Why I Think Shopping Bans are Stupid

If you have an excessive shopping habit or if you want to save money you may consider implementing a shopping ban.  This is extreme behavior when people who want to (or need to) save up a lump sum of cash in a short period of time quickly change their spending habits and completely quit spending cold turkey.  I personally think shopping bans are stupid.

I know a lot personal finance bloggers and some close friends who have implemented a six or twelve month shopping ban in an effort to change their excessive spending habits.  I personally don’t think it’s a good idea because rash decisions usually always have negative results and erratic actions usually end in regret.  Don’t get me wrong, if you need help with money management I suggest you seek advice, I just don’t think telling yourself that you can never spend money ever again is the answer.

Every single time I think about someone who stopped spending money as quickly as you can snap your fingers my first questions is always “Why?”  I mean kudos for anyone who can do it because I know I couldn’t.  I just personally wouldn’t opt to instantly change my spending habits and here’s why:

Everyone should do what they love

After going through tough financial times, a lot of family troubles and possibly the worst four years of my life I am a big believer in doing what you love and forgetting all the rest.  I used to do what I was told and try to make everyone happy, this resulted in me growing up to be a very angry and resentful young lady – the term lady used very loosely.

Everything in moderation

I’ve learned this is the key to happiness and achieving goals.  I used to be extremely emotional and I would compulsively do everything from house cleaning to snacking.  I was the “but I can’t eat just one” girl.  However I’ve learned to control my impulses; this includes everything from spending to eating.

Cold turkey never works

It takes time to change your habits.  Whether that be fitness, eating or shopping.  If you implement a spending ban will you really stick with it?  What happens in two weeks when the big changes becomes too much?  The odds are you’ll just fall off the wagon and start spending again.

So why not gradually cut down your spending over time instead of cutting it out completely.  Doesn’t that seem like a much better way to change your behavior and develop new habits.

Have you ever implemented a shopping ban?

I’d love to hear about it if you have.  I would like to know if you went through withdrawal, if you stuck with it and if you saved as much money as you planned to.  Please tell us all about it.

Kristina Tahnyak

Tahnya is a Certified Financial Planner and former Investment Advisor turned marketing and communications professional She holds a degree from Concordia University, is debt free and currently works in the field of digital marketing.