Every year, before the Christmas shopping season starts in earnest (for me October 1st), I like to do a little post about wants and needs. 

We want lots of things.  Doesn't mean we need them.  Learning to sort out your needs from your wants can help you save money, time, and calories.

The best way to decide if something is a need or a want is to delay the purchase.  Put the sweater down and walk around the mall for a bit.  Don't grab dessert the first time through the cafeteria line.  Don't commit to a long series of events before you've given them a try. It's amazing how much less attractive something can become if you think about it for a few minutes.  Once the impulse cools, it's easier to say no.

Another way to judge wants and needs is to ask yourself what you'll need to give up to have it.  Are you willing to pass up buying lunch for 2 weeks to buy the shoes?  Are you ok with extra workouts in exchange for that pizza?  Will you wake up early for a few mornings to make time for a new commitment?  The more you are willing to commit to a sacrifice for something, the more likely it is a need, not a want.

One last piece of advice:  stop buying yourself wants for a little while.  People need something to give you for Christmas!

15 minute check in: Tonight, I plan to start a larger project:  sorting and inventorying clothes I plan to donate.  This may take a few days.