest amounts of food or drink and others pitch in.

Citations:
Product placement
http://www.savingsguide.com.au/10-shopping-tactics-that-make-you-buy-more/

Feeling bored as reason to shop
http://www.divinewriters.com/2010/08/the-frequent-reasons-for-excessive-shopping/

Marion R. Syversen, MBA - President
NorumbegaFinancial
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Marion@NorumbegaFinancial.com
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