I am a woman, therefore I am maybe a bit more obsessed with Pinterest than I should be.
Not every woman is like me, but I would venture to guess that 90% of women love getting information, how-to’s, and recipes from Pinterest – and more and more men are getting involved in Pinterest too!
Did you know that Pinterest users spend more per minute of time that they spend on the site, than on any other social media site? We need to find ways to combat social media spending, while still being able to enjoy connecting with others on social media!
Are you a social media shopper? Are you temped to spend when on social media?
I know I’ve been guilty of this!
The clothes, the shoes, handbags, and so many adorable baby outfits! They parade past us on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and even Twitter and Stumbleupon! And it’s almost like you can’t help it, you just need to buy something, anything! And since I struggle with materialism every single day, I am even more vulnerable to it than many other budget-conscious people.
Social media started out as a way to connect with family and friends, but it has quickly become a marketers dream.
Here’s how to combat it:
Know Your Triggers:
I myself tend to shop right after payday. It’s sad and stereotypical, but I know that if I spend money before I’ve paid bills, it will end badly. I have a friend who like to shop late at night after a couple of drinks while watching chick flicks. And I have another that shops when she’s bored. Quite frankly, all of these triggers to shopping are perfectly normal, but
Don’t Browse When You’re Vulnerable
Late nights, after a few drinks, or browsing when you’re bored are all times when you’re more likely to spend. Avoid browsing the social media sites where you’re more likely to spend during these times, and instead read a book, magazine, or talk to the people around you!
Impose a 10-Minute Spending Freeze
You found the perfect pair of boots, and they’re in your cart, just waiting for your credit card number to be entered. Put the computer down for 10 minutes (or 20, or 30) and walk away completely. If, after 10 minutes you’re still convinced that the item you’re about to purchase is a need and not a want (or you have the money for a splurge) then go ahead and buy it. If you’re not 100% sure, just stay away from the computer!
Un-Remember Your Credit Cards
Everyone has sites that they’re more tempted to spend money, and the people who designed those sites know that when they remember your credit cards in your account, it makes it that much easier for you to spend money. By removing your credit cards from your shopping accounts, you make it that much more difficult to shop online, because I don’t know about you, but when I’m snuggled under a blanket on the couch, sometimes knowing that I’ll have to get up and get my credit card out of my purse is enough to deter me :-)
Online shopping is not all bad – in fact, I’ve gotten some awesome deals while shopping online! However, online shopping combined with the ease of credit cards make shopping so much easier, and the temptation to overspend can be too great for everyone at some point!
How do you keep from overspending on social media?
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I have never done anything on Pinterest. Maybe that is a good thing! I had no idea you could shop on there either =/
Definitely a good thing! I use Pinterest to grow this blog, but other than that I’ve been trying to get a way from it. Every time they roll something new out, it seems to make it more shopping-friendly. Scary!
I definitely struggle with this – I find I am more likely to spend money online than I am in a store because it’s just so easy to browse and buy! I can do it all from the comfort of the couch. I really like these tips – especially the 10-minute spending freeze and unremembering credit cards. If I had to find my credit card and enter the information every time, I’d probably be less likely to make a purchase. Thanks for the ideas!
Good point! I’m especially vulnerable in-store when i’m with my hubby. Somehow, he talks me into things I never would have bought!
I don’t really do any online shopping, so thankfully social media sites like Pinterest have never really swayed me!
You are so lucky! I love the convenience of online shopping, but it does have it’s pitfalls as well! BTW, have you guy made any decisions about where your going to move?
Oh I definitely feel like Pinterest makes me want to spend. I see all sorts of fun crafts and DIY projects that make me want to run to the store and buy supplies for. Especially interior decorating.
Right? Sometimes it amazes me just how much those crafts cost….
What keeps me from spending, is thinking that I will be retired many, many years earlier then most people. I guess I love looking at sites like Pinterest, but more for fun, and I only usually really pay attention to the cheaper crafts or ideas, or recipes. I try to stay away from things like shopping for shoes or clothes or jewelry. I guess its about knowing your weaknesses and avoiding that temptation!
What a great mindset! Plus, you’re absolute right – everyone has their own temptations
I don’t do much of any online shopping, which I’m happy about. I need to see something in person before I decide on buying it. Especially with clothes!