It’s Too Easy

Growing up in a rural area, the only way to purchase anything new was to drive thirty minutes to the nearest shopping mall. If I happened to tag along with my mother, it didn't always mean I was getting something unless there was a special occasion or if I wore her down with my begging and pleading.

A friend of mine with small children has told me of stories of when they checked their Amazon orders and saw that their four-year-old has asked Alexa to watch a movie. They’re in the hole for $150 worth of movies without even realizing it. 

Pro Tip: Reflect

Take a moment and stroll down memory lane of your recent shopping experiences and where you can pinpoint an instance or instances of where you made a purchase simply for instant gratification. How do you feel about that item now? How many other items were bought to change your mood or to distract you from whatever was bothering you that day?

Re-read the What The Lack? blog from two weeks ago where we discussed items that add unnecessary stress to your life and determine how many of those were impulse purchases. With that information in mind, be mindfully aware of your purchases this week and make an effort to resist those impulses. For extra points, take photos of the items you want to buy. Wait a week and see if you still feel the same way. I’d love to hear about your experience with this - please share in the comments!