A well-organized space helps you “shop at home” first.
7 Tips to Curb Overspending
Do you love to shop? Are you tempted by all the ads and shiny new things vying for your attention? Do you find yourself overspending on a regular basis?
There are many reasons that we buy more than we need to. Sometimes shopping is used as retail therapy. It may give you something to do when you’re bored or not feeling your best. Sometimes shopping becomes an escape from reality, or a way to deal with difficult emotions. We can end up overbuying items due to the thrill of the hunt, or feeling like we’re missing out on something great due to social pressure. Sometimes we like the temporary self-esteem boost of buying something new, even if we don’t need it. Often, we later feel that pang of remorse when we know we overspent on unnecessary purchases, realizing that money could have been spent on something more practical or memorable. And sometimes we simply can’t find an item in our home, so we buy a replacement.
Here are a few tips to help avoid overspending:
- Zone areas of your home: Gather like items together – like all paper products and cleaning supplies in the garage – and train yourself to “shop at home” in those zones before you buy more.
- Shop with a purpose: Avoid aimless browsing, both in stores and online, which can lead to impulse purchases.
- Use the “cost-per-use” rule: Evaluate the true value of an item by considering how often you’ll use it and its cost per use.
- Use a shopping list: Make a list of needed items before shopping and stick to it. Be mindful of needs vs. wants.
- Avoid shopping when emotional: Stay away from stores and online shopping when feeling stressed, sad or anxious.
- Turn off auto-ship orders: Be cautious about automatically paying for items you no longer need or want.
- Wait for it: Be mindful of online impulse buying for unnecessary purchases. If something costs more than $30, wait for 30 hours before buying it. If over $100, wait 30 days. If these spending and timeframe parameters don’t work for you, create your own that do.
Owning less can save you time, make you more grateful for what you already have, and help keep your home clutter-free in the future. And a more peaceful physical space can create a calmer mental state. Peace and calm can be way more valuable than that newest gadget or pair of shoes!
The Sprout School Needs Diaper Items
YWCA Richmond is a 501(c)3 organization that serves the Greater Richmond community in the City of Richmond and Chesterfield County. They are dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
They have four main programming areas: 1. Domestic violence and sexual assault crisis support, intervention, and prevention; 2. Early childhood education in a mixed-income and Reggio-inspired environment for children ages 2 months to 5 years old; 3. Social and racial justice programming, workshops, and leadership; 4. Women’s leadership opportunities and awards.
Pull ups, wipes and diaper cream please!
Diapers are their area of greatest need right now! Size 3-5T pull ups, wipes, and diaper cream are all highly needed items for their Sprout School. Every child is provided with diapers for Sprout, eliminating socio-economic barriers for families.
Donation instructions
Please email Margaret Dodson-Cordrey, Advancement and Stewardship Manager at mdodson@ywcarichmond.org to schedule a drop off date and time (M-F, 8:30 am – 5 pm). You’ll drop off at their downtown location, 6 N 5th Street. In the subject line, please include “Diapers for YWCA, heard through Cut The Clutter RVA”. Thank you for providing for their mission by joining them in this work!
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