Daniel Harrison 1. Will this make things less difficult for me down the road?
This question helps me zero in on investments that will reduce my workload without creating unnecessary mess or upkeep. To put it simply, I don’t buy things if they don’t meet my criteria.
2. Is it within my financial means?
This may seem like a silly question, but it’s easy to overlook when we’re staring down the barrel of something we desperately want. To be honest, I’ve learned the hard way that it’s easy to get caught up in the momentary regret you’ll feel if you don’t give in to your impulse to buy. However, if I give this question due consideration, I am able to make a more confident and long-lasting financial decision. It’s acceptable to decline an offer if it would put you into debt. I find it useful to ask myself if the product I’m considering is a yes all the way down. If it isn’t, I can usually go without it.
3. Am I rushing to find something I like, or is this something I truly love?
Most of my negative financial cycles can be traced back to my failure to ask myself this question. So many products fall within my taste range. Finding something I love, especially timeless pieces, requires more patience and a refusal to give in to the impulse to shop for something right away. I find it useful to ask myself if the item I’m considering is a yes all the way down. If it isn’t, I can usually go without it.
I did, however, make a few purchases during the spending freeze, including a set of sturdy plates, some wine glasses, and some drinking glasses. You can use any of these on our patios in the yard. Over the past few years, we’ve been breaking numerous glasses and plates by bringing our regular tableware and drinking vessels outside. This was a want rather than a necessary purchase. But they were things I really wanted and needed, so I was able to buy them without going over my monthly spending limit.
