Impulse Spending at an All-Time High… (At least for Marissa)
Since quarantine, my impulse buys have been nothing short of problematic… lets uncover why!
When social distancing and self isolation first came into play, I realized quickly how much money I would potentially save by not going out to bars, not eating out at restaurants, and not shopping. Things seemed hopeful… until I forgot to take my impulse spending habits into account.
So far during quarantine I have impulse purchased the following:
- A used Playstation 2
- Guitar Hero 1,2 AND 3
- Pre-workout powder and other unneeded vitamins
- A book-bag to transport a kitten
- A jumprope
Were any of these things needed? No. Were any of these things even wanted? Mostly no. So lets figure out why I’m so out of control:
According to Psychology Today, impulse buying is related to anxiety and unhappiness. Gee, can’t imagine what would have me so anxious and unhappy *cough CORONAVIRUS cough.* They also state “impulse buyers tend to experience more anxiety and difficulty controlling their emotions, which may make it harder to resist emotional urges to impulsively spend money,” GEE CAN’T IMAGINE THE CORRELATION HERE *massive eyeroll.*
Jokes and useless junk I never needed aside, here are a few tips to help you control your impulse spending if you are anything like me:
- Ask yourself “did I plan on purchasing this?” If the answer is no, you know you’re impulse buying.
- Spend a few minutes contemplating the purchase. Usually reflecting on what you’re about to do can help deter you from an unnecessary purchase.
- Calculate the price of the item and how many times you think you’ll actually use it, and see if it adds up to your moneys-worth.
- Wait a few days to a week before purchasing. If you still feel compelled to buy the item, at least you’ve taken a more responsible approach and have distinguished the difference between need vs. want.
- Don’t be like Marissa. Recognize the temporary happiness these items may give you and realize that you do not need to spend what little money you have on things like cat book-bags and teenage video games!!!!
If you yourself are a problematic impulse spender, know that you are not alone. There are ways to seek help. There are people you can lean on. We will get through it together!!
Sources: PsychologyToday / TwoCents
[@marissa.radio]
