Are you looking forward to your next paycheck so you can finally buy a new sneakers? Perhaps you’re saving up for the iPhone 7?

Every once in a while you’ll hear that voice inside your head whispering temptations you sure can’t resist. Given that, there are circumstances where that voice has taken control over your budget.

No matter how many times you plan to start off the month clean and with the end goal of saving money, if you keep letting that voice take over, you’ll always end up buying more than you can afford and having more than you need. Later on you’ll realize that you’ve been in that loop for years.

Don’t beat yourself out, it’s a crisis that happens to a lot of people so don’t be hard on yourself. Instead of stressing too much on your finances, act on it. This time—you get to take full control. No exceptions.

Make an inventory

Have you ever went to the grocery, paid for everything and went home only to find out you’ve bought something you already have in stock at home? Chances are, this happens more often than you think.

Make it a habit to take an inventory of all the items you own and still have before you purchase one in a trip to the grocery store and the like in order to avert duplicate purchases. Taking an inventory is a game-changer and definitely keeps your wallet in shape. Moreover, you can do this not just for grocery shopping; you can do this with your clothing and hardware tools, for instance.

Cut the plastic, stick to cash

Credit and debit cards can be handy since they’re convenient to carry around. No need to worry about cash shortage. It’s more easy to take out your card and swipe it to purchase items than taking out and counting some bills.

However, the convenience of these cards are also the root of your spontaneous purchases which then leads to your overspending habit. The ease of use of credit cards makes us unaware of how much amount of money we’ve already shelled out—especially for things that aren’t necessities.

With just cash at hand, you can physically see how much money you have—how much money you can spend. Also, you get to see how fast your money runs out, this forces you to spend only what you have and buy only the things you need. Put your credit card aside and try living a cash-based system. This will surely change your spending habits.

Take only the money you need

In line with living in a cash-based system, make it a habit to leave home for work and only have the money you need (i.e. transportation allowance or gas and toll fee expenses and food allowance.)

If you’re out to go shopping for clothes, only take your allotted budget for clothing (or even less) to prevent going overboard. When out shopping, leave your credit and debit cards at home. No excuses. This will only trigger you to spend more than you have budgeted.

It’s okay to keep a little extra cash for emergency purposes. Just use it for, of course, emergencies. Take note that a quick run to your favorite coffee stop isn’t an emergency.

Always shop with a list

How many times have you run to the grocery to buy laundry detergents only to check out with milk, cereal, canned goods and snacks along?

Shopping with a list of the things you need saves you time and most importantly, money upon check out. Your list is a reminder to stick with the necessities and prevent yourself from going crazy over other items, especially from those that are on sale.

Switch off the voice of temptation

A stroll to the mall often ends up with you having a bag or more of new clothes and other items at hand. This isn’t good especially if you were only there to buy a specific item or meet up with your friend there.

Don’t let the voice in your head pursue your to buying a new dress or dine in at a new restaurant. You’re better than the voice in your head that enslaves you to your own temptations. Shut it up. If the mall weakens your pocket, avoid it and only come there when you need to. If your weakness are restaurants, cafés, food parks, and the likes, avoid it at all costs. You have enough snacks and have planned a meal already for the week, you don’t need to eat out.

Bottom line is, stay away from these weaknesses and don’t listen to the voice that tells you to buy a new jacket for the season. You’re more than that!

Give every dollar a job

It’s easy to spend your money when you think it has no purpose. You have $100 left in your allowance, now what? Instead of spending it away on a new jacket, give it a home. Perhaps your savings fund or rent and utilities budget?

To make reasonable and good spending decisions, create a breakdown of your money and give it a home. For instance, allot $200 for rent and utility bills, $100 for your food allowance, etc. You get the idea.

By doing this, each and every dollar you have have its own job. This will also help you to prevent from spending your paycheck. Financial awareness is key to your money goals. Start making smart financial choices.

Diminishing bad habits can be tough at first. But with great determination and discipline, you’ll get a hang of breaking your overspending practice and taking full control of your finances.

What other tips can you share on how to handle overspending? Share it with us!

About Chie Suarez

Chie Suarez has spent time figuring out ways on saving money and stepping away from her go-to retail stores. She then became a writer for Speedy Money which offers hassle-free loans services.