How to Avoid Spending more than you can Afford

Many people are in debt because they simply can’t help spending more than they can afford.  There are different strategies that you can employ if you are truly serious about making this change.  The following ideas may help you stay in a positive financial state.

Know what you can afford

In the recent times of irresponsible spending, many people went with an “ignorance is bliss” view of their finances.  They spent more than they can afford because they truly had no idea of what they could pay for.  They may have gotten into debt because they just kept spending and spending and figured everything would work themselves out, not realizing the hole that they had dug for themselves until they were in quite deep.  To aid in this, you should have a clear understanding of what your finances are what you can – and more importantly what you can’t – afford.

Do not go shopping

You cannot spend too much if you do not go shopping. Try to avoid going to the malls to window shop if you think that you will not be able to resist. Do not look at shopping websites on the Internet.

Make a budget

In addition to just knowing your finances, it may behoove you to make a specific budget.  If you make it so that you do not overspend and stick to it, then you will avoid getting into trouble.  If you find something that you absolutely must have, then make yourself change the budget and lower your spending on something else so that you still stay at an acceptable spending level.

Only bring the money you want to spend to the store with you

You can’t spend too much if you do not have anything to pay for.  Instead of bringing a credit card with a high credit limit, instead bring enough cash sufficient for the items that you are planning to buy.  If you see something you want, you won’t be able to buy it immediately. 

Make a list of what you want a buy and a plan for buying them

Oftentimes we spend more than we can afford as we are browsing down aisle after aisle at the store, amazingly finding item after item that we cannot live without.  Instead of doing this, you can make a detailed list of the items that you need.  Take this with you and stay focused at the store, traveling from one item to the next and then straight to check out. 

Lower impulse buying

Many people cite impulse buying for their debt. They see something and buy it without a second thought.  Do not allow yourself to do that.  Instead force yourself to have a “waiting period” before every purchase that is a day, a week or whatever you think will be sufficient to weed out the products that you really do not need and would lead to overspending. 

You do not want to spend beyond your means, or you may end up deep in dept.  The above tips can help you avoid this undesirable state.