First of all, retail therapy isn’t bad

During stressful times like these, anything to get our minds off the crisis is welcome. Retail therapy, or shopping to make yourself happier, is a form of escape for some people. Aside from binge-watching movies on Netflix and scrolling through social media, the third-most entertaining thing to do is to browse for items online.  And retail companies are capitalizing on this. Haven’t you noticed your social media newsfeeds dripping with ads? It’s because companies know people are more susceptible to serial shop now more than ever.

Ask yourself: do you really need that product?

We’re all in danger of becoming shopaholics at this rate. How many products have you had delivered to your home since the lockdown? How many items do you have in your cart right now? Are you just buying it because it would look cute on your shelf for a few months or are you buying it because you’re absolutely convinced it will last you years?

To keep yourself in check, ask if you really need that product. Or if you don’t trust yourself enough to answer, ask your parents and they will gladly answer for you.

Don’t spend on unnecessary items

There’s no perfect time to save money than right now where we don’t have the luxury of eat-outs and hangouts with friends. Saving a little bit of money for a rainy day won’t hurt. Thankfully you’re safe and you have all you need but what about in the future or when the worst happens with your job or your health? Call it an emergency fund or even call it a travel fund but you’ll rest easy knowing you have enough money because you didn’t buy that samgyupsal griller.

Make a list and get back to it later

If the inner shopaholic in you decides to awaken and wreak havoc, it isn’t bad to do some light window shopping to placate it. List the items you wish to buy but don’t buy them right away. Give it some time and get back to the list after the coronavirus crisis is over. If you still want those items, purchase them. If you find that your material craving has passed, then good for you.

It’s okay to purchase the essentials

Food and groceries are essentials but designer shoes and branded clothes? You can always get those after all this is over. Even if you buy that foundation or those earrings you’ve been eyeing, when are you going to wear it? This quarantine is indefinite, you’re better off keeping your money for the time being. Even the most avid enthusiast of cosmetics has given up on dolling themselves up for Zoom meetings.

You don’t have to live a dull life, you can satisfy your cravings

By now you’ve probably realized you can survive without eating a meal at your favorite fast-food chain. Congratulations. For those who haven’t succumbed to the convenience of online deliveries, how do you do it? While it would be prudent to clench your fists with money that you’re tempted to exchange for material things, cash splurged on the occasional food craving isn’t bad. By all means, indulge on ramen or chocolate chip cookies as long as it’s well within your means.

If you must absolutely shop, be smart about it

The thing about online shopping is we’re tempted to purchase items on a whim, not even bothering to research whether they’re of good quality or if they will last us. If you really need to spend, make it worth your while. For clothes go for pieces that can easily be matched with anything you currently have, only purchase a pair of shoes in a style you don’t have, etc.

You’ve worked hard to earn, so think about how you’re spending it

The most important thing to remember, whether we’re under quarantine or not, is that you should only spend your money on things that are worth it. You’ve poured hours of work and effort to every cent you’ve been given, the last thing you need is to buy something that will only last you a few weeks. At the end of the day, there really is only one person who can help you curb your spending – you.

What methods have you used to prevent excessive retail therapy?