The Art of Restraint: 21 Purchases I’m Grateful I Avoided
As the holiday season approaches, I find myself reflecting on the importance of mindful spending. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying gifts and treating ourselves, but it’s crucial to remember that every dollar counts. I’ve learned that refraining from impulse purchases can make all the difference in achieving long-term financial goals.
Avoiding Unnecessary Expenses
One of the most significant benefits of exercising restraint is having the freedom to make conscious financial decisions. By avoiding unnecessary expenses, I’ve been able to build a safety net for the future. This holiday season, I’ll be able to enjoy quality time with loved ones without worrying about breaking the bank.
21 Things I’m Thankful I Didn’t Buy
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Delivery Services: Living in LA, I’ve learned to resist the temptation of ordering delivery. Instead, I opt for picking up my favorite takeout spots, saving money and staying active.
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A Television: Growing up in a household with limited TV time, I never felt the need to own one. Even when living with roommates who had a TV, I rarely used it.
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Microsoft Office: I’ve managed to get by using Google Docs, avoiding the unnecessary expense of Microsoft Office software.
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Halloween Costumes: I’ve always been resourceful when it comes to Halloween costumes, opting for thrift store finds or DIY creations.
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Annual Sweater and Scarf Purchases: While I love fall fashion, I’ve learned to appreciate the quality of my existing sweaters and scarves, avoiding the temptation to buy new ones every year.
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High-End Concealer: As someone who’s fortunate enough to have minimal skin concerns, I’ve opted for a affordable concealer that gets the job done.
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College Paraphernalia: On graduation day, I resisted the urge to buy unnecessary college memorabilia, saving money and avoiding clutter.
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New Dresses for Every Wedding: Instead of buying a new dress for each wedding, I’ve learned to reuse old favorites or borrow from friends.
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New Year’s Eve Celebrations: This year, I politely declined an invitation to a pricey New Year’s Eve party, opting for a more low-key celebration.
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A Eurotrip: While it was tempting to join friends on a European adventure, I knew it wasn’t the right financial time for me.
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An Overly Expensive Apartment: I made the tough decision to move out of an apartment that was stretching my budget too thin.
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Third Drinks: By drinking slowly and being mindful of my spending, I’ve avoided buying unnecessary drinks at bars.
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A Popcorn Maker: As much as I love popcorn, I’ve learned to make do with the stovetop method, saving money and kitchen space.
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Birthday Gifts for Myself: This year, I opted out of buying myself a birthday gift, instead focusing on quality time with friends and family.
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A Curling Iron: As a curly-haired individual, I’ve learned to work with my natural texture, avoiding the need for a curling iron.
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DVDs: With the rise of streaming services, I’ve avoided buying DVDs, saving money and decluttering my living space.
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Souvenirs: I’ve adopted a practical approach to souvenir shopping, only buying items that will be used and appreciated.
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Mani-Pedis: Instead of treating myself to regular manicures, I’ve invested in good quality nail polish and learned to do my own nails.
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Buying Shoes Online: By avoiding online shoe purchases, I’ve saved money and avoided the hassle of returns.
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Fitness Apps: I’ve learned to resist the temptation of pricey fitness apps, opting for free alternatives or good old-fashioned exercise routines.
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Posters with No Longevity: From my college days, I’ve learned to avoid buying posters that won’t stand the test of time, saving money and avoiding clutter.
By exercising restraint and making conscious financial decisions, I’ve been able to achieve a sense of financial freedom and security. This holiday season, I encourage you to take a step back and reflect on your own spending habits, making mindful choices that will benefit you in the long run.
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