Maybe You'll Pick Up A Thing or Two (No Guarantees) : HOW TO: Stop Buying Crap

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HOW TO: Stop Buying Crap

Posted by Cap on December 14, 2006 |
The guide in helping you say “up yours” to Madison Avenue.
Maybe You’ll Pick up a Thing or Two (No

Guarantees)
No matter if you’re a seasoned shopper who knows exactly what they want — or an impulsive
buyer who grabs the $10 DVD at the check-out aisle — you can probably pick up a thing or
two from reading this guide.
If not, be comforted on the fact that you’ll only waste about 17 minutes or so of your life
(depending on your reading speed and tolerance for grammatically lacking writing).
One Man’s Crap is Another Man’s Han-Solo-Frozen-

in-Carbonite
Spending $4,900 on a movie prop replica may seem like a
ridiculous idea to most people, but try saying that to the 2,000 or
so hardcore Star Wars fans that bought the limited production Han
Solo in Carbonite replica.

Measuring at around 6 feet 8 inches long and weighing in at about 100 pounds, the Han Solo
in Carbonite replica is one of the ultimate decorations for geeks across the globe (and a
constant eyesore for their partner — if any).
As you can tell, what’s important to one person may be a complete waste of money to another
person. In order to really “stop buying crap,” you must first figure out what’s truly important
to you.
Perhaps you have a love for fine china? Or maybe you can’t get enough of your collectible
lunch box? Whatever it may be, as long as it is important to you, or brings a value to you in a
certain way, it is not “crap.”
Stop Buying Crap rule #22: It is perfectly acceptable to spend money on things that are
important to you, as long as you can afford it.
It’s Not about Being Cheap, its About Being

Sensible
If this is your first visit to the blog, you might get a wrong
impression of the blog’s underlying message. You might
even assume that the blog owner is a cheap person, with a
deficient IQ, a questionable genital size, and thus enjoys
making fun of people that spend money.
If that was the case, you would be 90% wrong. This isn’t
about being cheap at all. This isn’t about hording up all
your money so you can swim in it Scrooge McDuck style. This is about understanding your
unlimited wants and needs, and how you may fulfill it with your limited resources. It’s about
what you can and can’t afford, what’s realistic and what’s unrealistic.
Just because traveling around the globe is an important goal to you doesn’t mean you should
max out your credit card to fulfill that particular need. Sure, you may be a hardcore Star Wars
fan, but will it be practical for you to spend 90% of your income on Star Wars collectibles?
Probably not.
Fitting the Non-Crap into the Budget

Creating a budget is the basic foundation of personal finance. It might be a bit boring
(alright it’s ridiculously boring) but budgeting is one of the most important step to gain
control of your finances and the quickest way to know where you stand financially.
If you have never created a budget before, you are strongly encouraged to spend a few
minutes right now and write out a rough estimate of your budget. Creating a budget can be
surprisingly easy to do; the gist of it involves you figuring out how much you make per month
and how much you spend per month. Subtract the total income from the total expense and
you’ll figure out where you stand. Yup, that’s pretty much it!
To find out how to create a budget, check out “How to Budget & Save” from the Federal
Reserve Bank of Chicago. There is a simple worksheet available that you can follow to better
determine other budgeting values such as fixed expenses and variable expenses.
Once you have figured out your budget, you can then figure out how much crap you can or
can’t afford. This may sound entirely stupid and obvious, but one of the reasons why people
spend more money than they have is because they don’t know how much money they really
have.
Here’s a random example (picked for numeric simplicity). What’s easier to do: Spend $2,400
on a brand new, top-of-the-line HDTV when you know fully well that you only have an extra
$200 to spend per month (thereby putting you $2,200 in debt), or spend $2,400 on a brand
new TV because you think you can afford the new TV?
It is a lot easier to spend responsibly when you understand where you stand financially and
know the numbers involved.
Delay Gratification is Your Friend
In the $2,400 TV scenario, if you only have an extra $200 to a month to spend, what can you
do to get that TV?
Option #1: Save up $200 per month and buy the pricey TV after a year.
Option #2: Charge it on a credit card at the current average interest rate of 14.79% APR and
pay it off by a monthly payment of $200. Actual cost via this method? About $2,800.
An extra $400 because you couldn’t wait. Is it worthwhile? *shrug* Sensible? Probably not.
Avoiding Those Wacky Impulses
One of the quickest ways to trash a budget is to spend money impulsively. In order for you to
buy the crap you really care about, you must avoid the impulsive purchase of crap you don’t
need. Mastering delay gratification and avoiding impulsive purchase are both acquirable skills!
If you have a habit with impulsive purchase, it will be worthwhile to examine the cause of the
habit more carefully. Do you spend without careful consideration because it’s easy to do? If
so, perhaps cutting up the credit card up may make it harder for you to spend. Try the
frequently mentioned method of switching to cash or using a debit/check card, seeing the cash
immediately disappear from your wallet (or checking account) just might do the trick.
Do you have trouble with buying unnecessary things during a shopping trip? Find out exactly
what you need, how much it cost, and limit yourself by bringing a specific amount of cash
(minus the credit cards) before you head into the store. Limiting your purchasing power may
help you against impulsive purchases.
Understanding Marketing Influences
It’s not that marketers are evil brainwasher bent on tricking you into buying their
products. Marketers are simply brainwasher bent on influencing you to buy their crap.
Let’s put it this way: you should be aware that many companies are spending millions of dollar
so that they can have a better chance to earn or sway your spending dollars. Because you
most likely don’t have the same millions to spend, it’s important for you to choose the right
crap to buy on the first try — especially if said crap is an expensive item.
A savvy shopper should know if a brand of a product matters or not, and spend the extra time
to distinguish actual product differences from marketed differences. With the wealth of
information available online, everything you want to know about that toilet seat cover can be a
few mouse click away.
Obviously, spending hours reading up on mundane things such as toilet papers may not be the
most productive use of your time, so apply product research at your discretion.
Don’t Forget the Big Picture
Alright, so you’ve figured out what’s important to you, know how much you can spend on it
and how much you can afford, time to buy everything you’ve ever wanted?
Not quite. Even if you can afford it now, and even if it won’t put you into debt — you will still
need to be sensible about your purchases, because every dollar you spend today is a few
dollars less you will have to spend in the future.
Most of us will want to retire in comfort, or maybe even pay for our children’s education
(damn kids). In order to do either of these things, you will need to be mindful of how your
current spending will impact your future spending — after all, retirement accounts don’t
magically fund itself. Saving money might not be sexy or fun, but it’s a whole lot better than
worrying about money during your retirement years.
Summing It All Up
1. Understand what’s important to you
2. Know your budget
3. Be patient and save
4. Don’t let some jerk tell you what to buy (and what not to buy)
5. Spend sensibly and don’t spend like there’s no tomorrow
Have your own stop buying crap method? Sharing is caring.
Comment
6 3 C O M M E N T S T O “H O W T O : S T O P B U Y IN G C R A P”
1.
Josh More Says:

