It’s so important to treat yourself, but far too often, treating yourself becomes an excuse to overindulge and overspend. There are ways that you can buy things for yourself and date yourself without breaking the bank, however. The only caveat is that you need to be thrifty and you need to be prepared.
To help you spend less this year while still treating yourself with regular pick-me-ups, then use this guide today:
Stop Impulse Shopping
Impulse shopping can feel good in the moment, but the overall benefits are minimal. You may not actually care about the item and just got swept up in the excitement of the buy (or sale). Your feelings may sour quickly when you’ve realized you’re in debt or are strapped for cash.
To stop impulse shopping, create a list of items that you need in advance. Don’t shop outside of these items. Unless it’s a one-of-a-kind item, know that you can buy it later. By simply waiting 24 or 48 hours after you see and want something, you can then gauge if it’s something that will benefit your life or just satisfy the moment.
Shop Smarter
Whenever you do shop, always be thrifty about it. One of the best ways to shop for the items you want or need is to wait for a sale and to use coupons. You should also search for other sellers, like outlets, to find the item you want for less. Take your signature perfume, for example. By shopping at an outlet store, you can save. By using a Fragrancenet coupon you can save further.
Shop Second-Hand
While some products, like perfumes and soft furnishings, can be risky to buy second-hand, there are many items that are perfectly safe. Clothes should be washed after you buy them, and after that, they’ll be clean and ready to wear. Solid-wood furniture can be quickly wiped down. The only downside is that there’s no guarantee of what you’ll find, which is why the best thrifters are constantly searching.
Stay Updated for Deals
In terms of events, dining out, and experiences, stay up-to-date with newsletters or on social media. Many travel sites partner with companies to offer deals, meaning you can go out to top-notch places for less. Early bird prices are also a great way to save and still treat yourself by going out. As for restaurants, keep an ear out for new launches. Soft launches are usually 50% off the normal price to get people into the restaurant and talking about it.
Be Mindful
You can treat yourself and not spend a dime by simply being mindful. Rather than go out to get your nails done, you can do them at home. Rather than dine out, you can host a dinner party at yours. From slowing down and doing things yourself to learning new ways to enjoy your time that don’t cost much, there are so many ways that you can lead a more fulfilling life while spending less.
Also read: Tips on Safe Shopping on AliExpress