Questions to ask Yourself Before You Buy Something

Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Buy Something to help you be intentional about your purchases and change your financial future.

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Money is a tough subject because often it’s tied up with so much baggage and emotion. If you’re dead serious about improving your financial future, you’ve got to change your spending habits starting now. Changing your habits means being intentional about what you buy. And having a list of questions to ask yourself before you buy something can help you be more intentional.

You know, it’s super easy to fall into those bad habits and make impulse buys without really thinking about it. And it’s tough when you feel like you have to go all in or nothing when it comes to saving money or paying off debt. You really need to find a balance between enjoying life and working toward your goals. Honestly, it won’t be easy, but taking small steps consistently can make a difference over time.

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Remember these questions to ask yourself before you buy something

You can download ANY of the images in this post to use as a phone wallpaper when you’re really serious about changing your habits. Look at your phone when you’re shopping online OR in a store to remind yourself of these questions.

Just click & hold on the image you like, then save it to your photo folder on your phone. Set it as the home or lock screen background so it’s always in your face.

5 Main Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Buy Something

1. Is this a want or a need?

Making intentional buying decisions starts with asking yourself one important question. And the question is: Is this a want or a need? Ask yourself if you really need it or if it’s just a want that could lead to buyer’s remorse later.

For example, are you going to die, lose your job, or harm others if you don’t splurge on this particular item right now?

Clothing is indeed a necessity, but spending $200 on jeans is likely a luxury, especially when there are perfectly fine alternatives available at a better price. Similarly, while shelter is vital, purchasing a 3,000-square-foot house might just be an attempt to keep up with the Joneses rather than a practical need.

Being honest with yourself when answering this question can greatly improve your purchasing habits. However, that doesn’t mean you should always go for the cheapest option. If you can afford it, choosing higher-quality items usually pays off in the long run.

Take my husband, for example. He needs steel-toed shoes for work, and we’ve decided to spend $200 on a good pair every 2-3 years because they hold up well against the long time he spends on his feet. Sure, there are cheaper options, but we’ve found that paying a little more for quality saves us from constantly replacing them. That said, he only has one pair of work boots, and these seemingly pricey work shoes are a necessity. Having two pairs might be nice, but we know it’s more of a want than a need.

5 things to ask yourself before buying something wallpaper

2. Does this align with my bigger financial goals?

Before making any new purchases, consider how the buy you’re contemplating could impact your long-term objectives. Before you buy something, ask yourself: Is this the best use of this money? Does this purchase truly align with my larger financial goals? Will it set me back financially or delay my plans to become debt-free?

I often find myself deciding whether I’d rather be free from credit card debt or treat myself to something that feels like a luxury. I can’t say what the right answer is since everyone has different priorities and goals. But it’s super important to find a balance between enjoying life and managing your hard-earned money, even though it can be tough sometimes.

For my family, focusing on paying off our debt is a priority. However, we recently took on new debt to cover our dog’s unexpected surgery. Although she didn’t live long after the operation, both my husband and I agreed it was the right decision at the time. Trying to extend our beloved pet’s life mattered more to us than sticking strictly to our goal of being debt-free. This kind of intentional living means evaluating your choices based on your values and circumstances.

3. Do I have something similar already?

One of the most important questions to ask yourself before you buy something is: Do I already have something similar? Think about whether you really need that 12th pair of identical black leggings or if there’s already a similar item waiting in your closet. As a mother of two daughters, I rarely buy new clothes for the younger one, especially since they’re both young enough to embrace hand-me-downs. They both have perfectly good wardrobes, so there’s a good chance my younger daughter already has something similar to that cute outfit I’m eyeing on the Target app.

This line of questioning can save you a lot of money over time. Avoiding unnecessary purchases lets you redirect your funds toward something that truly adds value to your life. Reflecting on your buying decisions can lead to better financial outcomes and a less cluttered home. So, be ready to walk away from new things if you have something similar somewhere around the house, even if you have enough money right now and don’t need to charge it on your credit card.

4. Is it worth this number of work hours?

As an account holder contemplating your next purchase, ask yourself if the item is worth all the hours you’ll have to work to earn the money that’s about to leave your savings account for good. Do some quick mental math by dividing the cost of the item by your hourly wage. If the purchase isn’t worth that number of hours of your time, it might be wise to walk away,

For example, my husband recently bought a hunting backpack that cost way more than I’d ever be willing to pay. However, he figured that this specific backpack was worth 18.5 hours of work, and he’s thrilled with his purchase. He’ll use it for days-long hunting trips for many years, helping him haul supplies and the meat that feeds our family. So, spending more to find the right item for his needs makes sense for us.