December 14th, 2006 at 1:14 pm
I started a “want” list and gave myself a rule that I won’t buy anything on the want list unless
it’s been there for at least a week. I often find that, after a week, the thing that I wanted so
desperately isn’t as important because I want something else now.
In the end, I buy a lot less than I used to, just by waiting one week. It’s a way of using the
constant “want” against itself.
2.
Dr. V Says:
For every piece of crap you buy, you have to throw some other piece of crap out. In other words,
the number of pieces of crap must remain constant. After you’ve thrown a few pieces of crap
out, you wonder why you bought them in the first place. With practice, you do this wondering
BEFORE you buy the crap! Ergo, you don’t buy it!
3.
Midnight Raider Says:

All ‘crap’ over $50 must be discussed with hubby before purchase. It’s a checks and balances
kind of thing.
4.
saving advice Says:

dugg – great commom sense financial information.
5.
The Sarcasticynic Says:

December 16th, 2006 at 4:23 am
At first, I thought I had stumbled upon a winner of a method to keep me from buying crap. I
instructed my wife to swat my hand, (just like one would do with a child,) if she saw me going
for some impulsive item. That strategy backfired when I discovered that I sort of liked it when
she smacked me, and the anticipation started to cause a reversal of the originally intended
consequence. Now I am seeking more universally acceptable approaches, (and perhaps a bit of
counseling.)
6.
Suzi Says:
Having a “cushion” in the bank is the one single thing that helps me avoid buying crap. When my
bank account drops below a certain level, I feel stressed and buy something. Even if it’s
something I need, and it’s on sale, and in my budget, I end up feeling like I bought crap. Because
I bought it for the wrong reason.
When I have a cushion in the bank, and I see something I need and in my budget, I’m far more
likely to shop around for the best price, or wait for it to be on sale.
Weird, but there it is. For this reason, I tend to make most of my budget purchases after pay day
(rather than spreading them out) and I budget that “cushion” amount in the account.
7.
Independent George Says:

