We always see the “how-tos” or ways not to impulse shop, but what really happens after? How effective and beneficial is it in attaining our financial goals? In this episode, Jen and Jill read stories of real people who have overcome impulse shopping to discover and learn about its impact on our financial goals and, ultimately, our lives.
When you can improve your spending and feel good about it then there’s less restrictions, deprivation and more freedom and joy.
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Check out some relevant episodes
I Quit Shopping For A Whole Year — Here’s How It Changed My Life
This article by The Financial Diet shares Cinzia Dubois’ story of overcoming impulse shopping by entirely quitting shopping and focusing on one financial goal.
What Jen + Jill have to say:
Jen retells Cinzia Dubois’s article about her year-long financial diet on The Financial Diet, where she stopped spending entirely. Despite typically the Frugal Friends discouraging such drastic measures, Jen appreciated Cinzia’s approach. Cinzia, who works in the fashion retail industry, saw a significant increase in income through freelance writing but lacked financial management skills.
Setting clear goals and focusing on one objective at a time, Cinzia committed to not spending for a year, except for essential items. This approach allowed her to be creative and ultimately saved about 45.2% of her earnings, totaling just over 16,000 euros.
I Stopped Buying Clothes for 3 Years and It Changed My Life and Finances
This article by The Fun Sized Life retells the writer’s personal journey from having a shopping problem to completely stopping buying clothes for 3 years.
What Jen + Jill have to say:
Not buying clothes for three years is described as an extreme example of overcoming impulse spending. While it may be that extreme measures might work for some, it’s essential to find less extreme ways to achieve similar goals. The writer, Renee, admitted to having a shopping problem and experiencing guilt and impulse spending, particularly on cheap items that devalued herself. It is significant to separate your actions from judgments on adequacy or excessiveness, fostering personal growth and a healthier financial outlook.
How I Stopped Impulse Buying
This article by Lindsey Burgess discusses being a recreational spender and how and why she stopped. It also recounts her life after impulse shopping.
What Jen + Jill have to say:
Jen highlights the social aspect of shopping and the satisfaction of prioritizing long-term goals over impulsive spending. Jen emphasized that while shopping can still be enjoyable, relying on it as a go-to activity or as a means to alleviate stress is unhealthy. Those who have overcome impulse buying have found value outside material possessions, indicating a shift in priorities towards more fulfilling pursuits.
What's your biggest trigger for spending?
Jill discusses the recent poll results gathered from the Friendletter, focusing on what triggers your spending habits, with many respondents answering their emotional state as a significant factor. Empathizing with this sentiment, noting that shopping often seems like an immediate solution to fulfill needs.
Emotional spending may stem from a perceived loss of control, with individuals seeking to regain control through shopping. Alternatives such as healthy coping mechanisms like exercise and meditation. When stressed, Jill recommends activities like spending time outdoors or engaging in simple tasks.
What does impulse spending look like for you?
Jen has shifted from impulsive to planned spending, integrating her values into her budget for groceries and larger purchases, thus eliminating guilt. Meanwhile, Jill plans food purchases in advance but allows flexibility in-store, incorporating a set monthly budget for spontaneous spending while maintaining a refined lifestyle to prevent excess.
Bill of The Week
Thank you Jennifer for sharing your bill about meal prepping win-win!
Thanks so Much for Listening!
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Nice and refreshing
I listen to a lot of money podcasts and a lot of them are hosted either by dudes or by women who “have it together”. This podcast is more relatable to me, I’m in my late 20s just trying to figure out how to be more frugal and pay off debt. The girls are fun to listen to and have great chemistry.
Sytnik1989
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