9 Questions to Ask Before Buying Anything

I often feel I have an unusually hard time making purchases. Any time I want to get something new I hesitate before I swipe the card. Perhaps it’s decision fatigue, but there’s also a fear that I’m buying too much. This isn’t always just related to overspending, though there are times when I spend more than I’d like to. Usually I feel I have too many things cluttering up my house. If I buy something else, do I really need it? Or will it just be another item sitting in the closet.

I’m not questioning myself to discourage spending or encourage minimalism. Rather, I try to be more intentional with my purchases. This way I can reduce the number of unnecessary purchases I make. I’d much rather have a couple more hundred dollars in savings than have a surplus of items collecting dust.

Just like everyone else, I still make purchases. I also buy things I don’t really need. We’re all human and make mistakes, but the fewer mistakes you make the more money you have in savings. So I’ve learned to questions to ask myself before making a purchases that aren’t 100% necessary.

1. When Will I Use This?

There are so many items I want on impulse because they look nice. Technology and clothing might dominate this category, but they’re certainly not the only things. For example, I might see a shirt and think to myself “that looks so cool!” Then I remember that my life is dominated by working at home and staying indoors. Add to the fact that I have plenty of “cool” shirts, and there really isn’t much need for this addition. So I pass on the purchase; at the bare minimum I’ll wait for the sale.

2. How Often Will I Used This?

Similarly to the above question, there are times when I purchase something I seldom use. I think of all the kitchen appliances I deemed necessary, but only ended up using once or twice. Did I really need a quesadilla maker for those two quesadillas? Or would have been more efficient to just go to Taco Bell twice? Don’t let the illusion of convenience jade you opinion. If you’re not going to change you behaviors, it’s probably not worth the investment.

3. How Long Have I Wanted This?

The next time I make a luxury purchase, it will be for new tennis rackets. I’ve lived in my current apartment complex for 4 months and I’ve been able to see the tennis courts from my window. I still don’t have rackets yet, but I’ve waited before taking any actions. This serves as an indication that I actually want to use them, and it’s not a passing infatuation. When I’m walking through a store like Target, I’ll see a new product that catches my attention. In the moment, I want it, but as soon as I leave the store I forget about it. These are the items this question seeks to remove from my life.

4. Where Will It Go?

A lot of the time I will avoid purchases if they have no place in my home, and I mean this in the most literal sense. If I can’t fit a new game in my closet, that probably means I have enough board games. If I don’t have a hanger for this in my closet, I probably don’t need another shirt. Often times I can apply logic to my decision making. If I physically don’t have space for something, I emotionally have no need for it.

5. Will I Be OK Without It?

Boring purchases are the worst, but also the most necessary. For example, no one wants to spend money on car maintenance, but it’s fairly necessary. Without reliable transportation your daily life may be severely interrupted. If you’re looking at buying anything that isn’t necessary, it’s not necessarily a hard no. It’ just grounds for further evaluation.

6. Is This A Temporary Investment?

There are times when I want to make purchases that are fairly cheap, but when fully integrated into my life they become recurring expenses. An extra $10 each month can add up quickly, and this is enough to deter me from investing. Consumable products can seem harmless on the surface, but have potential to add up over the course of the year. Consider how long the purchase will last, and whether you need to continue spending.

7. When Will I Use This?

I have this bad habit of buying things and not using them for a few months. Sometimes this is OK: I just opened a broom I purchased months ago. It’s one of those items you need the most once you’ve make an unpredictable spill. Other times I might buy a video game because it looks like a good deal, then I don’t play if for a month. In those cases, it’s probably not necessary to make the purchase right now.

8. Do I Have a Good Substitute?

Sometimes, I see products that are cool and beneficial for the right person. Not too long ago, I saw granite masher for making guacamole just like the ones in Mexican restaurants. It was relatively inexpensive at Marshall’s, then I asked myself: how have I been mashing avocados all along? My answer: a fork and a bowl. I didn’t buy the masher because I have a good solution without buying anything. Instead I drove home and got gasoline. I hate paying for gas, but there’s no substitute for that.

9. What Else Could I Do With This Money?

Sometimes, it’s really just about the money. $30 on a new shirt might seem harmless, but it might feel better if you put that money toward your grocery bill or finally replacing your old Swiffer. If you’re on the fence about something, consider that your money is a limited resource. You could use it elsewhere, and that might feel better.

Don’t Go Crazy

It seems like I stand around in a store for fifteen minutes asking myself a list of questions before putting anything in my cart. I don’t, but I am cognizant of my emotions after making poor purchases. I use those feels to apply some logic to my decision making when buying anything. Then, I find a question or two to ask myself.

Try not to remove all the fun from buying new things. Sometimes you deserve a cool new shirt, but other times it’ll just be a waste of money. If you can rationalize your spend, it’s less likely you’ll regret it in the future. It’s also likely you’ll feel great if you have more money in your bank account.

Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself when making a questionable purchase. If the item passes the test, then make the purchase. If it doesn’t increase your savings. Strive to make the best decision for yourself so you can be smarter with your money.