My favorite anti-crap tool is the white dry-erase board on my refrigerator. On it, I have a list 3-4
non-crap items that I need to buy, and an estimated target price on what I want to spend on
them. It’s easier to guilt myself into avoiding crap until after I purchase the non-crap.
My second-favorite anti-crap tool is multiple online bank accounts. Every time a paycheck comes
into my checking account, a predetermined amount gets transferred to my HSBC account
(discretionary spending) or my Emigrant account (long-term savings). Credit card balances are
paid from the checking account every Saturday. Any amount over a fixed minimum in the
checking account get transferred to the Emigrant account on the 1st Saturday of the month.
8.
Troy Says:
Totally agree with Josh More. Delayed gratification often reduces or completely eliminates the
desire to buy the thing. When I feel like I want to buy something, I usually go window shopping to
compare prices and specs. I’m kinda meticulous that way. Then I wait a few weeks, hoping for a
sale. Most of the time after a while I decide I can live without it and so I don’t need it anyway. If
after a month or so I still crave it, then I buy (uaually getting a good deal after all that window
shopping or because I managed to catch a sale).
Of course this doesn’t apply for $1 candy bars. Those I go wild on. :-P
9.
Bruce Says:
This article was all good common sense. Saving is really important, and while I have tried very
hard to keep out of debt, I have also found it very hard to save. To save, then, I need to use the
money I have in an even better way. However, this does not necessarily mean going without. For
instance, here in Hawaii, life (like rent, etc.) is expensive. But the ocean is free, and so I found
that I could save nearly $500 per year but swimming in the ocean instead of being a member of a
Masters swim club. Also, I have used the same second-hand triathlon road bike for three years,
with minimal repairs, rather than go for a flashy new model (which won’t look so flashy after I
have used it for a while). Yes, with careful selection we can benefit from second hand things (for
more expensive items) and shop around for the less expensive things we regularly need (like
bicycle tires on line or hot chocolate packets bought at Costco). In this way, we can stretch the
limited resources we have. In addition, we could probably buy the perfectly good TV the person
wanting to buy the $2,400 new model is going to get rid of for a very low price (if you still want a
TV, although most of what you see on it is time-wasting crappy advertising).
10.
Broke student Says:

April 2nd, 2007 at 6:25 pm
When I really want to buy new crap, generally it means I (a) have too much energy (b) want to
procrastinate from doing work and (c) have stopped appreciating what I have. So, I’ve found a
good way to avoid caving to the urge is to clean my apartment. It’s weird, I know, but I find that
when my apartment is nice and clean, I can enjoy the things I have and have no need to buy new
crap.
11.
Misti Says:
April 4th, 2007 at 12:09 pm
What has helped me to stop buying crap is to write down all the things that I save money on. It’s
like a progress report on how I’m doing. I’m a recovering crap buyer for 3 months now! So I just
write down all the stuff I have saved money or ways that I have saved money each day. I add it
all up and try to beat it everyday. I write stuff like..cheap example, I think I need to buy a
notebook today- I just staple together some scratch paper. Saved myself $2.00. So try playing
games and setting goals to stop buying crap. It really makes it fun.
12.
Mark Says:
June 27th, 2007 at 1:36 am
How to Stop Buying CATALOG Crap:
I garnered this sage bit of advice from an ex-boss of mine: He said that whenever he saw
something in a catalog that he just HAD TO HAVE, he instead took a deep breath and then put
the catalog away for a week. Then at the end of the week, if he could remember what it was
that he just “had to have”, he went ahead and bought it. Otherwise, he saved his money for
another day, and another piece of crap.
Try it. It works!
13.
tiffany Says:
August 28th, 2007 at 7:52 pm
this is a really great article! my biggest weakness is impulse buying or feel good buying, and i am
slowly trying to work through whatever feelings i have about myself that cause me to constantly
“buy crap”. i really like broke student’s comment about appreciating what we already have. the
budgeting tables on the federal reserve page were some of the simplest to understand, yet most
comprehensive i’ve seen. i am just starting out in my career and even though i get stressed
about my expenses, seeing all the expenses i could be paying, (those associated with children
and owning a home and what not), it makes me realize just how important it is to save as much
as i can in these early years, even though i don’t make much.

14.
Annglobalenterprise Says:
September 16th, 2007 at 11:12 am
I usually just think twice, three times then a fourth before making a purchase. It’s not always
easy, though, as evidenced by my CC bills!
15.
Willy Wonka Says:

Ways to save? Dont put yourself in an environment to be tempted to spend money. Don’t go to
the mall, don’t go to the movies, don’t live your life seeking other people’s acceptance. Most
people spend money n order to make themselves feel better about themselves. It is severe
psychological disorders that prompt someone to get what they “deserve” or they feel they are
entitled to because something in their past, a parent, a bully or an ex made them feel small,
defective or inadequate. When you value yourself for who you are and what you stand for or
believe in, then you are comfortable being a tightwad.
16.
liz Says:
It’s a good to have a “save or splurge” plan. Trendy top that will look stupid next season? Save –
buy the $15 version at Target. A pair of black pumps? Splurge – nice shoes last a long time and
can be resoled. They are also usually more comfortable, which can save you expense on doctor’s
visits for later foot problems.
Get yourself taken off all catalog mailings that are not vitally essential – it’s just temptation to
buy stuff you didn’t know existed before that catalog came to your door.
Comparison shop. Try it on in the store and then search online for coupons and sales – many box
retailers have generous coupons and reasonable shipping online – all you have to do is search the
store name and the word “coupon” or “discount”. If a store doesn’t have an item in your size,
but has a web presence, they will usually ship items for free.
Beware additional costs – If you are shopping online or from a catalog, try to find deals for free
shipping and free returns. Those costs add up, and if you don’t like the item you buy, you can
still be out $10 -$15 or more for shipping both ways, even if you return it.
17.
BemoSF Says:
When you get the urge to shop for say, clothes, go organize the clothes you have and you’ll
either be 1)shocked by how many things you already own 2) rediscover something that you
haven’t seen for a while 3)realize you have barely any clothes and need to go buy something. (#3
doesn’t really come up that often).
And for a weakness, like in my case, shoes, I have to toss or donate (depending on the condition)
one pair for each new pair that I get.
And for house stuff, go look at a “staged” open house some time…and realize that when
professionals make a house look it’s best they only use about half the amount of crap most
people have in each room – so why do you need more?
18.
djrobsd Says:
September 26th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
When you see that new pair of shoes that you absolutely have to have, or an outfit, try holding
off on the purchase, and then go to Nordstrom Rack, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, or Ross. These stores
almost always offer the same name brand clothing at half the price of a department store. I save
a lot of money shopping in these stores, I refuse to pay $100 for a pair of Nike Shoes that I can
get for $49-59 at Nordstrom Rack. The catch? Usually it’s last years model, but who cares, it’s
still stylish!!!
19.
Dave Says:
Pregaming. Huge saver. Have a snack before goinmg out to dinner instead of getting both and
appetizer and an entree. Have beers at home w friends before you go out to bars.
20.
MDP2 Says:
Great Site. Having grown up and forced to dust around my parents nick nacks(i.e CRAP) I really
appreciate this blog’s ideas. One of the best ways to avoid buying crap is to volunteer for a cause
or group that uses your spare time to make a difference in the world. Therefore, you do not have
time thinking about buying stuff but rather how to make others lives better.
21.
Stuart Lipman Says:

