How to… avoid spending because you’re bored

Do you find you’re splashing the cash on things you don’t need just for something to do? Curb the habit with these tips

1 Do something else

If you’re prone to grabbing your tablet or smartphone to indulge in a spot of online shopping when you’re bored – and you want to stop – then think about strategies that will help you achieve that. So the next time you’re feeling at a loose end and get an urge to spend, do something else that will make you happy, such as phoning a friend, having a long soak in the bath or spending time on a hobby you enjoy.

2 Limit social media

Also, if you find yourself scrolling through your social media feeds when you’ve got nothing to do, watch out. The chances are you’ll spot products you like, whether it’s from adverts you see or from people you follow posting

about them, which could prompt you to make an unplanned purchase. If you’re prone to this type of spending see if cutting the amount of time you spend on social media helps.

3 Make money instead

And if you’re spending cash because you have too much time on your hands, then think about ways you can use that time to make money instead. For example, with Swagbucks (swagbucks. com) you accrue points for completing tasks such as filling in surveys, which you can redeem for gift cards. Or could you go through your wardrobe and cupboards and sell any items you don’t want any more online?