I Always Ask These 3 Questions Before Buying Anything (It Saves So Much Money!)

I’ll admit that I’m an impulsive person — especially when it comes to shopping. Walking through my favorite stores’ aisles feels like a game. The objective? Discovering, buying, and bringing home what I think of in the heightened moment as the cutest, most unique purchase I’ll ever acquire. Fast-forward a few months, and sometimes I wonder what spell I was under to have bought the item. Then regret settles in.

If this sounds like a familiar feeling, first of all, you’re not alone (hi!). Secondly, there’s something we can actually do about it. All you need is a 30-second pause before dropping the find into your cart and asking yourself a few questions, which I’ll get into below. I can’t take credit for what I’m dubbing the three-question method, as the inspiration came from Jasmine Morse‘s small Colorado cabin House Tour.

Jasmine, her husband, her son, and their dog moved from a 2,000-square-foot house to a 650-square-foot cabin in Manitou Springs, Colorado. Downsizing taught the family many things, including the three-question method that helps them avoid buying too much, save money, and make each and every purchase count.

Downsizing taught Jasmine new purchasing habits in order to maintain her “less cluttered” lifestyle in the new home. So, before buying anything, she and her husband ask themselves the following questions: 

1. Where will we put it? 
2. How much do I really want this thing? 
3. Is it really worth the space it would take up? 

Just taking a second to pause and reflect on the item in your hand will likely break the adrenaline-driven spell that comes with shopping. Taking a beat to really think about it means you’re less likely to buy it, which saves your wallet and much-needed space in your home. 

“That limit has become one of the best things, because it means we only buy and keep the things that really mean something to us,” Jasmine said at the time of the House Tour. 

I know this isn’t groundbreaking information, but having a name for the process makes it charming, memorable, and maybe even fun! If you’re like me and want to reduce your consumption (and also that inevitable regret), then consider trying Jasmine’s three-question method the next time you’re wandering the aisles. You’ll be so impressed with your shopping restraint! However, even if you decide to buy, you’ll know it’s worthwhile after passing the test.

​To see how Jasmine has designed her new, smaller home, visit the full House Tour.