Have your crap and eat it too!
My wife sometimes impulse buys very pretty crap at at some nice stores. However she always
keeps her receipts, so when she realizes a few days later that it is just crap or that it looks like
crap on her or that there is some other crap she wants even more she returns the crap for a full
refund. So be to keep your crap in good condition and keep your receipts!
22.
Crap-Buyer Says:
Most of us that buy crap (me being one of them) are often using it to fill some void in our lives.
Do we really need the crap? No, but it makes us temporarily feel good to have a new toy or pair
of shoes. Check your reasons for buying crap — what’s REALLY going on inside of that head of
yours when you feel you need to have something? Then take a deep breath and eat a cupcake.
It’s a quick and easy way to fill that void but it will cost you a lot less and won’t clutter your
house!
23.
Sylvia Toronto Says:

I find avoiding stores all together an excellent way to avoid buying crap. If I have to go to a
store, I usually use a list and try and stay focussed on the list. Also…never ever go out for lunch,
have a glass of wine and visit a store after months of being good! Just sayin’….
24.
Shopping Gives Me The Willys Says:

Having grown up poor makes it easier to not constantly “want” – I know how to do without.
Marrying someone who doesn’t WANT to do without adds a totally new dimension to relationship
psychology. For years I found myself reluctantly purchasing crap when out with the hubby – “Go
ahead – buy it… We can afford it (True)… You work hard, enjoy your money…”
It wasn’t pretty when I finally said I wouldn’t shop with him anymore, (SERIOUS role-reversal
here!) but I finally feel true to myself. I have lots of great stuff I got over the years, have thrown
out the forced-to-buy crap, and only add what I need when I need it.
I’m not cheap – I was totally behind the new $6000 motorcycle (fun!), but flip out over YET
ANOTHER $3 used CD (clutter!!). NO MORE CRAP!!
25.
Better person Says:

Look. Everytime you think of buying something, think of stress it puts on earth?!
Many Americans have not seen outside world. Where people are dying for the want of water.
Families go without food – for one day, two days, three days, four days, 1 week…and then the
mother let the 3 year old baby die – just like that! The baby who was dearest to her…dies. She
doesn’t even cry, and father is ashamed as he is reduced to something less than a man – for he
could not protect his blood.

Think about it. Next time you want to supersize that burger, splurge on that Prada, call for
digital plan, go to French Riviera or buy that “rock” – look that this picture.
http://www.flatrock.org.nz/topics/odds_and_oddities/ultimate_in_unfair.htm
Better take that printout and keep in your vallet, next to that credit card or cash. Sorry, i
crashed the party, but if that does not help you, nothing will. you will end up being a Buy Crap
zombie.
26.
Former Credit Card Junkie Says:

