{"id":3355,"date":"2020-12-01T16:08:47","date_gmt":"2020-12-01T15:08:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cowrywise.com\/blog\/?p=3355"},"modified":"2022-08-11T22:47:43","modified_gmt":"2022-08-11T21:47:43","slug":"why-you-buy-more-than-you-planned","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cowrywise.com\/blog\/why-you-buy-more-than-you-planned\/","title":{"rendered":"Buying More Than You Planned & How to Fix It"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Domino Effect of Shopping<\/strong> for New Things<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We all have experienced this. You walk into a store to purchase specific items and your goal is to shop for ONLY those items. At first, it looks like you\u2019re sticking to your shopping list. But like a pack of dominoes, your plan begins to fall apart. You pick item after item and end up spending much more than you intended\u2026 Even though you just googled \u201chow to save money\u201d<\/strong>. ?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A yellow top leads to a mustard scarf \u2013 because they match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or a brown shoe leads to a brown belt and tie \u2013 because colour-coding is your thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Diderot Effect<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This behaviour is called the Diderot Effect. It was made popular by James Clear in his book \u2018Atomic habits\u2019. He explained that\u201cthe Diderot Effect states that obtaining a new possession often creates a spiral consumption that leads to additional purchase.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was coined after Diderot, a man who after making some money, decided that he needed to upgrade his possessions. It started with him getting a befitting robe but he soon replaced item after item in his house to match his \u201cnew status\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is how buying more than you planned happens. It always begins with just one purchase that causes the chain reaction.<\/p>\n\n\n

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<\/span>Guides<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

Transition to Tech<\/a><\/h3>\n
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<\/span>Guides<\/span><\/a><\/span>Money Tips<\/span><\/a><\/span>Savings<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

How to Save for a Car - 6 Tips to Effectively Save for your First Car<\/a><\/h3>\n
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How it can negatively affect you<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Shopping is obviously<\/em> not a bad thing. It only becomes a problem when it is done subconsciously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you shop online or offline, you have to be very aware of what\u2019s going on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Allowing the Diderot Effect to dictate how you purchase items will lead to financial frustration. This is because you will always spend money meant for something else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to save money by conquer<\/strong>ing it<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Start by focusing on the things that matter. You can learn how to save money when you differentiate between your needs and wants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might need new shoes because your old ones are bad. What you might not need is a new belt because you have others that are just fine!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article<\/a>, James Clear shares tricks that are simple but very helpful. Here are a few you can incorporate right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reduce Exposure<\/strong> \u2013 Instead of taking your card with you to the mall, withdraw the amount of money you need and keep your debit card away. This helps you eliminate the temptation to go on a shopping spree. Shopping with your card in hand can be sweet, but will eventually lead to tears when you get home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Go one month without buying something<\/strong> new<\/strong> \u2013 You know the way there are #NoSodaMonthChallenge or #30DaySquatsChallenge, you can self-impose a #NoNewPurchaseChallenge. This is especially useful if you are one to always buy new items, whether they are essential or not. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On this challenge, you\u2019re only allowed to purchase groceries and life essentials. When you\u2019re tempted, just remember to say this out loud \u201cOpe from Cowrywise\u201d is cheering me on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of conquering the Diderot Effect<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n