By Patricia Rocha
News Editor
I only spent $10.75 on myself last month because of a little self-imposed shopping ban I called “No-Spend September.” I gave myself one basic rule: You can spend money on groceries, gas and bills but nothing else. Thanks to a little thing called tuition fees there wasn’t too much disposable income for me to dispose of last month, but what little I did have was kept safely in my bank account because of one crucial practice: mindfulness.
This ancient Buddhist awareness technique really takes you out of your busy day-to-day self by delving further into your moment-to-moment self. Though it is primarily used in religious and psychological aspects, I think it has great power to dissolve the constant stream of consumerism currently upon us.
As a society, for at least the last 100 years, we have been programmed to consume the things we want at a greater rate than the things we need. Personally, I often have to stop myself mid-shopping trip, look at all of the things I’m carrying and ask myself, “Do I need all of this?”
Coupons, sales, commercials, clever packaging and novelty items are some of the major money spending culprits, but if a consumer stops to actually think about how these tactics are being used against them, it gives them and their money more power.
The first thing a person should ask themselves is “Do I need or want this?” If it’s not on par with food, your rent or gas for your car, it’s not important. Think of the last time there was a financial emergency in your life. Would you rather have another outfit or be able to pay for a surprise car maintenance bill? A family emergency? A new screen for your cracked iPhone?
This is not to say you can’t have nice things because you’re constantly in fear of the unknown. It should just be used as a perspective point. If you can’t get a pair of shoes out of your mind for months and you know you’ll be able to wear them with at least 60 percent of your current wardrobe, they’re made well and will last, then you’ve got yourself a great purchase.
Another crucial question is “What is going to happen after I buy this?” If you’re shopping and have an armful of clothing, think about where those clothes are going. Do you have room in your closet or drawers? Are they worth the time and cost of laundering or dry cleaning? Will these even make it to the laundry or will they sit in the wardrobe, unworn and forgotten? Are these items for you and your style or are you trying things simply because you’ve seen them currently trending or because they’re on sale and you can’t pass up the so-called deal?
Being mindful means asking yourself all of these questions and more while you’re still in the store and can put items back before you get emotionally attached to them. It’s a known sales trick that once you try it on or hold it around while you shop you’re more likely to make the purchase.
You cannot creatively and actively curate your own style with lasting investment pieces if you let these outside forces take your hard earned cash from you first.
