Should I Buy It? Take Along Printable Decision Card

Start in the upper left corner and then walk your way through the questions and answers to help put a "pause" between you and the purchase. Think it through and you'll find yourself with less crap, less impulsive purchases and more money left to pay off debt. 

It's in black and white (to save money on color ink) and here is a version with  2- 5x7 cards on one 8x10 page so you can keep one at home by the computer for impulsive online purchases and one with you for possible purchases that come up while you're on the go. Cut it out and you're good to go.

8x10 Full Size  PDF version

Comments

[ashleycolean]

ha! great idea! i need one of these in my pocket-my wallet-my purse-my forehead....just about everyday.

[Brenda Miller]

Love it! Thanks for sharing this. There's a great feeling of empowerment when I can go into a store, browse, and come out empty-handed. It puts me in control, not the shiny, beckoning baubles. Hooray!

[Tea Tiller]

Thanks for posting these. I have recently joined D.A. to help with spending/earning issues. This blog seems helpful.

[Nancy Holloway]

Thanks for this! It actually makes it fun to walk through the process of deciding not to buy something. And thanks for your inspiration on the rest of your site, too.

[Sarah]

This is so fantastic. Only now I think I have several pairs of impractically-high sparkly shoes to return... ;)

[Anna Newell Jones]

Have to admit, those sound really cute! But the money back in the bank sounds even cuter.

[Coree]

Do you mind if I copy this and "pin" it on pinterest?? With all the credit and link backs to you of course!!

[Anna Newell Jones]

Please do;)

[Brittney Castro]

Love this decision card! Learn more about how to save by watching my video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Jte5YFM3Ss&feature=g-upl&context=G27268fcAUAAAAAAADAA

[Grethe]

I must admit I am one of those who was lucky enough to have such a flowchart embedded in my brain. At least almost. This is how it works for me:
First of all, I don't go shopping (other than for groceries) very often. But if I do go, it goes something like this:

1. Only go to shops you know are reasonably priced. (If abroad or in a shop you don't know the price level, check the prices on some of the items - if they are well above what you find reasonable, leave).

2. Check the price tag before you try something on. If it's more than you would spend, don't even try it on. Is it within reason, you may try it, but as you stand in the fitting room, consider: "Is this dress worth the $35 it costs?" I leave it behind if I feel it was only worth $20 to me.

3. Don't be fooled by discounts - look at the actual price you pay. An item that is 70% off is still expensive if it costs more than you would usually pay for it. You are not saving the 70% if you weren't planning on buying the item full price anyway.

This price sensitivity doesn't stop me from spending, but it stops me from buying things that are more expensive than I feel they're worth.

My challenge is to consider the quality and wearability of the things I do buy - too often I find cheap clothes hanging in the closet being unused or hardly worn. Will take with me some of the thoughts from the flowchart in the future!

[Anna Newell Jones]

Great tips Grethe!

[Bonnie]

Awesome flow chart...I captured it with my phone and it is now my "unlock" screen...will love the constant reminder!!! thank you :)

[Anna Newell Jones]

That's such a great idea Bonnie!