3 simple ways to enjoy shopping therapy GUILT FREE!
Okay, I am definitely an outlier here because I do not like to shop unless I need something specific. But, I know the majority of people love a little “shopping therapy”.
Did you know you can actually indulge in this “guilty pleasure” without the guilt???
1. Use the points from your rewards credit card.
Okay, so this only works if you pay your credit card in full each month. Interest negates any benefits.
You also have to be careful not to spend more than you have in rewards… unless you have the money in the bank earmarked for this purpose.
How this works is you use your rewards credit card to purchase items you already need and have money in the bank for (ie: groceries, gas, utility bills, etc), then use the points you accrue to pay for your shopping spree.
2. Budget for it.
Your “play” money can already be used for this purpose because, well, it is for whatever impulse, fun purchase you want to make.
Want more? Work it into your budget and set aside a pre-determined amount into an account earmarked for this purpose. It could be $5, $50, or $500 per pay period. Just make sure you are paying all your other bills first.
3. Gamify it.
Set a jar by the front door to throw your loose change into at the end of the day… or all your $1 bills… or the amount you had left over after purchasing your groceries/gas/whatever at the end of the week.
It is fun to watch your jar fill up and plan what you are going to spend it on!