You Deserve it. But Should You Buy It?

_{By Bromwich+Smith Staff | 627 words | Reading Time: 3 minutes | Last Update: 2022/03/22}

We live in a country that really likes to buy things. However, even when we buy what we want, what we feel afterwards doesn’t always feel great. We’ve all been there. You’re excited to buy something but later you think, “Why did I get this?”

Even if you have enough money to pay the bills and buy what you want, you may get to a point where you’d like to feel spending decisions are more intentional. Remember, though, that wanting things is human. Don’t shame yourself or feel bad for desiring the latest thing, or purchasing something that you later regretted.

We all deserve things so asking yourself if you can afford something is a great question, along with should you buy it? To support you even further we are outlining a few ways below that may help you determine if you should buy that “thing” for yourself and still meet your financial goals and budget. 

Connect with your Money

Deciding to buy something can leave you in a “judge and jury” mental framework and if you are frequently going through this you are not connected enough to your money and how you would like to use it.

The more effort you can put into clarifying what you’d like your money to do, the better idea you’ll have if something is a good choice for you or not. This will empower you to make an informed decision.

What are your goals? 

Goals are our mental anchors, and without them, we can have the tendency to spend thoughtlessly.  Visualize your goals in order to make them a reality so that when you come up against a choice of buying something like an expensive handbag: you can compare that purchase to the time it will take to meet a goal you have determined for yourself.  

Our lives are not a highlight reel

Scrolling through social media can sometimes make us think everyone has the most compelling,  dazzling life imaginable compared to ours.  Keep in mind, that many social media platforms are used commercially, to encourage spending. This constant consumer messaging can affect our mental health and cloud our judgement. Focus more on purchases that feel meaningful to you and align with you achieving your goals, rather than what you are being told to buy through social media.

Be in control, not your money.

As human beings we want autonomy over our decisions, life and career and that can be very rewarding and satisfying. If you feel stress about saving or spending, your money appears to have power over you, not the other way around.

Ensuring you are in control when it comes to your money with goals and a budget will give you the upper hand and ultimately help you in being able to afford the things you really desire and deserve.

Ask questions

When thinking about making a purchase ask yourself or a series of questions like: Do I actually need this item? Why am I here? How will I pay for this? What does this impact in my life if I buy this? This way, you can break the impulse cycle and really determine what your feelings are about this potential purchase. If there are any negative feelings like shame or unhappiness, walk away from the purchase. 

It’s important to note that even with the best intentions there are still things that can happen to you making budgeting or money planning difficult.  If you are facing overwhelming debt, remember that you are not alone. Bromwich+Smith has a number of debt relief strategies to help you regain control of your finances and get your life back on track. Reach out today for a free, confidential, no obligation consultation. Bromwich+Smith’s Debt Relief Specialists are available by phone at 1.855.884.9243, or request a call back at contact us page. We want to see you flourish!