The King read a book recently that referred to Frugality as a Spiritual Discipline. I honestly had never thought of being frugal through this lens, that I could gain more peace in my life with my crazy frugality. However, in so many ways, I find it consistent that the more I stretch our dough the more content I am. The less I spend, the less I need, the more satisfied I am. Are you with me?
However, there are still days when the green-eyed monster creeps into my backseat, sidles right up next to me, or even jumps into my cart, inducing a case of the gimmes. For me it’s usually workout gear or accessories that are my weakness (or an adorable t-shirt; I’m such a sucker for those). Occasionally it’s eating out, music, iPods, or some other form of entertainment. For others, it’s purses, shoes, a new wardrobe, tech gadgets, household goods or decor.
When those moments of weakness attack, I find it helpful to do a few things:
- Stay out of the mall. There is nothing like a good shopping trip to show you all of the things that you don’t have and “need.” Limit your trips to the mall if at all possible (and the non-grocery aisles of places like Walmart, Target, and Meijer). If you don’t see it, you won’t want it.
- Wait 24 hours. If you really NEED it, it will still be there in 24 hours. And if it’s not still there, maybe you didn’t need it as much as you thought that you did.
- Evaluate what you already have. Is it truly worn out? Can it be refurbished? If you get a new “thing,” what will happen to the things that you already have? Can you donate them or do they need pitched (no one wants your holey undies)?
- Stuff on Sale is Still Stuff. You might be like me and LOVE a bargain. You love that little part at the bottom of the receipt that says you saved $100bagillion dollars today! However, stuff on sale is still stuff and if you don’t need it, it will clutter your house, your being, and your soul. Slowly now, step away from the clearance rack.
- Talk to your spouse about said purchase. You might actually be surprised. There have been times where I thought I really didn’t need something but on further evaluation, The King encouraged me to purchase it. Be sure you get this straight in your head, I am not saying that your spouse should control your every purchase (nor should you control his or hers). However, conflict is reduced in your relationship when you’re on the same page about your finances. And sometimes this includes discussing purchases of $10 or less. There is freedom in thinking things through together and being on the same team, not restraint.
- Look at the purchase within the grand scheme of the universe. Did you know that $1 will give an African water for an entire year? Could your $ be better spent improving the world than on those hawt new shoes? I’m not trying to bring you down, just trying to provide perspective.
- Lose the guilt. If you go through all of the above steps and still feel like it’s a wise or doable purchase, go for it and don’t look back. Do not beat yourself up. You’ve thought things through and made a wise choice. Enjoy it!
- Admit when you’re wrong. If you have made a rash purchase by all means if you can, TAKE IT BACK. Do not let it sit there and constantly remind you of your mistake. It will eat you alive. You won’t be able to truly enjoy it anyway. Even if you only get store credit, I’m sure there’s something else in your world that you need available for purchase at that store. Or consider giving it away. Someone, somewhere might need that item.
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