Stress shopping is a real thing. It's kind of like a drug addiction. you just can't stop once you start.
It's like the old saying goes: "If you want to know what a man will do, watch how he spends his money." That's not just a cliché. it's literally how most people get to know their partners or colleagues. If you're stressed about money and can't seem to stop spending on unnecessary things, it may be because your brain is wired to make spending decisions based on the way those things make you feel.
So if you want to stop stress shopping from ruining your finances, here are some tips:
1) Take care of yourself first. Sleep well! Eat well! Exercise regularly! And remember that stress eating is no good for anyone but yourself (and maybe the economy).
2) Find some time in your schedule for "spending money" that isn't stressful-spending. This could be going out with friends or family, buying yourself flowers for no particular reason, or even just clearing out your cupboards and throwing out stuff that doesn't work anymore (we know this is hard!).
3) Make a list of things you need and want, and prioritize them. If you're really stressed out, it might be best to just pick one thing that you really want, and spend your money on it.
4) Don't buy anything new! If you're feeling especially stressed out, try not to buy anything new at all. you can always sell or give away what you already have if you don't want it anymore. You might even donate it to charity instead of having to figure out what to do with something you no longer need (or want).
5) Go grocery shopping with a friend! This one seems obvious but I promise it works! And if nothing else helps calm your mind down enough.
It's like the old saying goes: "If you want to know what a man will do, watch how he spends his money." That's not just a cliché. it's literally how most people get to know their partners or colleagues. If you're stressed about money and can't seem to stop spending on unnecessary things, it may be because your brain is wired to make spending decisions based on the way those things make you feel.
So if you want to stop stress shopping from ruining your finances, here are some tips:
1) Take care of yourself first. Sleep well! Eat well! Exercise regularly! And remember that stress eating is no good for anyone but yourself (and maybe the economy).
2) Find some time in your schedule for "spending money" that isn't stressful-spending. This could be going out with friends or family, buying yourself flowers for no particular reason, or even just clearing out your cupboards and throwing out stuff that doesn't work anymore (we know this is hard!).
3) Make a list of things you need and want, and prioritize them. If you're really stressed out, it might be best to just pick one thing that you really want, and spend your money on it.
4) Don't buy anything new! If you're feeling especially stressed out, try not to buy anything new at all. you can always sell or give away what you already have if you don't want it anymore. You might even donate it to charity instead of having to figure out what to do with something you no longer need (or want).
5) Go grocery shopping with a friend! This one seems obvious but I promise it works! And if nothing else helps calm your mind down enough.