|
|
|
Home
Lifestyle
Buying
Shopping Strategies
The Joys of Anticipation
When you were a child, do you remember how excited you got at the thought of your birthday or the holidays? Looking forward to celebrating or opening presents was sweet torture.
When was the last time you got excited about a purchase? When was the last time you bought something and it really made you happy for hours, days or even weeks?
As adults, we have the ability to buy what we want, when we want, whether we can afford it or not. A sad byproduct of this type of consumerism is the lack of anticipation. You no longer look forward to making a purchase. You just buy it on credit. Instead of the joys of anticipation, you often experience the dread of your credit card bill.
The items you purchase, outside the genre of toilet bowl cleaner and gas, should bring you happiness. It is possible to bring this type of joy back into your life. In fact, there are many positive side effects to using anticipation as a way to make purchases.
Even if you can afford an item right away, consider waiting before making the purchase. Anticipating an item gives you time to think about it. If you wait a day or a week and you are still thinking about it, chances are it will continue to make you happy. If a day or a week later you have forgotten about it, then you have saved money and clutter! This is an easy and useful tool for filling your home with things that you love.
Using anticipation as a way to curb impulse purchases is an enjoyable way to control a harmful habit. Impulse purchases steal your focus from the financial goals you have set, whether it is a vacation in Italy or achieving a certain amount in your savings account. Using anticipation will help keep you focused to spend the money on the things you want.
Waiting to purchase an item adds to its value. You will appreciate the item you waited for so much more than anything purchased on a whim.
Are you ready to experience the joys of anticipation? Decide what you want. Write it down so you can stay focused and include the date that you want to make the purchase. Then, enjoy!
Melissa Tosetti is the Editor/Publisher of Budget Savvy Magazine.
Take the Next Step:
Sign up for our free eNewsletter Dollar Stretcher Tips.
Looking for an answer to a frugal living question? Click here to ask a Dollar Stretcher Stretchpert!
To subscribe, check the newsletters you wish to receive, enter your email address and then click Subscribe.
Each month one TDS reader will win $100 just for telling us your favorite time or money saving idea. It could be you!
Click here to share your idea.
Recent winners are:
- Michelle from NC
- Matt from CO
- Joan from CT
- Joanne in New York
|
Money problems? Struggling with credit card debt? What you need to know about bankruptcy? Trouble repaying student loans?
|
Copyright 1996 - 2012 "The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." All rights reserved unless specifically noted.
Contact the Dollar Stretcher at:
Dollar Stretcher
PO Box 14160
Bradenton FL 34280
Voice 941-761-7805
Fax 941-761-8301
"The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." does not assume responsibility for advice given. All advice should be weighed against your own abilities and circumstances and applied accordingly. It is up to the reader to determine if advice is safe and suitable for their own situation.
| About Us | Privacy Policy | Writer's Guidelines | Sponsorship | Media | Contact Us |
Dollar Stretcher Community
Forums
Blogs
Also In This Week's Issue
In The Dollar Stretcher Community
Reader Favorites
Newsletters
Email
Print
Contact Editor
RSS Feed
Share
Leave a Comment