Buying second hand can be a great way to indulge without paying even near full price! Plus, you
can really feel good about it if your purchase helps a charity. I found a very gently used pair of
Ralph Lauren, made in Italy, leather jodphur boots in a Catholic thrift store for $10. Get this –
brand new these boots cost $550!!! At the same time, I found a brand new pair of leather dress
boots from JC Penney’s for $8. Real bargains are out there if you look.
27.
Mike Says:
October 1st, 2007 at 4:32 pm
Set up a budget, then set up a goal. First, figure out how much you make, and the expenses that
you need to pay (rent, phone, food, etc.). Then figure out how much you would like to save each
month. For example, you make $2,000 a month that you take home. You’re living expenses are
$1,200. You want to save $500 a month. That leaves you $300 to spend on whatever you want.
Then, at the end of the year, see if you’ve reached your goal of saving $6,000. Make the goal
realistic. Don’t tell yourself you want to have $25,000 saved at the end of the year when you
only make $30,000, it just isn’t realistic.
Put the money you save in an account that earns high interest. So many banks pay close to
nothing. Sign up for an ING account or something that earns a high % that you can have easy
access to as well.
Lastly, try and sell some of your old stuff. Sell it on ebay, at a garage sale, wherever. A few
dollars here and there can really add up.
28.
bewaechterin Says:
October 1st, 2007 at 8:08 pm
craptastic!
seriously, I like the approach. may the anti-crap force be with you!
29.
Benia Says:
October 13th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
I am ashamed to be part of a society where crap is so overvalued. Of course, I have bought crap
in the past, but seeing useless crap in people’s lawns, like inflatable jack-o-lanterns and plastic
ghosts makes me feel like people have all lost their minds. All of that useless crap is likely made
by some poor, underage, underpaid, Chinese factory worker, using petroleum products and
practices that harm the planet, shipped halfway across the globe at a huge markup, only to be
enjoyed for about half a minute, only to end up in a landfill for millenia. Why, people? Why do
you continue to support this cycle of wrongness?
Please, consider carefully the things you buy and their overall costs to both you and the world.
Enjoy your wealth and having all sorts of crap at your disposal, but appreciate the price you
make others pay in the long run.
30.
Theresa Says:
March 18th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
I have advised chronic spenders take your credit cards, put them in a bowl of water, and place
the bowl in the freezer. That way you have it in case of an emergency, but they aren’t with you
for you to run up again, just because there is a sale. Usually by the time they defrost, you don’t
want it anymore.
31.
blog52 Says:
April 16th, 2008 at 8:58 am
Just tried to send you this message via your contact form, but it looks like it didn’t go through.
My apologies if I’ve sent it twice.
I like your blog. We all need to stop buying so much crap, and you make it seem like a reasonable
thing to do.
I’ve found some stuff I think is not-crap, but I’d be curious what your readers think:
http://blog52.wordpress.com/2008/04/13/13-superheros-carry-wind-ups
32.
Robin Says:
April 18th, 2008 at 10:05 am
The way I think is if you don’t need it and it is $10 when normally $550, it is still crap. You did
not save $540, you lost $10. Shop second hand, but only for the things on your “not-crap” list.
The other thing is I have quit Christmas. I’m not Christian anyway, so why buy all that crap? I
donate to charity instead and ignore my extended family’s opinions.
I love the freeze your credit cards tip!
33.
Laurel Says:
May 9th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
When you start having recurrent fantasies about losing everything in a fire and that feels like it
might be a good thing for your state of mind, you know you have too much crap! At this stage of
my life, I have pretty much stopped shopping for entertainment. The inflow may have slowed
down, but I am now trying to work up the energy to sort through the deepest recesses of my
basement closets, the furnace room and the garage which contain outgrown kid’s clothing, half
full paint cans, tons of craft supplies and countless other things I may have a use for someday.
34.
budgets are sexy Says:

July 7th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Budgets all the way baby – fo sho. Love the site ;)
35.
barb Says:
July 23rd, 2008 at 11:46 am
Have been dipping into this site for awhile, love it. Have had my problems with cc debt, etc. Am
currently forced to completely downsize due to multiple circumstances & am appreciating this
site a lot. When I get an irrestable urge to shop I go to my closest thrift store, I walk, so that I
can’t get much, & get a few 3 for $1.00 books. I love books, love owning them, love trading in
used bookstores, & buying at the thrift helps me have the feeling of shopping without getting
into trouble. Thanks so much for this site.
36.
Dr.Strangelove Says:
August 17th, 2008 at 8:48 am
Thought I’d share what’s really worked for me.
(1.) Get rid of the crap you already own, i.e., old clothes, nick-nacks, etc. (get receipts from
donating for tax puroposes).
*This is very liberating and frees-up space in your home.
(2.) Budget, budget, budget…(did I say budget?)
*This is hard to do at first, because it will open your eyes to how much you’re REALLY spending
(Ouch!!), but it is critical to gaining control.

