The first step is understanding yourself. If you see something, you will want to buy it. Now that you know that, you can work with that. Here are some of my suggestions:
1. Don't shop - I don't mean never. But, only shop with a list and when you need something. And, I have found that I am much better off shopping at the local grocery store or local little shop than going into Walmart which seems to make me lose all sense of reason. I rarely go into Walmart or any big box type stores because if I do I go into a shopping "mode" and always spend at least $100 on stuff I didn't even know I wanted until I was there!
So, I haven't been at Walmart in months. Stay out of stores where you know you tend to impulse buy.
2. Time and Money - Another trick I use on myself is "time and money". If I see some impulse item I want (usually when I am at Walmart) I allow myself to put it in my cart and walk through the store with it. Then, I take it back and put it back on the shelf. I tell myself that if I can still remember what it was I wanted so badly in a week later, then I will allow myself to go buy it. Usually, after the week passes I rarely can even remember what it was I wanted or why.
3. Tags are your friend - If you do impulse buy something, fine. Do not remove the tags or use the item. Take it home and let it sit overnight or for a couple of days. Make sure you have the receipts. That will allow you a "cooling" off period and then if you realize you should not have purchased it then return it.
4. Don't be a Slave to your Stuff - Every time you buy something you are basically trading your time ( the time you spend working) for that stuff. The more stuff you buy, the more time you will spend working to pay for that. Less stuff means earlier retirement and less years spent on the job paying for that stuff. If you love to work and plan to work forever, maybe that pyschology won't work on yourself. But, most people do want the ability to walk away at some point. For every $1 you spend you have to earn at least $1.25 to pay for the merchandise and your income tax.
4. Happiness is Free - Learn to enjoy the things in life that really bring happiness. Watching a sunset. Taking a meal to a sick neighbor, etc.
More stuff means more stuff to clean, to keep track of, to learn to use, to read the 40 pg instruction manual , to buy accessories for and on and on. The simple life is much more enjoyable in my opinion.
Changing your money habits is not just a matter of self control as in a diet. It is not gritting your teeth and hanging on to your money though that is often the starting point. You will be truly content when you learn to make your money work for you. When you make thoughtful purchases on things you really want vs. just buying for the sake of buying. When you realize that staying at home and enjoying what you have is way better than another trip through some gift shop.
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