Having accounts in the red is the best way to end the month with stress. That’s why it’s a good idea to learn how to spend less. Here are some simple tips on how to spend less so you can be happier and more zen every day.

1 – Shop less to spend less

This tip for spending less is simple, yet powerful. The more we store, the more needs we invent for ourselves.

What’s more, the more we fall in love with things, the more we buy things we don’t even need. We just want to.

In small doses, impulse buying feels good, but in large doses, it brings a lot of stress, because we spend far too much.

So, to avoid this kind of spending, it makes sense to store less.

And less online shopping too.

2 – Take stock of your closets to spend less

All too often, we feel like we’re running out of everything, but that’s because we forget all the treasures our closets already contain.

That’s why I wholeheartedly invite you to take stock of your closets.

To do this, take some time out over a weekend and open your closets.

Not to sort, but just to look.

Take note of everything you already own, even rediscover some things you’d forgotten you had, even remember all those things you’d kept just in case that are now useful to you.

Because spending less means knowing how to use or make the most of what you already have.

3 – Wait 7 days before buying

Chances are you’ve already bought something and regretted it very quickly.

It’s perfectly normal. It happens to everyone, every day.

Unfortunately, this kind of compulsive buying often gets us into financial trouble.

That’s why it’s a good idea to follow a simple but powerful rule for spending less: wait 7 days before buying.

You’ve got a craving, a crush, wait 7 days.

Normally, after those 7 days, the craving is gone.

If not, then the craving is probably a need. In other words, you really need this purchase and you’re really going to use it.

What’s more, during these 7 days, you can ask yourself these questions: do I really need it? Do I really need it? How will I use it? How often? Where will I store it? How will this purchase make my life easier or more enjoyable?

These questions will help you decide whether or not this purchase is really useful. That way, you won’t make purchases you’ll regret as soon as you’ve made them.

4 – Don’t fall into the trap of advertising to spend less

Have you ever noticed how many advertisements sell you products and tell you: if you buy this, you’ll be happier?

We’re talking about cars, phones, clothes.

Things we already own.

But we’re led to believe that we need new ones, that they’re important to us.

Sometimes it goes even further: we’re told that if we don’t buy these products, then our lives won’t be very good. They put doubt in our minds.

That’s why we spend so much on things that ultimately don’t even make us happier.

So, it’s essential to spend less time in front of ads in order to spend less.

In other words, you need to reduce the amount of time you spend in front of the TV, but also in front of social networks, which are riddled with ads.

To do this, start by calculating the average amount of time you spend watching TV and on social networks each day.

Then, gradually reduce this time.

Find out more:

I invite you to read these 2 complementary articles:

Discover How to de-stress? 3 ways to learn to be positive!
Discover How to calm your stress? Live a more peaceful life

In addition, I recommend this inspiring book on the subject:

Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence by Vicki Robin, Joe Dominguez
This eye-opening book will significantly change your outlook on finance and life. The authors propose actionable steps to achieve financial independence while emphasizing the critical importance of aligning your spending with your values. This book is a powerful guide to freeing yourself from money-related stress and creating a more meaningful, intentional life.

Thank you very much for reading this article.

If you liked it, let me know in the comments.

Take care of yourself.