Psychology Archives | Page 11 of 12

Fantastic Tricks To Help You Spend Less

Often you feel confident to change your shopaholic ways. Then, you find yourself stuck with your old and impulsive patterns. The good news is that, it is never too late to change. You can outsmart your mind by tricking it with these simple ways…

1. AVOID SHOPPING WHEN YOU ARE FEELING H-A-L-T

Four common emotions that lead you to overspend are hunger, anger, loneliness, and tiredness. You must not shop hungry in a grocery store because you would end up buying everything that satisfies your hunger. Same goes for other aspects of shopping, it is best not to shop angry, lonely, and tired.

2. HAVE A 7-DAY MENU PLAN

Are you one of those people that take long in deciding which meal to cook every night? Menu plans will not only save you time but it will also save you money. If you have a menu plan for your meals throughout the week then, you would only spend money on the items that you really need. More so, you will be able to manage your calorie intake to live a healthier lifestyle. Here is a sample 7-day meal menu plan by Anytime Fitness:

3. SELECT A CLEVER PASSWORD

For the shopping websites that require you to log-in before purchasing, I suggest to use clever passwords related to your long-term goals such as Need$4NewCar or $ave4HOLIDAY. This way, every time you type your password in, you will be reminded to think twice before spending it.

4. WALK OR CYCLE AROUND

Instead of spending money on petrol, walk or use your bicycle around the streets of Singapore. Running errands will not only serve as a good exercise, but it will also make you spend less.

5. NARROW YOUR EXPENSES

When it comes to spending less, do not try to be Jack-of-All-Trades. Instead, narrow your expenses by focusing on two categories that you spend more of such as dining out and groceries. Cut down these expenses by 20-30%. You will feel less overwhelmed and more motivated afterwards.

6. SHOP WITH HIGH-HEELED SHOES

A 2013 study showed that consumers who wore high-heeled shoes are more likely to spend less as they are more focused on maintaining their balance. The effect is the same when you shop after a relaxing yoga class.

Image Credits: Victor Tongdee via Flickr

Follow your 2015 New Year’s Resolution and do your best to spend less and save more for your future! 🙂

6 Shockingly Free Ways To Be Happier Now

Life is a constant search. Whether it be a special someone, a fulfilling job, or an amazing house…our search often comes with a price. But that need not be. There are more meaning things in life that do not cost a thing. One of it is genuine happiness. Here are 6 Ways to be Happier now (yes! they are all FREE):

1. EXERCISE REGULARLY

I cannot stress enough how important regular exercise is to your wellbeing. Studies have shown that 7-10 minutes of exercise for 5 days every week can improve your productivity and mood. You will not only lose weight but you will also be happier. Here is a 7-min. exercise routine you can follow:

2. HELP OTHERS

See some old clothes that are still in good condition? Save space and money by donating them to those who need it the most. Helping others and giving back can surely boost your happiness levels. You do not have to give fancy things; even giving a no-cost constructive feedback to your classmates can lead to personal academic improvement and happiness.

3. SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Do you want to live longer and pleasurable life? Research showed that people who have strong relationships with their spouse, family, or close friends are happier and healthier. Spend your quality time with your friends and family by a simple picnic with cycling in East Coast Park or affordable museum tours in Singapore Art Museum and National Museum of Singapore. When it comes to your happiness, your dearest friends and family matter.

4. LET GO OF WORRIES, FRUSTRATION, AND RESENTMENT

Dale Carnegie, author of the best-selling book entitled “How to Wind Friends and Influence People”, believed that our fatigue is often caused not by work, but by worry, frustration, and resentment. Address and let go of your worries, frustration, and grudges to lead a happier life.

5. GET OLDER

Fret not that you are beyond your 40s, as you get older, you get happier! This is because older people tend to focus and remember the positive events more and the negative ones less.

As Olivia Munn said: “I think women should start to embrace their age. What’s the alternative to getting older? You die. I can’t change the day I was born. But I can take care of my skin, my body, my mind, try to live my life, and be happy.”

6. SMILE MORE OFTEN

Do you want to make your boss happier? Smile at the customers more to send a more welcoming vibe. Or how about making yourself happier and productive? Smile like you really mean it. Science has shown that people who smile increased their attention and ability to think. C’mon, it is free anyway!

Image Credits: Victor Tongdee via Flickr

We are all in the pursuit of happiness. Try these simple ways – it might just help you. 🙂

Prevent Emotional Eating Without Costly Therapy Expenses

1. IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM

Reflect and identify the trigger that caused your ill feelings and work out an immediate solution. For example, if your kid is doing poorly in school, make an appointment with his/her teacher so both of you can improve the situation afterwards.

2. GO OUT AND EXERCISE

Run outdoors and feel the glimmer of the sun to feel better. Getting at least 30 minutes of exercise a day (5 times/week) can reduce the symptoms of depression. While, sunlight reduces stress and improves one’s mood, according to the researchers from University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University.

3. KEEP YOUR HANDS BUSY

If you are holding items in both hands then, it will be difficult to grab food. Fold clothes while watching T.V., groom your pet, plant a herb, or do anything that interests you. An alternative is to occupy only one hand by holding a heavy glass of beverage. This way, you have to put down the glass in order to get something to eat. Then, you become more aware of what you are consuming.

