I don’t know about you but for me lately it has been a little stressful to check my inbox, go shopping, or even listen to the radio/watch TV. I feel inundated with sales, BUYNOW! and commercials for perfectly decorated homes, wonderfully dressed hostesses/hosts and perfectly dressed kids. These commercials advertise things that supposedly make our lives better. All this media and pressure to buy now, I find myself just deleting emails and turning my attention off. Of course I am the type of person that doesn’t respond well to being pushed. I often wonder how others are fairing during this time. Do you feel joy when you see the advertisements/marketing or does it stress you out as well? All of us are influenced by the images around us, if not consciously, subconsciously. Often the stress of the holiday season results in over consumption and a hangover in the form of debt and bills in the new year. If you are a little stressed out by the inundation of “BUY NOW!” , I have some tips to keep you grounded, focused, and prevent you from overspending this holiday season.

1. When you are faced with a buying decision ask yourself “Do I need this? Or am I buying this because it is on sale? Do I feel pressure to buy in order to get the best price an not miss out?” Really think about this question. Think about the real reason you are drawn to buy. Asking myself if I really need something has often been enough to stop me from buying something that I knew I would regret purchasing later.
2. If you tell yourself you need something after the first step, ask Why? Why do you need it? Be honest with yourself. If your reasons for needing the item are not strong, question the consumption. Does your purchase and reason for the purchase fit your goals? For instance, if one of your goals is to save money, really think about if the item is necessary and which is more important to you. Is it more important to purchase the item or to save money? Which decision fits your life?
3. Finally, forgive yourself and know that you are OK. You are doing the best you can, you look the best you can, and it is OK to say NO! Saying the word “NO” is almost a bad word for some of us (myself included). I have to remind myself that it is OK to say no to anything or anyone if it doesn’t fit with my life and goals. Practice saying NO! out loud, when no one is around. That way when you actually have to say it the word won’t sound foreign.

I want to take a moment to say that I am not telling you to not spend any money this holiday season. What I am asking is that you really look at your reasons for consumption, take a few moments to think about why you are buying something before you spend your hard earned money. Say NO! If saying no is hard for you, practice, it will serve you well. Forgive yourself for anything you think you “should” be doing or how you “should” look. Know you are OK!

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