[Fran]

Managing personal finances can be challenging, especially when we’re constantly surrounded by advertisements and temptations to buy more.

Staying within your means is key to financial freedom, but it requires conscious effort and smart decision-making.

What strategies or habits do you use to resist overspending and avoid things you can’t afford?

Do you stick to strict budgeting, set clear financial goals, or use creative hacks to control impulse purchases? Perhaps you’ve found inspiration from others or developed your own methods to manage money wisely.

We’d love to hear your experiences, practical tips, and lessons learned.

Whether it’s a small habit that makes a big difference or a major lifestyle change, your advice could help others make smarter financial choices.

Please share your insights below!

[Paula]

life is short not just to
pay bills and die! Sometimes you just have to buy the dress, go out to eat with your family

[Mary]

I’m at a thrift store. Everything is 50% off! Even now I’m careful

[Alyson]

Ok but replacing the refrigerator was not optional and even though we shopped around, looked at secondhand, scratch and dent etc and got the cheapest we could, we absolutely could not afford that purchase at the time.

I mean it’s great advice, just not always practical.

[Joselyn]

I do follow this advice…. Until it becomes necessary. Example, I live in craptacular Northing IL and my water heater rusted out.

$2,500 later I have a new one with a 12 year warranty because we can’t take cold showers in January.

[Teresa]

I don’t even buy things I can afford…. That’s why I own 2 homes and a luxury vehicle all paid off.

Never get my hair or nails done or drink or smoke or gamble.

[Rose]

Plan your budgets and stick to them. The excess you save for the rainy day because life likes to throw curveballs like when you take grandkids shopping with you.

I try not to take them because they know I have a weak spot.

[Jenny]

Yea this is great advice until the roof is leaking.
I’m thinking the spirit of this post though is about unnecessary spending – I don’t think you mean emergency things or things that will cause significant damage, risk or cost to put off.

You’re completely right on the frivolous stuff

[Jaime]

Just because you can make the payment doesn’t mean you can afford the item.

[Linda]

Some people buy things they don’t need just for the thrill of spending

[Susan]

Times are different today. When I set up housekeeping I had nothing new. Anything I could get for free I took until something nicer came along for free.

I got my first set of new pots and pans when I was 52 years old and new furniture when I was 62.

I could afford to buy things I chose not to and saved every penny I could for the future while I was working. It is now the future. I am glad I did what I did.

[Beth]

A more practical frugal idea would be to not buy anything you don’t NEED. Even if you have to buy it on credit, you NEED a furnace, you NEED a refrigerator.

You don’t NEED new clothes (usually) or an expensive night out or a brand new car.

Find low-cost or free entertainment, buy a decent used car, etc.

[Deb]

At 72 years old, I’m going to buy it if I can. Struggled all my life! I never had a new car, never took vacations.

[Josie]

We had a mountain of donations. My husband was so angry. He said in 2025 we better not buy anything!

[Vanita]

Also, buy quality health insurance or Medicare Supplemental—saving a dollar today will cost you hundreds of thousands when you are truly sick or injured

[Joanne]

Don’t charge things you don’t absolutely need. Try to save each month, even if it means doing without new items.

[Liberty]

I am frequently shocked and saddened to see so much emphasis on payment plan purchases via online retailers for smaller purchases.

Even Dominoes had/has a payment plan thing. Avoid any kind of payment plans and avoid carrying balances with anyone as much as is possible!

Finding alternative options, saving up to buy used, or going without is often the best option in situations where you may need to be on a payment plan.

[AnaSilvia]

Yes
But I already have a plan on how to pay for it
And if I charge it I always use interest free
And always pay for it before the due date

[Emily]

We haven’t had a microwave in 3 weeks because of this lol. Just FYI, heating up leftovers in the oven is a pain.

But we’re making do until we can spare a $$ for a microwave.

[Author]

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