How Do I Stop Spending Too Much?
How Do I Stop Spending Too Much?
A Practical Guide to Regaining Control of Your Finances
If you’ve ever looked at your bank account and wondered, “Where did all my money go?” — you’re not alone. Overspending is one of the most common financial struggles, even for people who earn good money. The good news is that it’s not about being “bad with money” — it’s about building better systems, habits, and awareness.
At Lionhood Financial Coaching, we teach clients how to identify the why behind their spending, create practical boundaries, and build systems that make saving easier than spending. Here’s how you can start doing the same.
1. Understand Why You’re Overspending
Money is emotional. Many people spend out of stress, boredom, or comparison. Before you fix the problem, you need to identify the cause.
Ask yourself:
- Do I spend when I’m tired or stressed?
- Am I trying to keep up with others or reward myself?
- Do I buy things online impulsively?
Once you recognize your spending triggers, you can replace emotional spending with intentional habits — like taking a walk, journaling, or setting a waiting period before purchases.
2. Track Every Dollar You Spend
You can’t manage what you don’t measure.
Start by tracking your spending for at least 30 days using a simple tool like Google Sheets, Monarch Money, or Rocket Money.
Break it into categories like:
- Housing
- Food & Dining
- Transportation
- Subscriptions
- Entertainment
When you see where your money goes, you’ll quickly spot leaks — the small expenses that quietly drain your finances.
3. Build a Realistic Budget
Budgets shouldn’t feel restrictive; they should feel empowering. Instead of cutting everything fun, plan for it.
Use the 50/30/20 rule as a starting point:
- 50% on needs (bills, housing, food)
- 30% on wants (entertainment, dining, hobbies)
- 20% on savings and debt payoff
If you tend to overspend in one category, create automatic guardrails — for example, use a prepaid card for entertainment or cash envelopes for dining out.
4. Automate Good Habits
The best way to stop overspending is to remove temptation before it happens.
Automation helps you stick to your goals effortlessly:
- Auto-transfer money to savings after each paycheck.
- Set bill pay so you don’t spend money meant for obligations.
- Unlink shopping apps or cards from websites you overspend on.
You’ll spend less energy fighting temptation — and more time enjoying progress.
5. Practice the 48-Hour Rule
Impulse spending often fades with time. When you want something non-essential, wait 48 hours before buying.
If you still want it after that, it’s likely a thoughtful purchase, not an emotional one.
This simple delay can save hundreds or even thousands per year.
6. Redefine What “Enough” Means
In today’s social media world, it’s easy to feel like you’re behind. But financial peace comes from contentment, not comparison.
Start focusing on progress, not perfection. Celebrate every win — paying off a bill, sticking to your budget, or saying no to something unnecessary.
7. Get Accountability and Support
Sometimes, you need more than good advice — you need guidance and accountability.
That’s where a financial coach can help. Together, we’ll uncover your spending triggers, design a budget that fits your lifestyle, and build systems that keep you moving toward your financial goals.
The Path to Freedom
Overspending doesn’t have to control your life. With the right mindset, systems, and accountability, you can transform how you handle money — and start keeping more of what you earn.
👉 Schedule your financial coaching session today and learn how to take control of your spending once and for all.