To splurge means "to spend money freely or extravagantly." While the idea of being able to spend a lot of money in a short amount of time sounds exhilarating (especially as a college student or young adult), it's not real freedom if you end up feeling guilt or regret afterward. It's not real freedom if you spent money you didn't have or hadn't budgeted for. It's not real freedom if you bought five new pairs of shoes but have to live off of Ramen noodles for the next week. Real freedom is making informed decisions about how you spend your money. Here are four strategies to stop splurging when you go shopping at the mall:
1. Plan ahead
Before you go shopping, make a game plan. Decide how much money you are able to spend and which items you want to spend it on. The amount of money you choose should depend on your income and how often you go shopping. If you prefer going shopping every week, set aside a small amount of money for one new item each time you go. If you want the feeling of a shopping spree without all the chaos, save up money to take a shopping trip once every few months. Additionally, keep in mind what you are trying to accomplish during these trips. Are you looking for jeans, a top, a dress, shoes, jewelry, or accessories? Make a list with what you're looking for and take it with you.
2. Keep track as you shop
While you're at the mall shopping, keep a running tally of how much you have spent and how much you can still spend. This goes for when you are in a store trying on clothes and figuring out which items to buy as well. It's better to be precise rather than to round or guesstimate, so simply use the calculator app on your phone. This will help you stay away from overspending.
3. Don't look at what you can't afford
If you see a cute item on the rack but know the number on the tag is way out of your price range, walk away and under no circumstances try it on. This will only make throwing your budget out the window that much more of a temptation. In the same way, don't start shopping around for big ticket items such as winter coats, fancy dresses, or name brand shoes until you have enough money saved up to buy the item right then. All too often you'll start looking around before you have the money set aside, find something on sale for a great deal, and feel pressured to buy it even though you don't have the money yet. Do yourself a favor and only look at items you could realistically purchase.
4. Go with a friend to keep you accountable
Shopping is a great activity to do with friends because you can chat and grab a bite to eat while walking around the mall. However, we recommend only going on shopping trips with friends who will help hold you accountable to your budget. You don't need a friend encouraging you to "treat yo self" by splurging on something you don't have the money for. Go with a friend who will challenge and encourage you to find cute yet affordable items and be that type of friend in return!
To recap, develop a plan anytime you go shopping and set yourself up for success when it comes to following that plan!
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