I can't force myself to buy anything?

[imogen56]

For some reason when I go shopping I NEVER buy anything! Even though I know I want it, there's always a part of me that hesitates and makes excuses to not buy it. When I don't buy something I get frustrated because this is a problem I've tried to deal with forever. But when I buy something I get frustrated still because 'how can I be sure this is what I want' and 'I don't need it' and 'there could've been something cheaper and better to buy'. (I am also very indecisive and I overthink things a lot on a day to day basis). I don't know why I'm like this and I have no idea what to do! I think it's some sort of anxiety thing?? Can someone please tell me what the heck is going on and how to fix this. Thanks 🙂

[SubduedBlues]

Hi Imogen, welcome to bb

My sister struggles to part with any of her money. My mom thinks this is because money was very tight when she was in Junior High. Quite likely this financial struggle that she had, at a younger and impressionable age, played a key part in shaping her future spending habits. I wonder if maybe you had a similar experience?

SB

[imogen56]

Hey SB,

When I was a lot younger I would be fine with spending money, but I remember this one time my Dad talked to me about how money is precious and you can't just go spending it all at once and you should save some. I think it could've been this that made me start being very cautious with money, even though this was years and years ago, in the past year or so it has gotten worse. I think maybe because there are so many things to buy that I want/need and I can never decide what I want because it's too overwhelming? Yeah, I don't know... Do you have any advice on how I can get past this problem? It may seem like a really small and insignificant problem but I am running out of clothes to wear and other things, I really need to go to the shops and make some purchases!

Thanks, Imogen 🙂

[crazycatlady13]

I feel exactly the same way because I just like to save money! It does get a bit frustrating, I often face the same thoughts. I am also a bit anti-consumption, I try not to buy things everytime I go out because I always feel like I'm contributing to excess waste on earth.

Everytime I shop, I think to myself everytime I find something I like:

Do I need this? If yes, then buy. If it's a 'want' then wait for it to go on sale OR put it back and if I don't think about it anymore then I don't buy it!

I mean if you really need new clothes, why don't you try shopping at the op shop? Everything is much cheaper and you won't feel guilty making any purchases because the money goes towards those in need!

[imogen56]

Thank you so much for the advice I'll definitely do this next time I go shopping! 🙂