In contrast, I’ve been looking at indoor cycling bikes for months. At first, I had my eye on a pricey model with all the bells and whistles. But after calculating that it would cost 26 hours of work, I realized it wasn’t worth it. Instead, I found a cheaper used model that’s equivalent to just 10 hours of work. If you’re willing to do some research, you can always find a better deal that fits your needs and budget.

For stay-at-home parents without a paid job, consider valuing your time at $100 per hour because the work you do for your loved ones is invaluable. Recognizing that what you do holds value too, even if it doesn’t come with a paycheck, can make a difference.

5. Could I make this myself?

Another question to ask yourself before you buy something is, “Could I make this myself?” I often think about this when it comes to food since I’m not particularly crafty. If you have some skills, you can also apply this question to home decor, clothing, and sewn goods.

When I drive my kids to appointments, I’m often tempted to hit a drive-through for convenience. However, I fight that urge by reminding myself about the snacks I have at home and making sure I drink plenty of water.

(I have this big-ass water bottle and it’s a lifesaver/wrist crusher). While I can’t recreate those delicious, greasy French fries at home, I can grab a handful of salted cashews instead

I also make pizza at home pretty frequently, rather than ordering delivery. The quality is more reliable and it saves a lot of money. I haven’t perfected breadsticks, but I make some good pizza with this crust recipe (I add 1 tsp garlic powder for extra flavor) and the satisfaction of making something delicious at home beats the convenience of takeout. This is a good idea because it’s not only budget-friendly but also lets me know exactly what’s in our food.

5 things to ask yourself before buying something

Tips to help you shop smarter and save money

Consider the opportunity cost. What are you giving up by making this purchase? Maybe you could use that money for something more meaningful, like memorable experiences with family members or investments for your future.
Avoid impulse buying. Take your time and think carefully before making purchasing decisions. Resist the temptation to buy something just because it’s on sale or seems like a great deal.
Shop local businesses to support your community and find unique items you won’t find at big-box stores. I’m a big fan of supporting that small local store around the corner
Look for great deals and sale prices. Keep an eye out for good sales and the best prices to maximize your savings.
Choose store brand versions whenever possible, as store brands often offer high quality at a lower price.
Consider the true cost of the item, including maintenance, repairs, or energy costs. Don’t just focus on the price tag; factor in the long-term expenses associated with the purchase.
Don’t hesitate to haggle for a better price, whether you’re shopping at local stores or online. You might just score a better deal!
Prioritize quality over quantity. Higher quality items may cost more upfront, but they can last longer, saving you money in the long run.
Set a budget and try to stick to it, at least most of the time. Figure out how much you can spend on an item and stay within that limit. Avoid impulse buys, and be more thoughtful about where your money goes.
Avoid retail therapy as a way to cope with stress or negative emotions. Shopping can be a fun activity, but it shouldn’t be used to escape your problems. As Dave Ramsey says, “You can’t outspend your problems,” so focus on addressing your challenges rather than trying to buy your way out of them.
Embrace simple living and prioritize experiences over possessions. Remember that financial freedom comes from spending less and saving more.
Spend a little more on better-quality stuff. Sure, it might hit your wallet a bit at first, but it’ll save you money down the road since you won’t have to replace it as often.
Shop online for a wider selection and potentially lower prices while comparing prices at different stores and online retailers. Don’t settle for the first price you see; take advantage of free shipping and hassle-free return policies, which make it easier to find the best deal without risk.
Check out reviews before buying. See what other customers are saying about the product to get a better sense of its quality and performance.
Think about the environmental impact of the product. Go for items made from natural fibers and steer clear of those with too much packaging. Avoid fast fashion, instead, choose more sustainable options. Support brands that prioritize ethical and sustainable practices.
Remember, it’s okay to say no. Don’t feel pressured to buy something you don’t need; it’s better to save your money and avoid unnecessary spending. Above all, enjoy the process of shopping and finding great deals. Shopping can be a fun activity if you approach it with intention and mindfulness.

woman choosing what to buy in the grocery store

What Do You Think About When Making a Purchase?

I really think about how I spend my hard-earned cash and if it matches up with my values and long-term goals. I often ask myself if I really need something or if it’s just a passing want. Plus, I consider whether I already have something like it and if it’s worth the hours I’ve put in at work to buy it. And I even think about whether I could make it myself, especially with food or simple stuff.

This mindful approach really helps me make better choices and keeps my spending in line with what matters most to me. It’s all about finding that sweet spot between enjoying life and being responsible with my money—then I can look forward to my next purchase with confidence.