(3.)Use CASH FOR MOST OF YOUR PURCHASES.
*This rule alone will save you a bunch of money. You’ll think twice before buying that gizmo,
doodad or soon to be out of style clothing item if you have to lay out cash! (ever wonder why
casinos use chips instead of cash!!??)
(4.) Eat out less.
*Steak dinner for two: out ($75.00 and up)
*Steak dinner for two: home ($25.00 avge.)
Nuff said
THINK ABOUT THIS:
THE PEOPLE THAT SHOULD REALLY MATTER TO US don’t give a crap if we drive a Mercedes,
Hummer, or Corvette–or wear the newest/expensive styles in clothing!!!
HERE’S THE KICKER:
THE PEOPLE THAT DO CARE (prioritize) WHAT KIND OF “STUFF” WE OWN AND WEAR SHOULD BE
AVOIDED LIKE THE PLAGUE ANYWAY, RIGHT!!?? THESE ARE SHALLOW FOLKS, KIDS.
DOC
37.
Brenda Says:
November 3rd, 2008 at 12:50 pm
I moved overseas last year…funny, I hardly spend anything anymore. The stores here are all
closed in the evening, so cannot shop for a hobby. They are closed at 2 pm Saturday and all day
Sunday.
So I guess the method is – don’t go to the store – find another way to spend your time.
38.
Mnosplaq Says:
November 26th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
Losing my job a number of years ago gave me a great perspective on the value of everything in
life. With a much more limited income (took home only 40 percent of what I had been earning) I
learned to cut back on so many non-essential things and reduced my “wants” to practically zero.
In time, I was able to find another job that actually paid more than the first, but I continued to
live very frugally because I came to accept the fact that all the crap that I had once accumulated
was of very little value to me and could be lost once again (another job layoff, imparied health,
victim of crime, natural catastrophe, etc.) I became comfortable with less and decided to give
my money away to charitable causes. Now I live on just what I need (not what I want) and am
rich in spirt knowing that I’m able to help others who are far less fortunate than me. Who needs
all the materialistic crap (clothes, cars, fancy homes, gadgets, etc.) when so many people are in
need of just the basic necessities to make it from day to day. I just don’t deserve to waste my
money on all this nonsense what it could be put to much better use helping others in real need.
Enough said.
39.
Gail Boyce Says:

You have discovered a most important truth–living on just what you need, not want. I admire you
so much for your willingness to share your overage with others. As one ages (I am 70), one really
discovers what is important in life I remember reading somewhere that “someday everything you
owned will be owned by somebody else.” I love giving away, throwing out, disposing of unwanted
“stuff.” For a further reminder, listen to George Carlin’s monologue on “stuff.” It is brilliant.
Good for you–you are doing it right!
40.
Matt Says:
January 31st, 2009 at 7:58 pm
Love the title of your blog and the no-excuses, tell-you-how-it-is way you write. keep it up :)
thanks!
41.
Trevor @ Financial Nut Says:
March 20th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
I love the premise. :) Keep it up.
42.
tentaculistic Says:
June 4th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
I’m sorry, but I have to ask how this comment makes any sense in this context:
“Many Americans have not seen outside world. Where people are dying for the want of water.
Families go without food – for one day, two days, three days, four days, 1 week…and then the
mother let the 3 year old baby die – just like that! The baby who was dearest to her…dies…Next
time you want to supersize that burger, splurge on that Prada, call for digital plan, go to French
Riviera or buy that “rock” – look that this picture.”
I’m not sure how our buying crap is even tangentially related to lack of good water in 3rd World
countries. In fact, I would say that the very reason that formerly dirt-poor countries like China
and India are just now getting their heads above water, and even becoming huge Big Emerging
Markets, is because we buy crap, and lots of it – which they make.
In my personal experience and education, it seems like most countries that experience true
deprivation have seriously corrupt officials who a) divert any profits to their own wallets, and/or
b) steal foreign aid and then sell it off to their own poor. Oh, and btw I’m one of those
Americans who did leave America for the 3rd World, and has seen this first-hand, to great
frustration and anger at people who inexplicably think riches are more important than the lives
of people. So I get your anger, but I think if you are going to be angry at anyone, look to your
own government before looking across the ocean.
43.
Mike Says:
This is a great site. I was googling credit report reviews because I wanted to find one that gave
me the most accurate stuff…and I found your review of myfico. Really liking your writing and
your insightful review, I started poking around in other articles and really found some great stuff.
As far as this article goes – great.
I haven’t read any of the above comments, so I don’t know if this has been mentioned or
not…but another HUGE reason for impulse buying and ‘crap buying’ in general can be emotional
stress. I know I personally ‘reward’ myself when I’ve had a particularly trying day, week,
month…hour, half of a day, etc.
What ends up happening is that I completely say ‘screw you’ to my budget and am bent on
feeling some sort of emotional satisfaction from purchasing something I want. And because I do
this often, I never have the money to purchase really nice things that I want like an Xbox 360, a
weight bench, or even to get cable in my bedroom. I end up buying absolute crap like an old PS2
video game I wanted 3 years ago and find out that meh, I don’t really like it anymore. Or I’ll buy
food. Food, food, food. For myself. For others. For stray dogs. Seriously, I spend more money on
food than ANYTHING else outside of scheduled budget expenses. A round of cream sodas here.
Let’s go out to Olive Garden or the chinese food buffet…ON ME!
These outings and stupid purchases might provide a bit of instant mood lifting, but when I sit
down to my Excel sheet titled ‘Budget’….I’m sick and stressed out all over again.
It’s a never ending cycle. And today with so much in life to cause gray hairs, its so easy to fall
into this buying crap to feel better mindset.
I don’t really have any advice for it…since I’m suffering from it myself. So maybe you can touch
on it one day, Cap?
Be well, everyone. And I wish you all better luck with your budgets than I have.
44.
Doug Says:
June 9th, 2009 at 12:26 am
Best way to avoid buying crap: Don’t get the printed newspaper (especially Sunday) which has
tons of ads for crap that you think you really need but don’t. I stopped getting the Sunday paper
several years ago and realize just how much simply seeing this stuff for sale makes you think you
want to have it. Also, as others have said, avoid stores unless you NEED to buy something. You
will usually end up buying something if you go shopping, period. Also stop all the catalogs and try
to ignore all the other ads coming at us from every direction. Our capitalist society brainwashes
people into believing they need crap when they don’t. I am able to save half of my income and I
only make 46K a year, by not buying crap. Why are we enslaving ourselves financially and giving
away whatever power we can have by buying crap? Break free from the system and think for
yourself!
45.
Kristin Says:
June 12th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
I agree with other commenters to stop going to the store, and stop browsing ebay, amazon, and
other online stores. A few of my impulse purchases were because I was shopping online for
something specific, and then clicked on some link for “related products”, “seller’s other items”,
“you might also like…” and got sucked into something that I didn’t even know existed.
It also helps to picture the thing you think you want through its whole life cycle–including going
out your door in a box to Goodwill, into the trash, or whatever. It can help you disconnect from
the “I must have it now” to mentally say goodbye to it while picturing it worn out or used up
when you won’t want it anymore.
46.
Diane Says:
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:42 pm
today I was reading a book about managing debts the book recommended to go to your web site
stop buying crap.com. I just realized what it got me in debt . I have read all the comments on
this web site and found it very helpful
I am an impulsive shopper . I have lost my job couple years ago. the only good thing about being
a jobless is learn how to live a frugal life and appreciate the little things.
47.
Christy Says:
July 24th, 2009 at 5:21 am
I agree with the list idea. I make a list of everything over $25 that I would like to buy. I have
found some of these lists a month or two later and been so relieved that I didn’t get them!
48.
Savvy Student Says:

