Shopping is a necessity sometimes, but it’s also something a lot of people do for pleasure, myself included.
That being said, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing, and many people find themselves getting into shopping habits that are bad for their financial situation as well as their mental health. Thankfully, if you relate to the following signs, you’ve likely found a healthy balance and don’t need to worry too much.
1. You stick to a budget.
Healthy shopping habits involve financial responsibility. If you consistently plan your purchases and stay within a predetermined budget, it’s a good sign. That doesn’t mean never treating yourself, but rather making conscious decisions about your spending. A budget helps you prioritise your needs and wants, ensuring that your shopping doesn’t negatively impact your overall financial health.
2. You don’t experience buyer’s remorse often.
Feeling satisfied with your purchases most of the time indicates healthy shopping habits. If you rarely regret your buying decisions or feel the need to return items, it suggests you’re making thoughtful choices. The satisfaction comes from buying things that truly align with your needs, values, and lifestyle, rather than making impulsive purchases you later question.
3. Shopping isn’t your go-to stress relief.
Using shopping as your primary method to cope with stress or negative emotions can lead to unhealthy habits. If you can manage your emotions without resorting to retail therapy, it’s a positive sign. Healthy shopping habits involve making purchases based on genuine need or planned desire, not as an emotional crutch or distraction from life’s challenges.
4. You consider the long-term value of your purchases.
Thinking about how an item will serve you over time, rather than just the immediate gratification, is a sign of healthy shopping habits. That might involve considering the quality, durability, and versatility of a product before buying. It also means thinking about whether an item aligns with your long-term goals and lifestyle, rather than just satisfying a momentary want.
5. You’re not hiding purchases from loved ones.
Transparency about your shopping habits, especially with those you share finances with, is crucial. If you feel comfortable discussing your purchases openly and don’t feel the need to hide shopping bags or receipts, it’s a good indicator. Healthy shopping habits don’t create guilt or secrecy in your relationships.
6. You can easily walk away from “good deals”.
Being able to resist the lure of sales and discounts when you don’t actually need anything shows self-control. Healthy shopping habits involve recognising that a good deal is only good if it’s for something you genuinely need or have been planning to buy. If you can appreciate a sale without feeling compelled to make a purchase, you’re on the right track.
7. Your shopping doesn’t interfere with your responsibilities.
Healthy shopping habits fit into your life without disrupting it. If your shopping doesn’t cause you to neglect work, relationships, or other important aspects of your life, that’s a positive sign. It means not spending excessive time browsing online stores when you should be focusing on other tasks, or not prioritising shopping trips over important commitments.
8. You research before making significant purchases.
Taking the time to research and compare options before making big purchases is a sign of healthy shopping habits. This involves reading reviews, comparing prices, and considering alternatives. It shows that you value informed decision-making and are invested in getting the best value for your money, rather than making hasty or uninformed choices.
9. You’re not constantly chasing the “next big thing”.
Being content with what you have and not always feeling the need to upgrade or buy the latest version of everything is a healthy approach to shopping. That doesn’t mean never upgrading, but doing so based on genuine need or significant improvement, rather than just for the sake of having something new.
10. You consider the environmental and ethical impact of your purchases.
Healthy shopping habits often involve thinking beyond just price and personal benefit. If you consider factors like sustainability, ethical production, and the environmental impact of your purchases, it shows a mindful approach to consumption. You’re all about choosing quality items that last longer, or supporting businesses with ethical practices.
11. You can appreciate without buying.
Being able to admire or appreciate items without feeling the need to own them is a sign of healthy shopping habits. This might mean enjoying window shopping or browsing online without making purchases, or being able to compliment a friend’s new item without feeling envious or compelled to buy something similar for yourself.
12. Your belongings don’t overwhelm your space.
If your living space isn’t cluttered with unused purchases, and you can comfortably store and use what you own, it’s a good sign. Healthy shopping habits result in a manageable number of possessions that enhance your life rather than create stress or disorganisation. Striking this balance shows that you’re buying things you truly need and use, rather than accumulating unnecessarily.