Of Shopping, Being a Mallrat & Financial Empowerment

Stores—no matter the size—can teach you a thing or two about financial empowerment. This is what I figured out after frequenting stores—starting from thrift stores and dollar stores, and up to the so –called “high-end” shopping hubs—downtown. Being a mallrat, I might as well make these trips a learning experience while amusing myself with the mall scene. And what have I learned? 

 

Financial empowerment enables people to become confidently in control of their financial lives. Doing this, means starting with the basics: managing your budget, paying bills, and knowing the right services you should pay for. 

Can I do this? Yes. 

I came across this interesting article written by Bahiyah Shabazz. She’s a CEO of a Management Group and consults with clients to embrace the change of the economy, and live within their means. I borrowed some of her ideas, being the expert on it, and merged it into my mall trip reflections.

Here are some steps to consider:

“A store can awaken a lust for things you never even knew you needed. And when your fingers first grasp those shiny, new bags... oh yes... oh yes.”

• First, establish a budget.   

A budget is defined as a sum of money allocated for a particular purpose. This budget should always stick to your needs. “Your needs first before your wants” is essential when living within your means. And because of my frequent window-shopping, I found that this is always challenged by lots of interesting things, screaming for attention: “Buy me!” The product presentation is so good, it makes me say, “ I should get it.”

(This amazing Bra Baby is one…Like Rebecca Bloomwood, I had to ask myself, “DO I NEED THIS?” and then I put the product back on the shelf. )

(This Reading Pen, which scans words and define their meanings, is a good reading support. It also costs $ 279.99. So think about it: are you going to “invest” in it? Or find an alternative?)

Regardless of your short term or long-term goals, for now, stay on the path, and that is shopping only for things you need. 

“When I shop, the world gets better, and the world is better, but then it's not, and I need to do it again.”

• Second, think about this: “Do you have spending triggers?”

I do; and accepting that I have these, somehow helps stop the urge to hit the mall and spend money. 

Think of events that set you off and send you to a sudden shopping spree. When this happen, you either do something else to preoccupy you   or proceed with the third step—(After all, how many of us ended up buying a dress, a bag, a pair of shoes (or all of these) just because you had a bad day at work, and rationalized that you deserve a shopping spree?)

(to shopaholic support group) "I'm Rebecca Bloomwood and I'm a shopaholic! I destroyed my career on national television, I lied to the man I love and I hurt my best friend...I have a plan and I need your help! Who's with me?"

• Third, surrounding yourself with supporters or friends who share a common goal of being debt-free is always helpful.

I remember a good friend, in college, telling me to put extra cash (pennies or bills) in a coin bank or money jar. Finding out how much you can earn at the end of the month with your “extras" was indeed surprising! (instead of spending it as soon as you realized, “hey, I got an extra!”) 

To have my sister tell me… “But you got a pair of those, just in different color,” or say, “Don’t you think you're spending a bit too much?” can dampen my shopping mood. But it’s always to my benefit. :-)

So you see, my trip to department stores and malls, teaches me the basic skills in financial empowerment: self-discipline and good decision-making.  I’m not sure how long I can keep up with these, but knowing I can, is a good start.

Have there ever been times when I regret not buying the “good-buy” clothes, bags, or shoes? YES.
Have there ever been times when I regret buying stuff? YES.
Have there ever been times when I went beyond budget? YES
 

But I have to set boundaries for my spending. I’ll pass of at some “good sales” right now and try living within my means.