I will be starting university next week and am determined to finish my 5-year course in the black.
I have a reasonable amout saved up but I know I’m going to have to do some serious budgeting.
The ideas on this blog are really helpful, and I definately need help with stopping ridiculous
impluse buys. I am blogging my progress through the years, so understandably my blog is only in
its infancy at the moment but hopefully it will pick up as I put these tips into action. Although I
have to say that with regards to clothes shopping, some of my favourite garments have been
bought completely on the impulse, but I guess that may have just been luck. :)
49.
stephanie Says:
November 14th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
i DO’T MAKE ANY LISTS BECAUSE WHEN IT COMES DOWN TO IT EVERYTHING I THINK I NEED IS
REALLY CRAP. i AM ALSO A RECOVERING CRAP BUYER WITH NOTHING BUT THE BILLS TO SHOW
FOR IT. bUT I FACED MY PROBLEMS HEAD ON 2 YEARS AGO WITH LITTLE STEPS AND AM NOW
VIRTUALLY FREE OF CRAP BUYING EXCEPT WHEN THE KIDS ARE WITH ME. WHEN I FEEL LIKE I
NEED TO GO BUY SOME CRAP I GO TO THE LIBRARY AND CAN GET ALL THE FREE CRAP I WANT AND
THEN REALIZE IT IS STUFF I DON’T NEED TO WATCH OR READ AND CAN RETURN IT FREE.
50.
Stretch Says:
December 1st, 2009 at 4:17 pm
f*ck i really need some help…I’m going crazy to suffer about being an impulsive buyer…
ex. budget (checked and can afford or will hustle to afford)
significance (don’t know yet)

i have an xperia X1i just bought it last april and I am craving to get that new iphone
3GS….waaaaaaaaaa….i really don’t know man….having second thought thou…help help help….
51.
Cap Says:
December 1st, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Stretch: If you’re really feeling like you may have to hustle to afford the phone then maybe you
shouldn’t get it. You should also consider the fact that with the iPhone, you’re forced to get the
$30 data plan, over the course of two years… an average iPhone + 2 yr plan will generally cost
you about $1900 (not including taxes & fees).
If you still feel like you really want it, why don’t you opt to try and sell your Xperia for a good
price, then look for a used, good condition iPhone 3GS?
Personally I don’t think you’re missing out on the iPhone. If anything, you can put your
mindframe into waiting for the next edition or the next “must-have” smartphone (e.g., the real
Google phone).
52.
TucsonSenora Says:
What got me to stop buying crap is having to pack and move a 2000 square foot house and garage
full of crap in one week into storage after losing my house. Seeing how much crap I already had
made me me never want to buy anything ever again.
53.
Hendrix Says:
December 22nd, 2011 at 6:21 pm
I was once someone who didn’t budget… just spent whatever I had. I was a student and always
assumed once I graduated I would have a good job and thus greater income (to pay down my
credit card debts!).

