Stop Buying Shit You Don’t Need

Blog reader, Loren Beecher, shared this direct and funny post of a sign that simply said, “Stop Buying Shit You Don’t Need” What wise advice. Often, we spend our days swiping carelessly on things that we don’t need or simply won’t remember purchasing in a few days. If want to save money and be happier, not buying things you don’t need is a great place to start.

Let’s take it up a notch.

Not only do we spend money on things we don’t need, we spend on things that bring no value. When was the last time you spent money on something that expanded your horizons, improved your health or reduced your stress? I’m encouraging you to shift your hard earn dollars in a direction that will catapult you in an area of growth.

Where to start?

Review your bank statements and all the receipts you have stored in your bags and wallets. Write down all of your purchases for the last few weeks. What does this list say about you? Are you spending money in way that aligns with your values and goals? If you didn’t spend money in this way, could you have saved or spent money on books or courses that would have expanded your horizons or improved a skill set.

The truth can hurt, but that is where growth happens.

This practice takes you out of the dark and into the light. Simple shifts in the way you spend your money will increase your well-being by exposing you to the experiences you truly desire. It doesn’t have to be an all or nothing approach. By no means am I telling you do not spend money on clothes, shoes or interior design. Sometimes these things bring joy as well. Rather, I am asking you to think deeper about the true meaning of joy and happiness. If you come to conclusion that happiness is accomplishing major goals like paying off debt, saving for a dream vacation, taking a course or something else that is not a material purchase your dollars should go there first.

What was the last purchase you made that truly enhanced your life?