How To Slow Your Spending With One Simple Step

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Ever struggle with the temptation to purchase something on a whim?

You're not alone.

However, this one simple step might just transform the way you spend.

Every single time you're considering purchasing an item.

*Every time.*

Ask yourself:

In one year, will I be glad I purchased this?

In one year, will I be glad I spent these few dollars at the Dollar Tree?

In one year, will it matter that I splurged on more expensive meat at the grocery when another cut was on sale?

In one year, will I be happier because this t-shirt is in my closet? 

In one year, will this super cute pillow that I just need right now still be super cute? (heck, in one WEEK will it still be super cute? This one comes from experience . . . ahem.) 

In one year, will our family be glad we went out to eat at a more expensive restaurant when we could have eaten somewhere a little less pricey (or, even stayed at home?)

In one year, will my child still enjoy that toy they're convinced they just need right now?

In one year, will I be thankful I paid $2 for that soda when I could have gotten water for free?

In one year, will I be glad my child had that darling designer outfit to wear to school?

In one year, will these jeans really be just the pair I need?

Yikes.

Don't sacrifice what you really want for what you want right now.

We're all at different places in our lives and in our finances, and you may be at a place where splurging on a yummy meal at a fancy restaurant or buying your kiddos super cute boutique clothes totally works for your budget. But if you're not in that place, this may be a time to reign things in so that your long term financial goals aren't sacrificed for that short term “I want it now” mentality.

I'll be honest, there are a few splurges that we enjoyed even when money was tight in our home that I'm totally thankful for. I don't regret our vacations, some date nights with my husband, or a few special outfits for our children's baby pictures. (Although I enjoyed those special outfits bought at consignment stores much more than the ones I paid full price for before I knew any better!)

I do however look back and remember times when I really thought I just needed an item for our home, so I spent too much on items we absolutely didn't need. Within months I was disappointed, and hated that we'd just thrown money away.

While it's totally okay to splurge on a super cute top every once in awhile or a fun meal out, if you're in a place where you really need to change your family's finances, this may be the time to skip some of those splurges. Not only will it help your budget, it may just help de-clutter your home too. 🙂

So, the next time you're at a store and just convinced you *need* a new item, take a minute to think about whether in one year you'll be oh-so-glad you have it. Try saving those pennies towards your long term financial goals, and I'm betting you'll be amazed at how quickly your spending slows down!

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