Can you afford it? Will you regret it? / myLot

Singapore

January 2, 2016 7:07am CST

Someone far wiser than me teaches me to ask these two questions before I buy anything: 1. Can you afford it? 2. Will you regret it? These two questions have served me very well for the past few months. When I was in the supermarket today, I passed the shelves with all the snacks while on my way to the cashier. I had a weakness for potato chips. I stopped there, and stared at the potato chips. There was a good discount given for buying 2. Can I afford it? Yes, definitely yes. Will I regret it? Sadly, the answer is yes. I will regret it because I will start to worry about my health. Taking in junk food is always a decision that I regret. I think many of us end up regretting our impulse purchase, though we have done our best to justify the spending.

11 people like this

14 responses

Marlina

@marlina (154103)

• Canada

2 Jan 16

And let me add a third question to ask yourself "Do I really want to dust that thing". That question alone has saved me a lot of money.

4 people like this

scheng1

@scheng1 (24649)

• Singapore

2 Jan 16

haha, that is true, though I do not have to ask the third question. I do not like sentimental item or those items that look nice only. In fact, I will throw them out just for the sake of making housework easier.

2 people like this

FreebieJunkieWV

@mawhite (242)

• United States

2 Jan 16

Absolutely yes to #3. We streamlined and got rid of a lot of stuff many years ago, and it's made a huge impact. I won't buy something that is only something to look at, and something I'd have to dust on or around.

1 person likes this

Traceyjayne

@Traceyjayne (11307)

• United Kingdom

2 Jan 16

oh I love question 3 !

1 person likes this

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mrswhitfield

@mrswhitfield (2044)

• Indonesia

2 Jan 16

I will never regret it if it's something that I like. Me too like snacks, especially junk foods. But usually after treating myself junk food I will pay back with lot of vegie and fruits when I have my meal time. Not sure if it makes any different but thats how I usually do it.

2 people like this

healthy

junk food

scheng1

@scheng1 (24649)

• Singapore

3 Jan 16

haha, that is a good way to unwind the effect of eating junk food. i think you will experience a kind of cleansing effect from eating all the fruits and veggies.

1 person likes this

mrswhitfield

@mrswhitfield (2044)

• Indonesia

3 Jan 16

@scheng1 thats what I expect

That's my detoxification after having junk food.

eating

junk food

mommaj

@mommaj (23112)

• United States

2 Jan 16

Two very good questions. "Will you regret it?" is a great question for anything choice you make in life. I like the way you think. As far as the potato chips are you eventually going to buy them anyway and eat them? You might as well get them while they are on sale.

1 person likes this

scheng1

@scheng1 (24649)

• Singapore

3 Jan 16

If I had bought the potato chips, I would regret by now. That is spending money to worsen your health. I hope that you will regret buying junk food too.

1 person likes this

mommaj

@mommaj (23112)

• United States

3 Jan 16

@scheng1 I haven't bought any yet. I am sure I will regret it though when I do. Notice when not if.

I am trying to be healthier this year. I think my age is catching up with me though.

mammots

@mammots (3209)

• Philippines

2 Jan 16

These two vital question are really a big help in curbing overspending. But i think these questions are easier to remember if shoppin is done online or through a cataloge or brochure. But if one is shopping in a big shopping mall sorrounded by all these enviting and tempting "special offers and bargains" very often we forget or consciously set aside these guideline questions.

1 person likes this

scheng1

@scheng1 (24649)

• Singapore

3 Jan 16

Then you must have to remember the second question. Ask yourself if you will regret buying it or regret not buying it. Sometimes when we see a great deal, and we do not go ahead and buy, we will regret it.

1 person likes this

mammots

@mammots (3209)

• Philippines

3 Jan 16

@scheng1 Yes you are so true. I experienced regretting not buying a baking pan that i saw on sale. I told myself i'll come back for it next time i come to the mall to buy something but when i did it was not there anymore. Somebody else grabbed the opportunity to buy a good quality baking pan on a much lowered price

louievill

@louievill (28846)

• Philippines

2 Jan 16

It takes quite a while for me to decide before buying something but once i do, i do not step back to regret what i did. You are right, why buy something you cannot afford in the first place? Why buy something you like, can afford but have doubts, fears, regrets at the back of your head and bother you later?

