Last weekend I went shopping with my daughter and mom. It was the first time I visited a mall in years. I quickly remembered why. From the moment you enter the doors, it’s non-stop smells, sights, and sounds. Marketing mayhem at it’s finest.

This day we were on a mission, shopping for a special occasion dress for my daughter. Thus,  I made every attempt to cut out the ‘noise’ and focus on her and what she needed to find. We walked the entire mall, but only entered approximately ten stores. After she had tried on roughly the same number of dresses, we all settled on one.

We then drove to another nearby shopping center to search for shoes and accessories as we had no luck at the original mall. After six hours that included a break for lunch, the mission was accomplished, and I was delighted to be going home.

On the drive home, my thoughts went back to the mall and department stores. No wonder a large number of people are living paycheck-to-paycheck. The constant bombardment of advertising and gotta have merchandise, is enough to drive many into debt and almost one insane.

To Save Money Stop Shopping

People that don’t understand the difference between a need and a want may never achieve financial freedom, and that saddens me. I’m worried that many currently don’t have adequate funds for emergency expenses let alone retirement savings or even a plan to get there.

If this is you, please consider creating a different story for yourself. The first thing I recommend is to stop friggin going to the mall. If you want to save money stop shopping. No that doesn’t mean you can’t go to the grocery store or buy a needed item.

What it does mean is don’t just go to the store for the ‘fun’ of it. Don’t go window shopping. Don’t just browse. And certainly, don’t go shopping because you think you ‘deserve’ something new for all your recent hard work.

To Save Money Stop Shopping

Because most inevitably you will buy something. Something you don’t need. An item that was on sale that you thought you couldn’t pass up. More stuff. And for what?

Do yourself and your loved ones a favor. Save Money, stop shopping. If you absolutely need an item, go get just that item. Put on some proverbial blinders and ignore the sights, sounds, and smells of marketing, and just purchase what you went for.

This includes online shopping too. Stop browsing. Remove your credit or debit card info from your shopping sites so that it’s not easy to make a purchase. Uninstall shopping apps from your phone. Make it difficult to spend money and instead make it easy to save.

[Related Post: How To Avoid Overeating And Overspending During The Holidays]

There’s More to Life

I was never a big clothes shopper, but in the past, I did enjoy shopping for things for our home. Visiting Pier I, World Market, Home Goods, Lowe’s, and more used to be fun for me. That all changed a few years ago thanks to finding a couple of personal finance blogs and learning about the path to real financial independence.

Now I remember what real fun and joy are. Exploring the outdoors on hikes with my husband or mom. Kayaking on the lake at our family cottage. Golfing with my son. Playing board games or cards with the whole family. DIY or upcycling projects. Watching my children laugh. Seeing my mom thriving in her retirement.

Do we occasionally give into a want? Sure, we are only human after all, but it’s usually thought out and not just succumbing to marketing or what others are doing. Although sometimes I still worry about John going to Home Depot.

We are valuing a financially secure future over a moment of potential happiness from unnecessary new gadgets, clothing, or sporting equipment. I hope you’ll consider doing the same. Like us, you’ll probably find it’s not as hard as you think and it’s so much more rewarding in the end.

To Kick Junk Food, Don’t Bring it Home

Later in the evening, my thoughts continued along similar lines but this time around food and the quest for healthier eating and weight loss.

I often hear people say that they didn’t want to eat the cookies in their cupboard or the ice cream in their freezer, but they just couldn’t stop themselves.

Want to know a quick solution to that problem. Don’t have the cookies, ice cream, potato chips or other junk food in the house. It’s that simple. Maybe for some, it doesn’t feel that easy, but it really is that simple. If it isn’t available, you won’t eat it.

If you are really hungry, you will eat something else. Not real hunger and the so-called craving will pass.

Perhaps you are just thirsty, drink some water. Think you need something sweet, eat a piece of fruit with nuts. Just dying for some chocolate, drink a cup of flavored coffee or tea with stevia if you need a sweetener. Want something crunchy, eat some carrots with hummus or some celery with nut butter.

Many times we think we are hungry and it’s really not hunger. It’s often boredom or stress. There are endless ways to deal with this.

• Go for a walk or bike ride
• Engage in a conversation with another
• Do something creative
• Chew some gum
• As previously mentioned drink some water, or other non-caloric beverage
• Turn on some music and dance, just dance

Want To Save Money Stop Shopping, Want To Kick Junk Food Don’t Bring It Home

Continuing to eat junk food is only hurting you. Like money, our health is only as valuable as we make it. And one without the other will not create a happy and joyful future.

It starts with a decision. A valuable decision only you can make. Stuff or junk now or greater freedom tomorrow. What will you decide?

As always, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions you have or assistance you are looking for, and feel free to share any comments below.

Be well –

Amy