See if you recognise yourself in the following spending styles and find tips on how to not be so trigger happy.

Time waster

“I shop for something to do.”

If you’re at a loose end, shopping can be a great form of entertainment. However, this kind of spending is obviously not great for your budget. If you shop because there’s nothing better to do, then boredom is your trigger. 

Instead – Prevent yourself from getting bored in the first place. Make a list of all the activities you want to try so the next time you’ve got too much spare time you can find yourself something to do. There are plenty of free or cost effective activities out there waiting to be done. 

Diversionary

“If I buy something new, I won’t think about what’s really bothering me.”

When things aren’t great, spending can be used as a band-aid for the real problems in your life. Why think about the pain of heart break or getting passed over for promotion when spending makes you feel so good. 

Instead - Get your emotional highs another way. Spend time with people that make you laugh, do a fun run, join a singing group, take a nature walk or visit a cat café—anything that gets you smiling.

Social validator

“This will look great on Instagram.”

It can be hard not to fall into the trap of buying things because your social network will like it. When Instagram starts to dictate your shopping habits and budget then seeking validation becomes a big problem for your wallet.

Instead – Take a break from posting new purchases to get a grip on how much you’re spending. But if that’s too hard, why not take a jacket or shirt from your current wardrobe, get creative and post about how many ways you can style it.

Celebratory

“I worked so hard on that, I deserve a reward.”

When you achieve something the temptation to mark the occasion with something new can be strong. But if you’re a celebratory spender then there’s always a reason to splash your cash, and so few reasons to save for something truly special.

Instead –. Do all the small wins in life really need to be celebrated by spending money? Instead let your close friends and family know of your achievement and let their admiration wash over you.

Impulsive

“I want it, and I want it now.”

We live in a world of instant gratification where instant loans, fast food, and online shopping mean you never have to wait for anything. Spending without thinking can make you happy, but it’s usually short lived, and what’s left is the unworn clothes, the unnecessary gadgets and a smaller bank balance.

Instead – Stop, take a breath, and think if you really need it. Next, put some rules in place around your spending: never grocery shop without a list, pay only with cash, sleep on any big purchases—whatever works for you.

The super avoidance trigger

"It’s too hard, I don’t have time, I don’t need to worry about it yet."

Super tends to bring out the avoidance trigger in a lot of people. If you ignore your super because you feels it’s too hard or you can think about it another day your future self may suffer. 

Instead – do one thing for your super – start simple. Log into your super online account to see your latest balance. Don’t feel you have to fully sort your super in one sitting. Here’s a few steps you can take with your super. 

Whatever your trigger is, it’s important to figure it out and start making informed spending decisions. Your bank balance and your future self will thank you for it! If you want help with your super give us a call on 1300 033 166 or request a call back online.