By Clay Vickers
I buy impulsively when I get too stressed out. Here’s a typical scenario:
Work hasn’t been going well. My girlfriend is telling me that she thinks it’s inevitable we’re going to break up. My dog needs to be fed. My laundry needs to get done. You get the picture. To relieve my stress I spend money. Maybe it’s money I don’t even have. I just want to buy something because that’s a process I have total control over.
I shouldn’t be surprised. Buying as a stress relief is ingrained in the American culture. It’s too easy and we see too many advertisements to not have buying as the default reaction to stress. This is why I’m so excited about the ImpulseSave Beta. This isn’t just a cool new app, or the “next big thing” in technology. It’s more, even, than a new way to manage your money. The founders of ImpulseSave are seeking to proactively effect a culture change that I personally believe is long overdue.
When I go to the store or, as happens more and more lately, am shopping online, and am looking at some cool new gadget online what I’ve really decided is that I am parting with $20 or $50 to regain some sort of momentary control over my life. Yes, I will enjoy the new iPod connector that’s going to make it easier to listen to music in my car but I know it’s going to get thrown away in 6 months when there’s a new iPhone that I also impulsively buy.
What if it could be different? What if I impulsively saved money instead of spending it? As I’ve laid out all I’ve basically decided to do is to spend X number of dollars to feel better about myself. Stuff--gadgets, food, drinks, toys, etc.--makes me feel better about myself, but only for as long as it’s useful. Savings accounts, investments, financial freedom. All of that will make me feel better about myself, too. Even more so in the long run!
I’m writing this blog post without ever seeing the ImpulseSave platform. I’m just that excited about what using ImpulseSave could mean for my life. Can it actually be fun to save money?
I, for one, can’t wait to find out!
Make sure you're on our beta list! Sign up here!
Interested in being a beta-tester? Email me at alysa (at) impulsesave (dot) com!