1 person likes this

scheng1

@scheng1 (24649)

• Singapore

3 Jan 16

True. It think the question can be asked in two ways. The first is whether we will regret buying. The second is whether we will regret not buying. I think many people regret not buying a house when it is cheap.

1 person likes this

louievill

@louievill (28846)

• Philippines

3 Jan 16

@scheng1 , I agree with you, somebody also far wiser than me also taught me that " if you buy things you do not need, you will end up selling those you need". The guy is Warren Buffet, one of the richest man in America! I read he's quotes and sayings

warren buffet

AbbyGreenhill

@AbbyGreenhill (45490)

• United States

2 Jan 16

I know my financial limits but food is my downfall!

1 person likes this

scheng1

@scheng1 (24649)

• Singapore

2 Jan 16

Same here, it is always the small expenditure that gets out of control. A bar of chocolate here, an ice-cream cone there, and all these little packaging of food that make us lose control over our expenditure.

AbbyGreenhill

@AbbyGreenhill (45490)

• United States

2 Jan 16

@scheng1 I have no problems withe money - its the food I have no control over!

Lee Ka

@kaka135 (14994)

• Malaysia

3 Jan 16

I learned to ask if that is essential or necessary to buy or to do. I will not consider the first question, as I just will not buy something that I can't afford, but I think the second question is always good to ask - for buying something or doing something.

1 person likes this

scheng1

@scheng1 (24649)

• Singapore

3 Jan 16

The second question is really good. Sometimes we will regret buying, and sometimes we will regret not buying. If we have the wisdom to know ourselves, and the great deals that are there, it will make us spend wisely.

1 person likes this

youless

@youless (114117)

• Guangzhou, China

3 Jan 16

Oh, I love potato chips. I know many people think they are junk food. But I think it is alright that we don't often eat it. At least we will feel happy when we watch movie and meanwhile eat the potato chips. I prefer to the balanced diet, namely I shall eat many things, including junk food. So my body can adjust to any food and it will be better for me.

1 person likes this

scheng1

@scheng1 (24649)

• Singapore

3 Jan 16

That is good to hear. i think we are fortunate to born as Chinese. Our food culture really teaches us to eat anything and everything that is edible, and traditional Chinese medicine makes use of all parts of plants, and animals for curing of sickness.

Jennifer

@LovingMyBabies (85923)

• Valdosta, Georgia

2 Jan 16

This is a great way to do things for some people but my problem is I feel guilty about anything I buy if its for myself. It could be $1 but still I feel bad about getting me something when I have a family.

1 person likes this

scheng1

@scheng1 (24649)

• Singapore

2 Jan 16

In this case, when your answer to the second question is Yes, that will stop you from buying. it just is not worth to buy anything, and you end up feeling guilty for weeks. if you can, save the money up.

phillyguy

@phillyguy (3005)

• Philippines

14 Jan 16

wise indeed, but for me when it comes to food no question if I like it I'll grab it :)

wise spending

Raine38

@Raine38 (12387)

• United States

3 Jan 16

I have no trouble asking myself the same questions whenever I purchase anything, and I must say I have been pretty good at it - except for food. I grew up in a family that prioritizes food. We may have the oldest and threadbare clothes, but our pantry and table is never measly nor empty. We grew up being splurged on food. Sadly, not everything that tastes so good is good for our health - chips, cookies, cakes, the works! Now that I am doing most of the grocery shopping for my boyfriend and I, and sharing a strong desire to eat healthy, we are saying no to ice cream, cookies, donuts, and soda. No more fast foods either. It all adds up.

1 person likes this

scheng1

@scheng1 (24649)

• Singapore

3 Jan 16

I have a weakness for food too. That is why I have to stop myself from spending. I like good food, and junk food. I like restaurant food regardless of western or eastern food.