the mechanics of conscious spending

There is something about month four of unemployment that wakes up my materialistic “I need this” side and causes it to come tumbling out at every opportunity.

Or maybe the tight budget just makes it more obvious?

Either way, there was a bit of advice on Get Rich Slowly today that seemed particularly timely and useful. Here it is:

The mechanics of conscious spending are pretty simple. Before you buy anything, ask yourself some simple questions:

• Do I have the money to cover this expense, or would I be going into debt for it?
• Does this expense forward my financial goals?
• Can I get this need or desire met without spending money on it? Could I spend less money?
• Does this money need to be spent now, or can it wait thirty days?

Good advice, huh?