Things are getting more and more expensive these days, whether it be necessities or wants. However, our income does not necessarily increase along with the price of things, in fact, our income increases much lower and slower than goods. If we cannot find ways to earn more money, we can at least learn to spend our money more wisely. Here are some ways to do so. 

1, Know what you need, not want.

一，知道你需要的东西，不是你要的东西。

Often times when we are shopping, we spend a whole lot of money buying the things that we “want”, and these things include fashion items, decorative furniture, entertainment things and so on. Bear in mind that these items usually cost more than necessities. Try to focus more on things you need than things that you want, and know that enough is enough.

2, Don’t buy too many duplicates.

二，不要买太多一样的物品。

When we love something, we tend to want to own as many of the certain something as possible, so when the thing is sold out or they stopped selling in the stores, you still have a lifetime supply of them. When it comes to necessities that can be bought in bulk and doesn’t have expiry dates that are too soon, such as toiletries and stuff, then you can stock them up. However, try to tone it down when it comes to things that you “want” than “need.”

3, Don’t get hypnotized by sales and promotions.

三，不要被促销引诱。

When we go out shopping and see banners with the words “sales” or “promotion” or somewhere along the line, we tend to get hyped up and want to get as many things in the store as possible, just because it is more “worth it.” But when you think about it, is it really that worthy? Try to use your think more thoroughly when it comes to sales and promotion. If they are things that you would actually use, then sure, go ahead and get them. But if they are things are that cheap but not necessarily something you would use, then forget about it.

4, Don’t shop online.

四，不要在网上购买。

Shopping online can be really convenient, because why head out to the store when you can get the items you want all in the comfort of your own house? However, make sure you know the right thing to do when shopping online. It is okay to shop online for your necessities but try to watch out for the things that you actually want, as you wouldn’t know if the thing you add to your cart is actually something you would use and might end up in the storage of your house.

5, Give yourself time to think before buying something

五，买东西前给自己时间想清楚。

It is very true that when we want something, the value is very high, but when we got it, the value decreases immediately. This is why it is a very bad idea to buy things immediately when you see it. Give yourself some time to think about it, say when you try on a dress and want to get it, give yourself a few days to make sure you really want it. If you are still thinking about it after a week or so, then most likely it is something you would use and you are allowed to buy it.

6, Think things in the long run.

六，以长远的时间来决定。

We often buy things out of curiosity, and in the beginning, we are very enthusiastic about it and perhaps even use it for many times. But after a few days, you started to get bored and stop using the item, and they just ended up in the garbage. This is why you should always plan well before you buy something, think things in the long run and from a bigger picture. If the item is something you know you would be using for a long time in the future, then most likely it would be a worthy purchase.

7, Reuse your stuff.

七，重用你的物品。

It is easier and more convenient to buy new things instead of fixing your old ones, because who has the time to head out and look for people to help fix the stuff for you when you can just head into a store and get a brand new one? This behavior of constantly getting new things once the old one is broken is not just going to leave your house in a huge clutter, it can cost you so much more as well! Find out all your items that can be reused and learn how to fix it yourself. You get to save money and your house will be free of clutter too!

8, Set a weekly budget for yourself.

八，设计每星期的费用预算。

Budgeting seems very tedious because thinking through things that we spend our money on can be a daunting task. How do we even have the time to sit down and calculate money spent on every single meal or how much the petrol cost? But if you learn to make budgeting a habit, you will definitely thank yourself. By planning your expenses, you will get to save a little more every day, and you can even add some money to your savings. 

9, Shop with someone who uses their money wisely.

九，和一个用钱明智的人一起购物。

The next time you go shopping, go with your parents or a friend, or anyone who knows how to spend their money wisely. Having such a person like that beside you would make you more aware of yourself when you want to get unreasonable things, and they can even give you financial advice on how to spend your money on the right things and help keep your wallet thick.

10, Share your stuff with others.

十，和别人一起共用东西。

If you live with your family or friends, it doesn’t hurt to share the things you own with them and have them share their things too. This way you get to save more money as you would own lesser stuff, and your house would feel more comfortable with less clutter. Sure, things like toiletries are best to use on your own, but things like clothing, electronics, furniture, try to find things that you can actually share with other people.

11, Buy things with multiple usages.

十一，买有几个用处的物品。

Another tip to keep your wallet thick and your house clean is to own things that have several usages. Try not to get things sole for one usage, but think of ways you can make an item work several ways. An example would be getting a rice cooker. Aside from cooking rice, you can also steam vegetable, boil eggs, cook noodles, and even “baking” cake! Use your creativity to make things work for more than just one way.

Spending money wisely would definitely make you a more organize and successful person, and also making you slightly richer. You don’t necessarily have to implement all these tips into your life, just try a few gradually instead of everything together. Give yourself time to make these into your lifestyle, and in time you will find yourself saving more than you spend.

“This is my wish for you: comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, love to complete your life.”