She Strengthens

Breaking Free from Toxic Spending Habits

For years, I struggled with impulsive purchases and reckless spending. I’d try to counteract these habits with short-term spending freezes, but they never seemed to stick. These freezes felt like punishment, rather than a genuine attempt to change my behavior. I’d inevitably cave in to temptation, buying things I didn’t need, and then feeling guilty about it.

Identifying the Problem

Last year, I took a closer look at my spending habits and noticed a pattern. My worst financial habits were also harming me in other ways. For instance, a $3 coffee would often turn into a $7 purchase with the addition of a sweet treat, leaving me feeling lethargic and unsatisfied. I realized that I needed to tackle these habits head-on, rather than trying to cut back on spending altogether.

The Elimination Diet Approach

Instead of imposing a blanket spending freeze, I started eliminating specific habits for set periods of time. This approach, inspired by elimination diets, required discipline and self-awareness. By cutting out certain expenses for a few weeks at a time, I began to notice significant changes in my behavior and spending habits.

8 Toxic Spending Habits to Break

Here are eight habits that I’ve identified as particularly problematic:

1. The Coffee Shop Snack Trap

Giving up the daily coffee shop snack was a game-changer for me. I realized that the healthy options were often more expensive and could be easily replicated at home. By cutting out this habit, I saved money and developed healthier eating habits.

2. Beauty Product Overload

Unless you’re running out of essential toiletries, do you really need that new shower gel or body wash? I didn’t think so. By putting a freeze on beauty product purchases, I cleared out my cluttered medicine cabinet and saved money.

3. Makeup Madness

Makeup trends can be tempting, but I realized that I was buying products based on FOMO rather than genuine need. By limiting my makeup purchases to only replacing essential items, I developed a more streamlined routine and saved money.

4. Novelty Food Products

As a vegan, I’m guilty of getting excited about new plant-based products. However, I realized that many of these items were unnecessary and expensive. By sticking to my usual grocery list, I filtered out unnecessary snacks and condiments and reduced my grocery bills.

5. Clothing Conundrum

I thought I wasn’t a big spender on clothing, but I was wrong. By giving myself a strict challenge to not buy new clothes for two months, unless I was directly replacing something, I saved money and got creative with my existing wardrobe.

6. Apartment Decor Obsession

I used to think that one more decorative item would “tie everything together” in my apartment. But I realized that these purchases were just a way to compensate for my lack of style. By putting a freeze on decorative purchases, I learned to appreciate my existing furniture and decor.

7. Alcohol with Dinner

I used to think that having a drink with dinner was essential, but I realized it was just a waste of money. By cutting out alcohol with dinner, I saved money and didn’t miss out on social experiences.

8. Uber and Taxi Overuse

I used to rely on taxis and Ubers as a convenient way to get around, but I realized that I was living in a city with a great transit system. By putting a freeze on taxi and Uber usage, I saved money and developed a more responsible attitude towards transportation.

The Takeaway

Breaking free from toxic spending habits requires discipline, self-awareness, and a willingness to change. By identifying and eliminating specific habits, I’ve saved money, developed healthier behaviors, and gained a more positive relationship with spending.