We all have experienced times in our life when we are more careful with our spending.
This usually comes when we need to cut back for a short period of time, but there are individuals for whom this is a permanent state of being.
An apprehensive spender is someone who avoids spending money because it creates anxiety and stress that they are spending too much and not saving enough.
If you have ever struggled with being an apprehensive spender, there are ways to build a healthier relationship with money.
What is an apprehensive spender?
Apprehensive spenders are individuals who worry about money and typically do not spend much of it.
This worry stems from either not having much money to begin with, or just being more anxious. An apprehensive spender is very in tune with how much money they have and usually second-guesses themselves on their financial choices.
An apprehensive spender is very organized with their money to try to keep as much control of it as possible.
3 Ways an Apprehensive Spender Can Build a Better Relationship With Money
Being careful with your money is a great trait, but money shouldn’t cause you stress or anxiety.
Unfortunately, many apprehensive spenders have a negative relationship with money, which can cause more problems in the future. There are three main ways to build a better relationship with money as an apprentice spender.
Get in Control
Apprehensive spenders are very careful with their money because they want to be in control of their spending. While not spending and being overly aware of your money goes give you control, it creates anxiety and stress.
If you have an item that you want to purchase, you can be in control of that decision and know that you are using your money wisely. Start by doing research on the item that you want.
This will help you know that you are making the best decision on that item. If you need to spend a week doing this research, then spend a week. Watch videos, read blog reviews, go to the store and look at the item, and do anything else that will help you make this decision.
Once you’ve decided that that particular item is what you want, save up for that item before you buy it.
This gives you control that you have the funds for this item that you know you’ve done your research on. Then, figure out how much you can put away for this item each month and when you can buy it.
You may be able to buy this with your next paycheck, but having an actual savings plan can help you feel more in control of the purchase.
Challenge yourself
Getting out of your comfort zone is a great way to get over your fear of spending.
It may be scary and uncomfortable at first, but if you can challenge yourself to make a change, you can begin to have a healthier relationship with money.
Challenge yourself to make a frivolous purchase once a week or once a month. This is usually something apprehensive spenders avoid, but this can help you break that fear of wasting money on an item.
Don’t go overboard, and give yourself a budget. You can choose to spend $5 a week on something on the fly. This can be a coffee, snack, nail polish, or whatever you want. This will challenge you to be okay with casual spending.
Another way to challenge yourself is to find a group to which you can donate your money. When you donate money, it’s not going towards a certain thing but helping someone. It’s hard to feel bad when you are donating your money to a group. This can help you realize that not all spending is bad.
Use technology
Many apprehensive spenders are overly aware of their financial situation or believe that they are.
As a result, they usually feel like they lack money but don’t always have the best insight into their financial reality. With this, using technology can help apprehensive spenders get a better snapshot of their finances and realize they may be doing better than they realize.
Create a folder on your phone and download your bank and credit card apps. This way, you can check your accounts each day (or as frequently as you’d like) to see how much is in your checking and savings accounts.
In addition, most credit card apps have a setting option to send you a push notification after you make a purchase. This can help you track your spending and be aware of any suspicious activity. Using technology in these ways can give you knowledge of your financial situation without having to worry.