Nearly everyone eventually falls victim to at least one impulse buy. It is easy to get caught up in the high of clicking the add-to-cart button and, even more so, making purchases. However, these impulsive and, most times, unnecessary purchases can do serious damage to wallets and bank accounts and contribute to overconsumption in the U.S. It may seem like a daunting or even impossible task to change one’s shopping habits, but practicing intentional shopping can help one save money and feel good about their purchases.
Intentional shopping is the practice of thinking through every potential purchase and analyzing its value beyond the instant gratification of making said purchase. It leads to more purposeful buys that help consumers save money, avoid overconsumption and curate a personal and functional wardrobe.
Intentional shopping focuses on what is actually needed versus what is trendy and fun. Intentional buys are meant to be worn repeatedly and help eliminate the need for seasonal shopping sprees that hurt the environment and the bank accounts. For example, instead of rushing to buy the latest spring styles for the upcoming season, one practicing intentional shopping might invest in a few solid, essential articles of clothing that can be worn every spring, thus removing the need to spend money each spring on trendy items that will inevitably be out of style by the next season. Intentional shopping can even be applied to grocery and technology purchases. Is the newest iPhone really a necessity, or is it just a pretty color?
Intentional shopping can initially feel overwhelming, but there are many ways to implement this practice. Asking simple questions such as “Is this purchase a necessity,” “Can this be found cheaper somewhere else?” and “Will this item be used or worn more than once?” can help guide buyers in the right direction. Looking and waiting for better sales and assigning personal value to items is also a way to shop intentionally, as well as examining the long-term effect of making a purchase and assessing how an item is different from what one already has. If one already owns a few pairs of jeans, is a new pair really necessary?
Some may think being intentional with purchases takes the fun out of shopping; however, it is truly a win-win situation when a purchase is carefully thought out and bought with purpose. Both the individual’s finances and the environment benefit from this practice, and shopping can still be fun, even with extra thought behind it. Take it as a challenge to find the best sales and higher quality items that will last longer than one wear. One’s wardrobe can still reflect individual style even with basic, reliable pieces.
The buyer’s remorse that comes with impulsive purchases is nonexistent with intentional shopping, and the practice allows for individuals to feel good about their spending habits. With intentional shopping, refreshing the closet, going grocery shopping or even upgrading an old phone does not have to break the bank or the environment. While it may take some practice to implement, intentional shopping is the best way to make purchases and bring new things into one’s life.
