How many things do you buy because you rationalize them as "necessary?" What about purchases that you realize are simply desirable? Do you really need all that you think you do? For instance, is it necessary to obtain designer sneakers when a less expensive pair is available? In The Spender's Guide To Debt-Free Living, author Anna Jones advocates re-thinking how we spend money in order to be more in control of our finances and be happier and more well-adjusted.

Is the item that you so desperately covet worth that many hours of your work time? Will you want it as much as you do right now versus five minutes after you plunge and make the purchase? If you make such a mistake and you immediately regret your spending malaise, in some cases, at least you can return the item. Research has actually shown that customers enjoy the wanting phase more than owning the item.

Amaze yourself by realizing how much you can save by simply avoiding gratuitous extravagance. Go into stores with lists of only items that you need and stick to them religiously. Ignore and avoid impulse purchases that you will later regret. If you feel tempted by window shopping or luxury items in a store, remove yourself from that environment. Buy, buy, buy is what marketing gurus prophetize to us 24/7 in our American urban culture. However, it is most definitely possible and necessary to resist such gimmicks in order to achieve contentment in life and the ability to reach your financial goals. After all, purchasing a home, going on that awesome vacation, or raising a child will be that much easier if financial stresses are not breathing down your neck during your dream experiences.

The Spender's Guide To Debt-Free Living: How a Spending Fast Helped Me Get From Broke To Badass in Record Time by Anna Newell Jones, 2016

The author publicly documented her one-year spending fast online.

• andthenwesaved.com
• Personal finance books