Four Ways to Beat the Urge to Splurge by Mary Hunt on Creators.com

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Four Ways to Beat the Urge to Splurge

We all know the urge to splurge is especially intense around the holidays. So how can you avoid impulse shopping with only days to go before The Big Day? I have some thoughts:

1. Spend cash only. This is the key to careful spending any time of year. Debit cards and credit cards make spending too convenient. Oh, I know all the arguments for paying with a debit card, but the truth remains: You'll spend more just because it is so convenient. It's easy to lose track.

If you truly want to control your spending, make it cash. Yes, it is very inconvenient. Yes, it requires that you visit the ATM before you go shopping, which assumes that you have money in the bank to withdraw. Spending with cash requires that you plan ahead because you can't spend more cash than you have — pretty much killing your ability to spend spontaneously. And that is a good thing.

2. Make a plan. Your mind is a wonderful thing, but not a good place to keep your holiday shopping list. You need a written plan that starts with the amount of money you have to spend, followed by your gift list. Be sure to include the expenses you have beyond gifts such as entertainment, gift wrapping, mailing costs, tickets to events and travel expenses. The amount you have to spend needs to cover all of your intended expenses.

3. Skip the mall. Retail bells and whistles breed temptation, and that can easily result in overspending. I know how easy it is to get caught up in the sights, smells and beauty of the season.

It can skew your better sense. Go to the mall to enjoy the activities, but consider these alternative places that offer unique gift ideas:

Art supply stores and office supply stores are great places to find stationery items, memo books, calendars, pens and pencils. Create a fun craft kit for a child, filling it with inexpensive finds in these stores.

Hardware and home-improvement stores are your best bet for all kinds of gadgets and widgets. For the home chef, try an 18-inch length of a two-inch wooden dowel for a professional style rolling pin; a large unglazed terra cotta tile for a pizza/baking stone; or a new paintbrush for a pastry brush. A collection of screws, cup hooks and small tools can all be packed in a toolbox for the homeowner.

Other alternative shopping locations to consider: military surplus outlet, marine supply store, garden center, health food store and restaurant supply store.

4. Come back later. If you're having trouble resisting that scarf or $1,500 TV (neither of which happen to be on your list), get out of the store FAST! If you find yourself digging for your plastic because you've run out of cash — but feel guilty that you've not spent enough or purchased the right gifts — make your way to the nearest store exit. If you still feel that way 24 hours later, you can always go back. Chances are you won't!

Mary Hunt is the founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com and author of 19 books, including her January 2012 release, "7 Money Rules for Life." You can email her at mary@everydaycheapskate.com, or write to Everyday Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2135, Paramount, CA 90723. To find out more about Mary Hunt and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

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