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Spending money is easier than it’s ever been, especially when you’ve got a credit card in your wallet. So, whether it’s triggered by a stressful day, a flash sale, or that tempting “limited-time only” banner, impulsive purchases can sneak up on anyone. One moment, you’re scrolling through your phone, and the next, you’re adding to cart and checking out an item you never wanted in the first place. Sounds familiar?
Buyer’s remorse happens more often than people admit. You might feel it when you go over budget, buy something on impulse, or get hit with hidden charges later. For credit card users, sometimes it’s the interest that catches up with them. Other times, it’s that uncomfortable realization: “I didn’t really need this.”
But what if you could pause for just a moment and ask yourself: “Do I really want this, or am I just reacting to something?” That’s the key to intentional spending. But what does this look like in practice? How can you make the shift? Here are some helpful tips.
Understand Intentional Spending
Being intentional with each purchase is all about making choices that reflect your real goals and values, not just your moods or reactions to social media ads. In other words, it’s a shift from impulsive to purposeful spending. And that small shift can make a huge difference.
That’s because intentional spending isn’t just a self-help buzzword. It’s actually rooted in behavioral psychology, which stipulates that our purchases aren’t always about what we need or want. More often than not, they’re influenced by our emotions, values, surroundings, or even who we’re with.
So, take a moment to reflect. What did you feel before, during, and after your last few purchases? Maybe you were trying to feel better. Or you were bored. Your answers can be eye-opening.
Be Mindful with Your Spending
Mindfulness plays a huge role here. When you’re more present and aware during the moment of purchase, you’re far less likely to regret it later. For example, you could be taking full advantage of a credit card promo that aligns with what you already planned to buy.
Say you were already planning a grocery run at a Landers superstore. In this case, you might want to take advantage of the Maya card promo or cashback rewards that come with the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card. This card is designed with Landers members in mind, allowing users to enjoy up to 5% cashback at Landers, 2% on dining spends, and 1% on all other qualified transactions.* Since you were already going to spend money on groceries anyway, it makes perfect sense to use this card so that you can maximize the value you get out of what you shell out.
Consistently using the card brings you closer to getting that 5% cashback on future Landers purchases. You’ll start with a base cashback rate of 3% if your total credit card spending is below PHP 20,000. This rate increases to 4% when you spend a minimum of PHP 20,000, wherever you use your card, and then it increases further to 5% when you accumulate a total qualified credit card spending of at least PHP 50,000 during the month.
Each point you get is equivalent to PHP 1, and you can use your accumulated points as a discount on your next purchase at Landers. This means you’re not just buying essentials, you’re also getting rewarded..
So, the next time you’re about to tap or click “Buy Now,” try asking:
- Do I actually need this?
- Does it support my current priorities?
- Will I still feel good about it next week?
Can I leverage benefits or rewards available to me when I spend?
This short pause can lead to a whole lot more confidence and less guilt about how you spend.
Learn What Triggers Your Spending
We all have patterns. Maybe you tend to shop late at night when you can’t sleep. Or maybe being around a certain friend always leads to a little retail therapy. Sometimes it's a certain store, app, or even boredom that sets you off.
Once you figure out your triggers, you can start creating better habits. One helpful trick? Practice delayed gratification. Instead of buying something immediately, add it to a list and wait a few days. If you still want it after the excitement wears off, it might be worth it. But more often than not, you’ll realize you didn’t actually need it.
Spend with Your Goals in Mind
Spending intentionally means letting your goals guide your choices. Maybe you’re saving for your first solo trip, trying to build a rainy-day fund, or simply hoping to reduce financial stress. Whatever your goals are, your daily spending should help you move closer to them, not further away.
Now, here’s where it gets personal. Think about what you value most. For some people, that means supporting local businesses or choosing eco-friendly options. For others, it could be spending more on meaningful experiences like family bonding or self-care. When your purchases match your values, guilt tends to disappear. For example, maybe you never regret spending on plants because they bring you joy. Or perhaps splurging on dinner with friends feels completely worth it because it strengthens your relationships. These aren’t random purchases. They’re reflections of what matters to you.
Build a Budget That Works for You
Let’s clear something up: a budget isn’t a punishment. It’s a flexible guide that helps you prioritize your money around the things you actually care about. When you have a clear budget, you know your limits. And that kind of clarity gives you freedom to enjoy your purchases without worrying about whether you’ve overspent. Plus, it makes room for guilt-free fun because you’ve planned for it. So, you can say “yes” to things that really matter, and “not now” to the things that don’t fit, all without the stress of guilt.
Practice Positive Affirmations
Here’s a powerful reminder: money isn’t inherently good or bad. It’s just a tool, like a hammer. You decide what to build with it. That’s why it’s okay to spend on things that make you feel good, like that fancy moisturizer that boosts your confidence, or that spontaneous weekend trip that reconnects you with nature. As long as it fits your budget and reflects what you truly care about, you’re using money wisely. And when that little voice of guilt starts creeping in? Try saying this:
- “I’m allowed to enjoy the money I earn.”
- “Spending on what matters to me is smart, not selfish.”
These affirmations can help rewire your mindset, especially if you’ve grown up with limiting beliefs around money.
Choose What You Say “Yes” To
At the end of the day, intentional spending isn’t about cutting out all the fun or saying “no” to every indulgence. It’s about saying “yes” to the things that matter to you. It’s about making choices with clarity, spending with confidence, and letting go of the guilt that so often follows impulsive buys. Because when your spending reflects your goals, your values, and your vision of a good life, you won’t need to second-guess it. So go ahead, enjoy your money. Just do it with intention.
*Transactions that don’t qualify include: cash in, cash advance, quasi cash purchases, casinos and gambling, fuel, supermarket, pharmaceuticals, utilities, telco, and government.
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