ONLY BUYING WHAT YOU NEED

buy only want you need just because you get extra money dont mean spend on things you dont really need.

I always end thinking I need something but actually don't

It's good to only buy what you need in order to save, but most times this is not a long-term plan (as one can begin to feel deprived).

A way I try and balance needs and wants by two things:

FOR SUSTENANCE:
I ask myself:
1) what is the nutritional value of the item (Does it provide protein or fiber to help keep me full, vitamins or other nutrients that my body needs to function? )
2) How long does this usually last in my household?

and weigh the values against the cost.

For example: I rarely buy candy bars (usually around $1.08 [with my area's taxes]), but I do not really receive any nutritional value from them, they usually do not fill me up any, and I can eat them in less than a week.
However, there are cases when I need a bit of sugar for a quick pick-me up. In this case, I usually go with a bag of generic chocolate chips, because I can mix them with almonds and ration myself to "one shot-glass".

NON-CONSUMABLES:
I wait at least a month [though usually it is more like 2-3] to determine if the item I am wanting to buy is still on my mind. HOWEVER, if the item[s] is something that I have previously bought in the past, and then didn't use (and there is a pattern for this type of item); then even if I am still wanting to purchase it later, I tell myself to use the previous first.

Before I shop for anything, I always ask myself, "Do you REALLY need this?"

I always eat before I grocery ship to avoid impulse

I think creating and funding a budget takes care of this issue. If you tell your money where it needs to go, there's much less extra money (including unspent funds that can be put in a savings/investment account.

This coupled with a spending plan will do wonders for your finances.

I only buy what I need and I also take advantage of the sales. This help me save money too.

Absolutely. Have a budget to ensure you are buy things within your income.

You can buy things that are on sale if you are going to use it in the future for example: (soaps or detergents). It takes a lots of practice before you can control that bad habit.

That's my goal every month. If I don't plan for it and have it in my budget, I don't buy. It's hard sometimes but I think of the end goal.

Split wants and needs to two debit cards

our needs may change as situations change… I spent $12 on wireless doorbell as I'm still mobility challenged since surgery and need to be able to know when someone is at the door.

If there is something I’d like to buy but I don’t need, I don’t buy it at the time I see it. I go home and think about the purchase and how it fits into my budget. If I’m still thinking about it a few days later and have worked it into my budget, then I’ll go back and buy the item. This has helped me to avoid impulse buying.

no spend January and July are in my 2021…. only pay actual bills like mortgage, water electric and use what you have …. stay out of the stores

I watched a short video a few years ago called "The Story of Stuff" that made it easier for me to avoid buying things I don't need. It showed the effects of consumption on the planet and made me realize it's not only better for my wallet, but also for the environment, animals, and my kids and future generations to avoid splurging on "stuff." I also joined some groups on Facebook, so I get lots of reminders and tips in my feed about frugality. It's nice to be able to ask for advice, see other members' questions, and kind of get a sense of community, which makes me less likely to screw up and go shopping.

i need to get better with this. Hopefully next year I will do better with only buying needs. I have so much stuff in my place that doesn't fit or I don't even use, it is ridiculus

If I see something I want I don't buy it because I am on a really tight budget if I see a break through where I can afford it I will put it in my budget until then I can do without.

I plan for things I want.

I always do a second review before I head to the cashier and usually 80% of what I have are stuff I don't need. This helps me with impulse buying although I'm not much of a shopper at any point. I also try to DIY as much as possible which is actually pretty fun!

I think I'm going to "fast" from buying new clothes in 2021!

This is why I tend to shop online. It's less tempting to buy things I don't need.

Yeah also trying to only buy what I need so I have more money to pay bills and just started investing.

I’ve recently canceled my amazon prime membership because I’ve found that having the membership made me want to purchase more.

@May P. Very good of you to notice that cause/behaviour in yourself and take action to curb it. (I am beginning to wonder if some of my rewards programs are tempting me to do the same….) May I ask how you noticed this temptation [through tracking spending, reviewing your cart, or some other way]?