To make the most of your money, focus on spending it on things you truly love rather than just things you like. While this may sound easy, it’s a challenge. The next time you’re about to buy something on impulse, take a moment to ask yourself: what if?
Joshua Becker, over at Becoming Minimalist, offers this insight:
Whenever the urge to shop strikes, consider a simpler version of this question: “What could I do if I chose not to make this purchase?”
Every purchase involves an opportunity cost. By asking, “But what if I don’t?”, we’re forced to acknowledge and articulate that cost.
We’ve discussed the concept of opportunity cost before, but what I appreciate here is the simplicity of the question. When you're about to make an impulsive purchase, emotions often take over, making it difficult to think clearly about opportunity cost. Asking 'what if' shifts your focus away from what you might lose, and instead encourages you to consider a positive alternative. You're simply pondering the idea of avoiding a poor purchase. Sometimes, just that shift in thinking can make you realize it’s not really something you want after all.
For additional information, check out Becker’s full article linked below.
Photo by ambroochizafer
