How do you stop yourself wanting all the things?

I have really spent so much this month and will do next month , anything I’ve wanted or thought others would like I’ve bought . I always do this time of year .

I like buying stuff too OP and theres so much nice things around. I think Im going in to buy something for someone else and think I'll keep it.

Dead easy. I visualise the money in a bank account instead. I take a few moments and really focus on transferring the money from the current account into savings almost as though I’m in a shop looking at the items. I taught myself to do this years ago after a short period of a bit too much spending.

Exactly. I always calculate how much time I’ve had to work to earn £x to buy x. It ends up not being worth it.

Used to be that you would go shopping for a specific item when you needed it . Nowadays people go shopping as a pasttime in case they see something they like the look of . Fatal mistake from a financial view and for an environmental one . I used to be able to buy anything I wanted without concern but circumstances have changed . Beside I have got too much of everything and my DCs are warning me that they don't want it all. I could start my own Xmas shop as I have accumulated so much over the years. But I still love looking and have to remind myself that I don't need anything .

A lot must go to landfill every year though as the sheer quantity of it in the shops means people can't possibly be keeping everything they buy and just keep accumulating more and more.

Does seasonal decor go into landfill, though I keep my seasonal decor and use it year after year after year.

I think holidays are a total waste of money, as well as bad for the planet.

We are all different!

I like mugs, too. And I use them to death. I keep them for decades until they literally fall apart in my hands. Usually the handle becomes detached after about 20 years.

🤣🤣🤣 Yes, and I think you're very rude about all my treasures, young lady!

Is that you mum? 😂

Have any of these comment helped @Gettingabitnippynow?

If not, go to YouTube and watch ‘Money Game 2’ by Ren. It’s thought provoking and very clever. You won’t see consumerism the same way afterwards.

I recently did a kitchen glow up, decluttered the surfaces, changed the wall art (put some art postcards in frames I anlready had) and left out a few coordinating jugs/ornaments I already had but generally had a lot more empty space. I was surprised how much better it looked with more space and just a few of my favourite old things on display. Clutter is the enemy it really is. I do have a Christmas table runner and a couple of tealight holders I will still put out at Christmas but I’m definitely trying to stick with less is more. It actually makes you happy once you get a declutter mindset.

I imagine the item I want in a charity shop. Works a treat. (I do buy from charity shops but this for me works all the same).

Delay not deny. Don't tell yourself you can't have it, tell yourself you need to think a couple of days on it. When you are out of the shop/off the website its out of sight out of mind.

This is why advertisers want to get their adverts in front of the right audience at the right time, you are most likely to buy the thing you've seen recently.

I am easily seduced by shiny glittery gifty sort of things and over the years have wasted money on them. While the feelings never really go it has eased off as I have grown older and can look back and realise that the feeling I got when I bought a new piece of frivolity was so transient, and the lovely thing soon lost its allure

I understand because sometimes I’m the same, I don’t need the latest phone because mine is fine until it breaks. I don’t need all the latest games cause you can only play one at a time right? But sometimes you just wish you could do a fun shop without worrying about money and get whatever you fancy. Unfortunately things are just getting harder for everyone!

I’m like this so I tend to shop online as there’s less temptation. I don’t do much social media either as I can get fomo. I will occasionally go to a Xmas market or even somewhere like bnm and have a splurge.

Candles aren't tat - they are consumable! They give cheerful light and warmth and maybe a scent, you can use them all up, and then use the jar!

I find that I get a lot of pleasure from just window-shopping. I can enjoy the things and look at them, but I don't have to buy them.

What helps me OP is the pictures of all those clothes and junk going to land fill or being shipped abroad. Sending stuff to charity shops might relieve guilt but often they have too much tat too. I also picture the shipping containers crossing the ocean full of stuff that is just designed to be replaced all the time and all the new plastic being used to make this stuff. Consumerism is designed to make you want the new thing rather than the thing you already own but it helps to try to avoid getting sucked in and be your own person. It's hard I know.

Who's to say what's tat, though? One man's tat is another man's treasure!

Oooh, I like the three-day rule. I have the same rule but just 24 hours. Think I will extend it. You're right - usually you don't care about it anymore after some time has passed.

Do you ever think about landfill @WanderlustMom or is it just not really on your radar?

I never want anything aside from books and the odd video game. I have to force myself to buy new clothes.