This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
Get your financial priorities aligned
They say window shopping is harmless but is it? When you go to a grocery store, how often do you buy things you had no intention of buying? For most people, the answer is: often.
We tend to buy more when we expose ourselves to more stuff – especially when we don’t have a plan in place. It happens to me often when I go to Target – that place will get you!
If you’re drowning in debt, spending more time at stores to window shop or innocently “looking around” is probably not the best idea (unless you’re practicing the law of attraction), but are you really doing that, or do you have more intention to buy?
There is only so much willpower we have before giving in.
How did you get into debt in the first place? If you’re like most people, you started buying more than you could afford. Our temptations increase from browsing social media, online apps like amazon, and going to the mall or stores without a practical purpose.
The best way to stick to the budget is to stay home or go somewhere you know you won’t be tempted to spend money. You don’t have to be a hermit to get out of debt, but you do need to vacate your habits that are destructive to your financial health.
Paying Your Debt Takes Sacrifice
I’m working with someone right now who is up to their heels in credit card debt. They can no longer buy anything they want without feeling the consequences of their already heavy debt load. Plus, their credit cards are maxed out, which means their credit cards are not viable.
Eradicating your debt isn’t supposed to feel like a walk in the park; it will require a tremendous change from the habits that got you to this point.
The four things you need to do to pay off your debt:
Spend less than you earn.
Implement discipline.
Practice radical focus.
Practice patience.
Follow a budget.
Replace Shopping and Harmless “Looking Around” With These Things
The alternative to increasing and maintaining your debt is to actively pay down your debts while embracing a minimalistic lifestyle and enjoying free and low-cost activities.
Some suggestions:
Enjoy more free and low costs activities.
Save for items you want in advance so you can pay for them in cash.
Ensure a healthy amount of cash is being applied to your debt consistently.
Practice minimalism. Buy less. Buy with purpose. Be a more conscientious consumer.
Give your stuff away. You probably have things in your home you no longer need or use. Give your stuff away to someone who does need them.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.