4. SPEND TIME FOR FUN

Remember those enjoyable activities you wish you had time for? Well, you can do it now. List down the things you would want to do, whether it be going to a concert or organizing a board games night with your close friends. Pick one fun activity instead of snacking.

5. SATISFY YOUR OTHER SENSES

Taste is pleasurable but so are other sensations. You do not have to spend too much to achieve it. You can just smell the warm scent of a cinnamon aromatherapy candle while you are reading a book. Or, descend into a bubble bath while listening to your favorite music.

6. EMPLOY THE TEMPTATION JAR SYSTEM

Whenever you feel angry, depressed, stressed, or bored that you want to eat something…put loose change in a “temptation” jar instead. As those money piles up, so does your confidence. These temptations that you overcome increase your earnings.

Image Credits: frankieleon via Flickr

Use the money you accumulate from it to reward yourself. You deserve it.

Use These Brain Techniques To Save More And Spend Less

1. EMPLOY THE “URGENCY TEST” WHILE SHOPPING

When you are thinking twice on purchasing an item, ask yourself if you are willing to try it on the dressing room at that very moment. If you are not really excited to wear it then, do not bother to buy it.

2. AVOID “GIVING UP”, USE “SAVORING” INSTEAD

You will only feel deprived if your perspective is to give up something in order to save more. So, change your perspective and start “savoring” the moments that you indulge on lavish things. The goal is to change your frequency of indulgence and not to hinder you from enjoying life’s goodness.

3. WHEN YOU ARE NOT EARNING, YOU ARE SPENDING

Keep in mind that when you are not earning, you are just losing the money you earned. If there are opportunities to work more and your body feels okay then, take on the challenge. Sometimes, the feeling of losing money is more painful than missing it.

4. MAKE TIME A CURRENCY

To get a clearer perspective, break down the monetary value of things by the hour. For example, if you make S$10 an hour and a bowl of bean curd is S$2 then that is 12 minutes of your work and life. This technique will help a lot to cut down your impulse purchases.

5. BE MOTIVATED WITH A SLOGAN

If you are struggling to be frugal, make a tangible slogan or a poster that you can hang on to. For example, you can use this slogan to help you think critically when purchasing: “Use it up, Wear it out, Make it happen, or Do without it”.

6. UTILIZE THE “GAS OR BREAK METHOD”

Compare your financial progress to driving. In every decision you can either get closer to where you want to be (gas) or slow down (brakes).

Image Credits: loveheels via Flickr

So, the next time you have to make a monetary decision then ask yourself this: “Am I stepping on the gas or the brake? Is it worth it?”

Psychology of Spenders And Savers

There are two types of people in the world: those who spend and those who save.

SPENDERS

Compulsive spenders do not want to delay gratification. If they want something, they will purchase it right away…as long as they are happy. It worked so well in the past, so they stick to the same habit. But, when expenses and debts extremely increase then, it is the time they realize that they need to kick that habit away.

Here are 3 ways to prevent your impulses and to help you save:

1. IDENTIFY YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS

How much do you need when you retire or how much do you need to pay for your child’s education? Ask yourself these questions to identify your financial goals. Then, be vocal about it to your friends and family.

2. NEED VS WANT

Before purchasing anything, evaluate and know whether you need or want the item. Then, purchase according to your budget.

3. STAY AWAY FROM THE PLASTIC CARDS

By using mainly cash and withdrawing it from your bank account, then you became more aware of your spending and your account balance.

SAVERS

For financially aware individuals, the act of spending can activate neural activity in the anterior insula and amygdala. These two parts are responsible for the mood and unpleasantness felt. This is why the more these two are activated; the less likely a financially aware individual will spend. On the other hand, the act of saving will bring immense pleasure to them.

While many people take pleasure in purchasing things, some savvy savers do not feel the same. Instead some of these people are uncomfortable when shopping, they constantly look for the price tag and calculate the total, and they feel emotionally painful when they are paying. If you are not experiencing enough pleasure in life, you deserve to loosen up and enjoy spending every once in a while.

So, what brings the pleasure back as a savvy saver that is spending?

1. STAY AWAY FROM THE PLASTIC CARDS

Give yourself the vacation or rest day you deserve by budgeting a portion of your money to a category called “personal incentives”. With that money, you would not need to use your credit or debit card since you have already set aside the cash to cover it. Now all you can do is relax and take your mind off the expenses.

2. PURCHASES=REWARDS

At the end of the month and once you meet your savings goal, reward yourself with the pampering you deserve for working hard and doing so well. To prevent frugal fatigue, reward yourself by using a responsible amount of 4% – 8% of your savings.

3. THINK OF THE FUTURE

Study has shown that people are happier when they spend their money on experiences (e.g., sky diving) than in goods (e.g., Gucci bag). So, do the same with your personal incentives. Do you really want to regret experiences you did not take because you don’t want to spend money on enjoyment?

Image Credits: Tax Credits via Flickr

Even though you belong in one category now…you can still change! Whether you are a saver or spender, you hold your financial present and future.

Search the site