Lesson 2 of 3 · 1 minute read
Think before you buy
Simple tricks to make sure what you buy is worth it to you.
Stores and apps are designed to make buying fast and easy. A few simple habits can help you slow down and spend on what really matters to you.
Price it in hours
If you take home $15 an hour, a $60 pair of shoes costs you 4 hours of work. Is it worth 4 hours to you? Sometimes the answer is yes, and that’s fine. Thinking in hours just helps you decide.
Wait a day
For things you want but don’t need right now, wait 24 hours. Put it in your cart and walk away. If you still want it tomorrow, and it fits your BudgetA plan for where your money will go, so you know what you can spend before you spend it.More in the glossary, go for it. Often, the urge passes.
Sales aren’t always savings
“50% off” feels like saving money. But if you weren’t going to buy it anyway, you didn’t save anything. You spent.
Be careful with “pay later”
Some checkouts offer to split a purchase into payments. That can make something feel cheaper than it is. Before you agree, make sure you can make every payment on time, and ask what happens if you miss one. Late fees can add up.
Think of prices in hours of work. If you take home $15 an hour, $60 shoes cost 4 hours of work.
For things you want but don't need now, wait a day. If you still want it and it fits your BudgetA plan for where your money will go, so you know what you can spend before you spend it.More in the glossary, go for it.
A sale only saves money if you were going to buy it anyway.
Be careful with pay later plans. Make sure you can make every payment on time. Late fees can add up.