FREE SAMPLE
WORK PLANNER!
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?Â
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.)Â
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!
 
Looking for more like this? Here you go . . .
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We cancelled Netflix & Hulu in favor of the Amazon Fire Stick (yes it’s a bigger UP FRONT cost, but over 1 year it more than paid for itself). We never had cable, but since my fiance is a gamer our internet bill is $100/mo and here to stay– he is the only income at this time and gaming is his “release” when he’s back home from being out on the road for days/weeks at a time (truck driver)….. My only other big ‘difference’ has been buying stuff for the new baby through FB postings for less than 1/2 the cost of new, and preparing to sell the extra stuff we didn’t need at consignment- or selling what she outgrows during the next season……
This is good advice. It reminds me of words I used when my step-children were little… 20 years from now, will I be happy–that I was able to sleep in instead of getting to early in Saturday morning to make breakfast/that I was able to read my book instead of take the time to play another game of Candyland/that I was able to make perfect cookies instead of allowing the kids to learn and have fun in the process… That 20 years from now question truly helped me overcome many of bmy selfish inclinations, and I think helped me avoid a lot of potential regret. I hope that people apply your message to more than just their finances.
Thank you so much for sharing Becky! Yes, that advice applies to so many areas of our lives, and there’s so much wisdom in it. Thank you so much for sharing!
This is a really great piece of advice. Jeez Louise that would curb my Dollar Spot spending.
I thought the same thing Lydia – honestly if I could use this one advice to reign in everything (the way I spend my free time, what I eat, EVERYthing), I really think it could be life changing! But, I’ll just start on saving at the Dollar Tree for now. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!