You’ve been there. Either in line or tucked off in the inner aisles of a store, an item in hand and questions on your mind. Should I buy this? Your bank account pulled up on your phone attempts to give clarity. Maybe it immediately shut down that idea but you still stand there, thinking of ways to justify the purchase.

 

I’ve prowled the aisles of stores, wasting time trying to decide if I absolutely need the items in my cart, especially if it’s an impulse buy. And if I do trot to the register and hand over my cash, she returns me my receipt, a load of coupons and slips in a ticket of guilt.

 

This happen to anyone else? We typically don’t have inner dilemmas over cheap items or things you went in intentionally to buy; it’s usually something expensive when we have these debacles. It’s hard to say no when you really want it!

 

So today let’s talk about what to do before you make a large purchase, so the next time you find yourself questioning everything you know in the aisles of your favorite store or the checkout page of your computer, you’ll know what to do!

 

 

Can You Afford it?

 

The first and most obvious thing to consider while spending is to make sure that you can even afford the item you’re buying. This should be the stop sign you need. Nothing like curbing enthusiasm for shopping like knowing you haven’t budgeted for it.

 

Be mindful of what you have to spend. Take a deep look into your budget plan and ask yourself if you really absolutely need it.

 

If you can’t swing the purchase this month, then save for it using a sinking fund or plan to buy in a few months when you know you’ll have freed up money in your budget.

 

Saving and paying cash is the best option!

 

 

 

Listen

 

My mom always told me and her grandma said to her, “If it’s doubtful, it’s dirty.” This wise advice is applicable to so many situations, even while shopping. It seems peculiar to say intuition has any say in what you should and shouldn’t purchase, but if deep down you feel like you shouldn’t buy the item, please don’t buy it.

 

 

Wait Overnight

 

Maybe you’ve heard it said to think about it overnight before making a big purchase, and if you still desire it, then go for it. This, this is good, especially when it’s something expensive. If you walk into a store, virtual or physical, and see something you can’t live without, give it a little bit of time. The item should still be there, and taking the time to decide whether or not you had a hot flash of desire or are really in need will help you confidently buy.

 

Waiting overnight is good, but I’d say even waiting a few days is better. If you can’t get it out of your brain, and you’ve looked into the financial hit you’ll absorb and can feasibly account for it, then go ahead. Budget living is all about exhibiting patience, and there’s no better way to be patient than to wait a week or even longer.

 

 

Shop Around

 

While you’re “waiting” to buy, look over your options. I had been a nail bite away from buying a gift for my sister and brother-in-law online, but before I checked out, I decided to look for the item on different sites. I was ecstatic to find the item cheaper at another online store. I saved so much money I was able to buy them a second gift with the money I planned on using on the one item alone.

 

It might pay off to “shop around”!

 

 

 

Look for the Deals

 

There is always a sale going on. Look out for Memorial Day sales, Labor Day discounts, and the obvious Black Friday madness. Also, check out sites like Retailmenot.com for coupons for several retailers.

 

Other places, like Meijer (the mega grocery store of the midwest), offer sweet coupon “perks”. Their mperks program is the bomb because even if you don’t “clip” coupons, the money you spend goes towards rewards which take money off your final bill after you reach a certain amount spent.

 

Wait for those deals, and you’ll be so happy you did.

 

 

Research

 

Is the item you’re eyeing all that great? Is there a newer model coming out that’s worth waiting for? How’s the quality or lack thereof? What are other people saying?

 

Reviews are there for a reason, and researching the item might be the best move you’ll make before purchasing. When it’s something that expensive, you don’t want to just buy frivolously. No one wants regrets, and part of being a smart consumer is making smart consumption decisions.

 

Sell Something

 

A tactic that we’re trying to utilize in our own home is selling something in order to buy something new. It’s a tip that might not work for everyone, but if you can sell something, pocket the cash and use it on an upgrade or something else altogether you don’t have to worry about carving out a section of your budget. It’s like “extra money” to use! Sweet!

 

 

Planning for your big purchases are necessary if you want to stay within budget. Please don’t get me wrong; just because something is expensive doesn’t mean you can’t get it!! But you and your future finances will thank you down the road when you’ve planned for your expensive things and bought with cash instead of credit. No one wants to pay today for a purchase they made years ago.

 

So when you find yourself wondering if you should or shouldn’t buy, think back on these tips. What do you like to do before buying something expensive? Let me know in the comments!

 

Cheers!