Tips To Help You Enjoy The Little Treats You Love Without Blowing Your Budget
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By JENNA BUSCH
It’s easy to make $20 purchases and forget about how they add up over the month. A "fun money" limit can make the difference in staying within budget.
Set A Limit
Before making an impulse purchase, consider how long you’ll have to work to pay for the item. We all deserve a treat sometimes, but still need to be conscious of our spending.
To deter online impulse buying, sign out of websites and apps you frequently purchase from, or at least delete your credit card information.
Have A Cooling-Off Period
It may not stop you from buying something, but it might make you take an extra moment to think about what you’re doing. Anything that gives you another step is helpful.
Figure out what you love, and see if there is a cheaper way to get it. Make a fancy coffee at home, or arrange dinners or spa nights with friends at home.
Try Some DIY Luxury
Go to community movie nights in the summer with a giant projection screen, or do a paint and drink night at a restaurant where they have the supplies, and you just buy the wine.
By getting travel-sized cosmetics at Ulta or Sephora, you can see if the full-size version is something that’s worth splurging on.
Pare It Down
If you find a foundation you like, check the tester to see if it suits your skin, or ask one of the Sephora staff members to color-match a sample to try at home before spending.
Gift-with-purchase deals are sometimes just the colors that aren't selling or are out of fashion. Save money with multipacks of items like lipgloss that can be split with friends.
Items you don't need aren't bad purchases, and feeling guilty for splurging isn't necessary. You just need to do it in moderation and with consideration.
Less Guilt, More Mindful
Being more conscious of your indulgences and stopping to consider what you’re doing can make a big difference in staying within budget while still making yourself happy.