#BeforeYouBuy #SavingMoney #GadgetAssessment
Are you someone who struggles with impulse purchases, especially when it comes to new gadgets and technology? I used to be the same way, always getting caught up in the excitement of the latest releases and making purchases without really thinking about whether I actually needed the item.
But then I came across a simple tip that completely changed the way I approach buying new gadgets, and it might just save you from a regrettable impulse buy as well.
##The Tip: Pretend You Already Own It 📱
Before making the leap and purchasing that shiny new gadget, try living as if you already own it for a week. This may sound a bit strange at first, but trust me, it can make a world of difference when it comes to making informed and mindful purchasing decisions.
###How It Works
1. **Make Mental Notes**: Throughout the week, take note of the actual moments when you feel the need to use the gadget. For instance, if you’re considering buying a new smartwatch, pay attention to the moments when you think, “This would be the perfect time to use the watch.”
2. **Write It Down**: If keeping mental notes isn’t your thing, try jotting down your observations in a notebook or a note-taking app. This can help you keep track of the situations where you feel the gadget would be useful.
###The Benefits
####Real Usage Assessment
By pretending you already own the gadget and noting when you’d use it, you get a clear picture of how often the gadget would actually come in handy in your daily life. Many times, we get swayed by the hype of new technology without considering its practical application in our routines. This exercise can provide valuable insight into whether the gadget truly aligns with your lifestyle.
####Impulse Control
This practice also serves as a cooling-off period before making the purchase. Impulse buys are often regretted, but by giving yourself time to think about how the gadget fits into your life, you’re making a more informed decision. A week later, you may even realize that you no longer feel the same level of excitement about the product, potentially saving you from making a purchase you’ll regret.
###Real-Life Example
Let’s consider the example of purchasing a new tablet. You might initially be drawn to the idea of having a tablet for streaming movies and reading e-books. However, after pretending you already own it for a week, you might realize that you rarely have time for these activities or that your smartphone suffices for these needs. This realization can help you save a significant amount of money and prevent cluttering your living space with a gadget that doesn’t truly add value to your life.
##Final Thoughts
While it might seem unconventional at first, the practice of pretending you already own a gadget before buying it can be a game-changer. It helps you make more mindful and informed purchasing decisions, ultimately saving you from impulse buys that you may regret later on.
So the next time you’re eyeing a new gadget, give this tip a try and see how it affects your purchasing habits. You might be surprised by the insights you gain and the money you save by avoiding unnecessary purchases.
I can’t use mental notes either; my mind is an Etch a Sketch and in 5 minutes all my mental notes are gone.
This works the opposite way as well for people who don’t allow themselves purchases that aren’t neccessities. Like me: I don’t really buy gadgets or upgrade my tech until it breaks, even though I’ve been working alongside university and can allow myself a small purchase if I want to. I never let myself do it even if it would benefit me or add greatly missed convenience. Recently, I’ve loosened up a little bit and bought myself a wireless gaming headset after about 4 months of taking a mental note every time my wired one was an inconvenience. Would have dealt with the inconvenience had I not reflected back and noticed how many times it was a bother or annoyance for me, glad I finally switched to wireless hah.
Okay, so how do I pretend I have GPS in my car, sir?
My pocket pussy is officially purchased! Thanks lifeprotips!
I used to buy a lot of stuff because I thought it was cool and would spend an hour playing with it then throw it in a drawer.
Now, I figure out what I would do with something, what purpose it would serve before buying. It has likely saved me thousands.
Low key Genius tip. Well done.
Just “pretend” I own it. Uh, yeah, sure.
There is a lot a poop on my bathroom floor now. Thinking a toilet is a good purchase
I bought a Ninja Creami thinking it would be cool. It was EXPENSIVE. I got it…read the instructions and decided to send it back. After I read the instructions on the ingredients needed and I saw the actual size of it…I just thought I could put that $200 somewhere else.
I disagree with this. There is another way. During the pandemic I’ve had planty of time to buy gadgets. But only bought the cheap ones. The utility was there, the possibilities were also there, only with cheap bateries and less feactures.
I bought (bluetooth only):
Headphones, Earbuds and a Smart Watch.
The three of them were cheap, but I only used regularlly the earbuds.
So after that, I bought better earbuds, and a regular watch. Still have them after 3-4 years.
I bought a 3d printer as an impulse buy because I was annoyed that I couldn’t buy a little tiny 5 cent quarter turn for the headlight access panel for my car.
It has now been running constantly printing new shit ever since I bought it around Thanksgiving.
Definitely worth.