I am in a country that has some economical irregularities such as foreign currency is going up day by day. What matters here is not that I am a trader or a boss. But as a very normal person, I like shopping very much especially some goods that come from U.S or E.U. countries. Everybody is keen on shopping from Zara, Bershka, Sephora,etc.. Imported goods have a reliability on Turkish customers. We believe that with the help of some social media sites they are the number one and we cannot live without them. I quitted using social media many years ago. Then I watched Youtube videos for a while. Youtube was the best advertising economy for the people following them. The most surprising fact that I discovered that I bought many things that I haven't heard before and in my drawer there are lots of cosmetics waiting for their deadline. Because in my daily routine I don't have so much time and energy to put on so many cosmetics on my face.
Everyday I wake up with news that the dollar is rising again. I decided to stop my shopping habits actually I don't bury my whole salary to shopping compared to many people. To be honest, When I look at the people around me, I am a lot more spender. In these hard times, what should we do as a middle class family to tidy up the home economy? That is the question going on my mind.
I tried some little tips about myself and my family income:
1. Stop using online shopping. This is really an addiction. Sometimes I was wandering around the screen for hours searching goods, reading comments and making small comparisons between the shopping sites. Every month I bought thing that cost one third of my salary. they were all my needs. But at the end they were living in my wardrobes never ever to be dressed for not more than one or two.
2. Make a list of your monthly needs and make your spending budget according to that. I don't mean that you will not buy something. you should decide what is urgent for you. Make a family discussion about what do you need to buy this month. For instance, you need a bag but you go to a shopping centre and buy many things. That creates a danger for your income.
3. Refuse SMS messages and unsubscribe Emails from some brands. Refuse to get messages from trademark companies. they make such a trap to attract more people to buy their goods. A week ago I got a message from an online shopping brand. The clothes were half the price. I immediately jumped in to their website. I picked two or their clothes really half the price. I added them to cart. Then I asked this question three times Do I need them? Do I really need them? Do I really need them? I closed it and I got emails from the shopping website. The tricks were playing their role.
Email one,
Dear Ebru, we notice that you picked three clothes but you didn't buy them. the website is the most appreciated one in Turkey, You will not be regretful.
Dear Ebru; The clothes you picked have the risk of being consumed away and the clothes will not be reproduced once they have run out. Not to be sorry, just buy them
Email Two
Dear Ebru; We know the clothes you picked are in your mind. Buy them and try in your house if you don't like the model the color or whatever, you can easily turn it back in 14 days.
that was the strategy.. Buy! Buy! Buy!
4. Get used to pay cash instead of credit card. I read about a research applied to many people who pay cash vs. who pay via credit card. the ones who pays with cash money felt a pain and reviewed if they want it or they need it. While shopping, paying cash gives you the feeling that you may run out of money and you have to be careful about spending it.
5. Eat healthy food at home. I am a teacher for 15 years and I also like cooking at home. But As I get older, I discovered the freshness and health of home made food. Last year I nearly prepared my own food from home every working day. It feels you comfortable and it is cheaper moreover healthier. Make a plan of your whole week about what to eat day by day.
Finally, these lists do not end may be limitless hacks to add to the list. You can decide which one is practical for your life, create new original ideas. Never forget that consuming only makes us a lot more consumer. It's time to save!
