Disposed Income: How To Avoid Wasteful Overspending

What's the easiest way to save money?

Some will argue that a budget is key, while others tend to live modestly and well below their means.

And those certainly make the most sense, but have you thought simply that the easiest way to save is not to spend? That hardly is the Chinese fortune cookie it sounds like, and although it's obvious and somewhat understated, the truth is you'd be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn't have a spending habit that they'd consider wasteful.

When you talk about wasting money, you can varying opinions on what that means. Much the same way we confuse needs versus wants, you typically have that same back and forth when it relates to what you'd call wasteful spending.

Avoiding wasteful spending should encompass a two-fold approach: knowing what you need, truly but also being aware of how you've been potentially convinced to spend when it really might not be in your best interest.

Plenty of retailers and those adept at marketing and selling have made a living and career out of product placement and promotions so that you believe wholeheartedly you can't miss out on this "deal."

The truth is retailers are apter than ever to offering percentages off products, items, and services, and consumers should, by all means, take advantage of it, particularly if it's the gift-giving season or you are in need of something, whatever it might be. But a lot of what makes up overspending is the poignant words and viable images that come from advertising that allows your good financial judgment to go out the window.

In addition to sales tactics, you also have to be well aware of the aforementioned income you bring in and not being too quick to compromise it for the sake of buying. Far too often, budgets don't factor in spending habits, such as clothes, restaurant dining or pampering yourself. There's nothing wrong with that but the definition of overspending is using money that you don't have based on your income versus expenses.

If you can't afford a shopping spree, dinner, and a show or a massage and manicure every week, then you're overspending and putting your financial future and ability to save in question.

The same goes for being romanced by the rhetoric of retailers who know exactly what to say, how to say it and put it in terms that make you feel as though you can't live without a particular product.

Buying yourself a present or gift from time to time is fine. Doing it at the expenses of saving money is wastefulness at its worst.