Being a regular shopper can have its benefits, from finding great deals in natural habitat, to developing a sense of responsibility with managing your budget. But habitual shoppers may often find themselves unfulfilled after making impulse purchases, or regretting purchases they later realize were unnecessary. The reality is, the average person spends up to $3,000 dollars a year on nonessential items! It’s no wonder then why many people are beginning to rethink their shopping habits and become more mindful with how they spend their hard-earned money.
To move beyond a habitual shopper’s routine, it’s important to understand your individual shopping habits as well as the habits of those around you. Throughout your shopping experiences, take a step back and ask yourself why you’re buying an item. Do you truly need it? Think through the purchase before you buy it by re considerate whether or not it fits your personality, lifestyle, and upcoming needs as well as how it would it become a valuable part of your life.
From here, it is important to make sure that the purchase is made with your budget in mind. Mindful shopping is about understanding the importance of having financial stability, and being intentional with your spending. Creating a budget can help you to keep track of where your money is going and will prevent you from overwhelming your finances. Having an understanding of the balance between what you can afford and what you actually need can help to safeguard your wallet and move you towards becoming a more conscious consumer.
The internet has made shopping more convenient than ever. This not only decreases our physical activity but it also makes it easier for us to accumulate items on a whim, without reflecting on our needs or our budget. Smart phones have further increased this convenience, making it effortless to click, buy and have the goods to arrive at our doorstep without having to leave the comfort of our home. While online shopping can have its benefits – namely convenience, it can also lead to unnecessary purchases.
When shopping online, it is important to create a shopping list that not only includes the items you need but also their exact prices. This will help ensure that you remain on track with your budget and make sure that you haven’t overspent. Alternately, take advantage of scheduling your online orders to be shipped at a later date. This gives you the chance to ponder over the purchase and avoid making any unnecessary or last-minute decisions.
Finally, it’s time to put your new shopping habits to the test. Instead of driving around all day looking for the best deal, start shopping from the comfort of your home. Consider shopping for second-hand items instead as this can help to save you money while also helping the environment. With assistance from online retailers, it is easier than ever to find quality goods at discounted prices or pre-owned ones that still provide plenty of use.
Shopping mindfully doesn’t mean depriving yourself. Thoughtful purchases provide the opportunity for you to support local businesses as well as build a sustainable wardrobe. With a little forethought and intention, you can move past a regular shopper’s routine and become a mindful consumer, investing in items that have value and meaning.