I tried 'Kakeibo': The Japanese art of saving money-and it completely changed how I spend my money

Before purchasing non-essential items ask yourself:

• Can I live without this item?
• Based on my financial situation, can I afford it?
• Will I actually use it? Do I have space for it?
• How did I come across it in the first place? (Did I come across it after wandering into a gift shop out of boredom?)
• What is my emotional state in general today? (Calm? Stressed?)
• How do I feel about buying it? (Happy? Excited? Indifferent?)
• How long will this feeling last?

• Leave the item for 24 hours. If you still want it and can afford it, then make the purchase.
• Don’t let “blowout sales” tempt you. Ask yourself if you would buy the item if it were full price.
• Check your bank balance first thing every morning. It will ensure that you are aware of how much money you have to spend.
• Spend in cash. Handing over cash makes you more conscious of what you're spending.
• Put a sticker to your credit card that states "Do you really need this?!"
• Change the environments that cause you to spend.