It is part of the human condition to want to change things up sometimes or add something new to a home or a wardrobe.  However, if one is not careful, new purchases can quickly turn from excitement to stress or anxiety.  Here is how Wikipedia defines it. . .

“Buyer’s remorse is the sense of regret after having made a purchase. It is frequently associated with the purchase of an expensive item such as a car or house. It may stem from fear of making the wrong choice, guilt over extravagance, or a suspicion of having been overly influenced by the seller.”

There are ways to prevent yourself from experiencing this type of grief.  A little bit of soul-searching before you lay down the money for something new is always a good plan.  Here are some suggestions for preventing buyer’s remorse.

• Live by a Budget
  If you have a budget and stick to it, then you will nearly eliminate the guilt of purchasing something that you know you cannot afford. By putting aside money for a car, furniture, a vacation, or anything else that you want/need, you will feel empowered to buy.
• Evaluate your Needs
  Make a list.  If some retail therapy is what you need, then be sure to jot down what you need before you go.  Sometimes, you may truly need something (e.g. a place to store blankets, an outfit for a formal dinner you are attending, a new computer), and you might as well spend money on those things versus something that you don’t need.
• Collect your Data
  Once you know what you need, try to collect as much information as you can. Don’t got shopping until you are prepared with your choice of color(s), height and weight requirements, measurements, brand name(s), and intention.
• Shop Around
  If, for example, you are in the market for a new bookcase for your living room, do your research first. Look in various locations, online first if necessary.  My first choice for saving money or finding something unique is often Craigslist or my local flea market or antiques mall.
• Give yourself 24 hours
  If after 24 hours, you are still in love with the item in question and have the money available, then buy it.  24 hours gives you time to think reasonably about the item.  Is it the right price?  Is it the right color?  Does it fit?  Are there emotional reasons for this purchase?  What is the “lifetime” for this item?
• Beware of Sales
  A good sale may seem like a good idea.  However, many an item with a discounted price has been purchased, just to be discarded soon after as an unwanted item.  Keep a level head when you see a sale.  Ask yourself if this is something you truly need or are you unduly influenced by the price?

Have you even had buyer’s remorse?  Was there anything you could have done differently to prevent buyer’s remorse?  Tell us about it.