But when I graduated I had 17000 in credit card debts and a job that paid $35,000. It was soooo
annoying to see all that debt and have to take money from “the now” to pay the past. That’s
when I realized that credit card debt is a loan from the future, and that the “fun” of buying now
will be completely over when the bill comes in the future. It’s kinda like getting totally drunk
when I was young — fun at the time, but hated the hangover the next day.
So I budgeted like crazy by figuring out how much of each paycheck I needed to put on the card
each week while still having money for normal expenses. And I paid off that debt in just over a
year. That year of sacrifice changed me. Even after paying off the debt and getting a job that
doubled my income, I still budget religiously. I found the key is to give yourself a weekly
spending budget that allows you to live comfortably but doesn’t make it seem like you’re
counting pennies (that’s torture), and the budget must include an element for savings (saving
makes you feel good). Then you can still “live life” but you stay within the budget. Each night I
record in a spreadsheet what I spent, subtracting from my budgeted max for the week. When I
come under the budget by the end of the week, I actually feel rewarded — “Wow, I saved
$100!”. But if I blow the budget, I feel bad. In that case, I take the excess and subtract it from
the next week’s budget as a penalty to myself. But usually I’m under budget — at the end of the
month I transfer that money to another account for savings only. This works.
54.
Madison Says:
February 23rd, 2012 at 6:53 pm
Whenever I’m on the verge of buying something I think may be a great deal (two for one, 50%
off, $1.50 piece of crap) I always tell myself “Someone is still making money off this great deal
I’m getting” and then it puts it in to perspective that I can really do without and I’d rather put
that money for crap in to my savings. I can’t stand the thought of big, bad corporations making
money off of me!
55.
cat Says:
May 16th, 2012 at 4:44 am
be homeless for a substantial ammount of time. steal your food for an entire week, sleep in the
snow and wash your clothes in a public pool. then go home and shower. then go to the mall and
see how much you dont need any of that crap. then go home and eat and appreciate what real
need is.
56.
collegeloanstress Says:
This article sheds light on the fact the money does not buy happiness in the form of “crap”. I am
not much of an impulse buyer but I have recently re-evaluated what I spend money on and much
of it is not completely necessary, though some things do make my life easier. It is easy to be
frugal when I am constantly budgeting just to be able to pay my $80,000 in student loans. If I am
going to spend money I will involve travel, socializing or giving. Those things do make me happy.
57.
Helen Says:
October 5th, 2016 at 8:18 pm
2 suggestions:
1)when i’m looking at a particular piece of crap, I ask myself where I’m going to put it. I have
moved (very quickly and isnt’t that a hassle) 2 households together and am swamped with
‘stuff’. So before I buy anything, I need to figure a place for it.
2)When I’m really hard up and need that retail therapy, I take one of those expensive catalogs
that I want everything in there. I make a shopping list of the stuff I want on the order form. I
look at it, give myself the feeling that I bought it, and throw it all out. Has worked for me for
awhile now. Also having large periods of time where I was really poor helps a bit too…
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•

HOW TO: Stop Buying Crap

The guide in helping you say “up yours” to Madison Avenue.

Maybe You’ll Pick up a Thing or Two (No

two from reading this guide.

One Man’s Crap is Another Man’s Han-Solo-Frozen-

Spending $4,900 on a movie prop replica may seem like a

Solo in Carbonite replica.

constant eyesore for their partner — if any).

certain way, it is not “crap.”

important to you, as long as you can afford it.

It’s Not about Being Cheap, its About Being

impression of the blog’s underlying message. You might

even assume that the blog owner is a cheap person, with a

deficient IQ, a questionable genital size, and thus enjoys

making fun of people that spend money.

about being cheap at all. This isn’t about hording up all

Fitting the Non-Crap into the Budget

know the numbers involved.

Delay Gratification is Your Friend

do to get that TV?

help you against impulsive purchases.

Understanding Marketing Influences

few mouse click away.

Don’t Forget the Big Picture

dollars less you will have to spend in the future.

worrying about money during your retirement years.

Have your own stop buying crap method? Sharing is caring.

Josh More Says:

desperately isn’t as important because I want something else now.

constant “want” against itself.

Midnight Raider Says:

saving advice Says:

dugg – great commom sense financial information.

The Sarcasticynic Says:

I bought it for the wrong reason.

Independent George Says:

into my checking account, a predetermined amount gets transferred to my HSBC account

shopping or because I managed to catch a sale).

TV, although most of what you see on it is time-wasting crappy advertising).

Broke student Says:

How to Stop Buying CATALOG Crap:

another day, and another piece of crap.

Try it. It works!

as i can in these early years, even though i don’t make much.

easy, though, as evidenced by my CC bills!

Willy Wonka Says:

believe in, then you are comfortable being a tightwad.

visits for later foot problems.

doesn’t really come up that often).

one pair for each new pair that I get.

people have in each room – so why do you need more?

Stuart Lipman Says:

Have your crap and eat it too!

Sylvia Toronto Says:

Shopping Gives Me The Willys Says:

ANOTHER $3 used CD (clutter!!). NO MORE CRAP!!

Better person Says:

could not protect his blood.

Former Credit Card Junkie Says:

only make $30,000, it just isn’t realistic.

dollars here and there can really add up.

you continue to support this cycle of wrongness?