It is no secret that I love shopping just as much as the next girl. I have a bunch of different haul videos on my YouTube channel, including two from this year's Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Two! I had originally only planned on making one! Ugh.
So it's safe to say that I've done my fair share of shopping. Ever since my birthday in May, I haven't been as strict with myself on what I can and can't purchase. And I really need to be since I'm currently unemployed. Yup, I'm currently living that #funemployment life... Except it's not really all that fun. Just being honest.
Not receiving a paycheck plus trying to decide what to do with my life has made me realize that I should be saving rather than spending. Plus, I'd also like to build up a wardrobe of clothes that I love and will last me longer than a season. So I'm cutting off shopping for the next fifty days! I've done a bunch of spending freezes in the past and wanted to share my tips on how to get through it with you!
I've actually done a spending freeze at least once year since 2012 so I consider this almost second nature. Almost. I still struggle and have days where I just want to buy everything, but these tips really help!
1. Put your goal and reason why somewhere visible. This is probably one of the best tips I can give you. I think having your goal and reason behind this spending freeze in plain sight really helps. It's a constant reminder to fight temptation and stick to your goal end date.
2. Be specific in what you can and cannot purchase. So this might seem like common sense, but maybe you buy more of certain things than others. Maybe clothes and shoes are your downfall but makeup is OK. Or maybe you're an avid reader so you'll allow books but will stay away from clothes, jewelry, and handbags. Whatever you choose, make sure there's no gray area.
3. Tell other people you're on a spending freeze. Sometimes I think friends and family can be your best friend and worst enemy when it comes to shopping. They'll tell you when something looks awful but also when something looks amazing. And then you feel like you need it. If you tell people, then they won't tempt you with afternoons spent at the mall or eating out three times a week.
4. Shop your closet. Without a doubt, there will be multiple items in your closet that you'll rediscover. Maybe it's a pair of jeans that got pushed to the side or a pretty blouse that you wore and then completely forgot about. Since there won't be any new arrivals in your wardrobe, your old favorites will feel like new again!
5. Don't get discouraged! It's very easy and totally normal to feel like this is a struggle. I won't lie and tell you that it's super easy and you'll love every second. You won't. At least not while you're doing the spending freeze. But at the end result will have you feeling incredibly rewarded. Your bank account will have just a little {or a lot} more in it and you'll have proved to yourself that you can do it! I've always found that doing a spending freeze makes me second guess every purchase following. To this day, I still always ask myself if something I have my eye one is a want or a need.
If you're doing a spending freeze or have done one in the past, let me know! I'd love to hear if you have any other tips.
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