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Here are some of the most common spending triggers and ways to combat them

Posted at 1:37 PM, Sep 30, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-30 15:37:23-04

Shopping is often a conscious decision that we make. However, there are situations where we find ourselves making unplanned purchases as a result of external or internal forces.

David Sant, Chief Marketing Officer for Cyprus Credit Union joined us with some of the most common spending triggers and ways to combat them.

SALES
Feeling like you're getting a bargain may cause you to make purchases that you wouldn't normally make. No matter how good of a deal you think a purchase is, take a step back and ask yourself if you would be interested if it wasn't on sale. If the answer is no, walk away.

BOREDOM
When you have free time, you may find yourself browsing shopping websites or heading out to the mall. Try to find an alternative way to spend your time. This could be taking a walk, watching a movie, cleaning the house, listening to a podcast, etc.

EMOTIONS
For many people, shopping is a response to an emotion they're feeling. Shopping can help increase the feelings of happiness and joy or decrease the feelings of anger, stress, or sadness. Find other methods to help guide you through these emotions, such as calling a friend on the phone or spending 10 minutes meditating.

KEEPING UP
Studies have shown that peer pressure or outside influence, such as social media, can have a major role in our spending habits. When purchases are made based on what other people are doing and not on an individuals budget, the can fall into a pattern of lifestyle creep where spending habits outpace what you're earning. Before making a purchase like this, use the 48 hour rule to determine whether it's something you really need.

For more financial tips, please visit cypruscu.com.