The question “Would 2019-Me Buy This?” can be a surprisingly effective budgeting tool. For me, it shifted my spending habits dramatically in just 30 days, re-aligning my purchases with my long-term values and financial goals. This simple mental exercise acts as a time-traveling filter, forcing you to consider your past self’s priorities and perspectives before making a purchase in the present.
The Genesis of a Simple Question
The Pre-2020 Persona
To understand the efficacy of this question, it’s crucial to understand the “2019-Me.” This version of myself existed prior to the widespread societal shifts and personal re-evaluations that many of us experienced in the years that followed. My 2019 self, while generally financially responsible, had different priorities, consumed media differently, and was influenced by a unique set of societal pressures. Luxury items were more appealing, “keeping up with the Joneses” was a more potent psychological force, and subscriptions were less scrutinized.
The Pandemic’s Influence on Spending
The global events of 2020 and beyond acted as a crucible, refining perspectives and altering priorities. Many individuals, myself included, grappled with economic uncertainty, shifting work paradigms, and a re-evaluation of what truly mattered. The frivolous purchases of yesteryear often seemed incongruous with the newfound appreciation for security, health, and minimalism that emerged. This created a significant divergence between “2019-Me” and “Present-Me.”
Identifying the Discrepancy
The core idea behind the “Would 2019-Me Buy This?” question lies in identifying and leveraging this discrepancy. By mentally projecting back to 2019, you’re not just recalling a past version of yourself; you’re accessing a different mindset, one less impacted by more recent influences. This acts as a circuit breaker, interrupting impulsive buying habits driven by current trends or momentary desires. It forces a pause, creating a buffer between impulse and action.
Implementing the “2019-Me” Filter
The Initial Application
The initial application of this question felt somewhat artificial. I would be staring at an online shopping cart, about to click “purchase,” and then pause, asking myself, “Would 2019-Me buy this?” The immediate effect was often a blank stare, followed by a mental inventory of my 2019 spending habits. This often led to the realization that my past self would have, in fact, not purchased the item.
Categories of Purchases Affected
This filter proved particularly insightful across various spending categories.
Impulse Buys
One of the most immediate impacts was on impulse purchases. These are often driven by emotional responses, fleeting trends, or clever marketing. My 2019 self, while not immune to these, had a less developed “buy now, regret later” tendency regarding certain items. For instance, the latest kitchen gadget promising to revolutionize meal prep might have piqued 2019-Me’s interest, but after a moment of reflection, the novelty would wear off, and the practical utility would be questioned. “2019-Me” was also less susceptible to the constant barrage of targeted ads that have become prevalent. This mental check helped me differentiate between genuine need and manufactured desire.
Subscription Services
Subscription services also underwent significant scrutiny. In 2019, many streaming platforms were still relatively new, and the concept of subscribing to multiple services was less prevalent. Asking what my 2019 self would have subscribed to often revealed a clear preference for basic necessities over a plethora of niche entertainment or utility services. This led to a significant pruning of unnecessary subscriptions, freeing up a consistent monthly sum. The sheer volume of subscription options has expanded exponentially since 2019, making this filter particularly relevant for assessing true value.
Clothing and Accessories
Fashion trends shift, and what was considered stylish in 2019 might be outdated or simply not align with current personal preferences. More importantly, the reason for buying clothes has shifted. In 2019, there might have been a stronger impulse to purchase new outfits for specific social events or to adhere to certain professional norms. Now, with more remote work and a general shift towards comfort, many of those former motivations have diminished. “2019-Me” might have bought a particular item of clothing due to peer pressure or fleeting fashion trends, whereas “Present-Me” priorities long-term utility and ethical production.
Entertainment and Leisure
Even in entertainment and leisure spending, the “2019-Me” filter provided valuable insights. My 2019 self had specific preferences for how they spent their free time and money on entertainment. These preferences might have included more frequent outings, different types of social engagements, or a higher willingness to spend on experiences. Comparing this to current proposed leisure spending often highlighted areas where I was either overspending or investing in activities that no longer genuinely resonated with me. The availability of diverse home entertainment options has also shifted what’s considered a worthwhile expenditure.
Home Goods and Decor
The desire for new home items can often be influenced by social media trends or a general feeling of needing a “refresh.” My 2019 self, while certainly appreciative of a well-decorated home, was perhaps less susceptible to the constant visual stimulation of curated online spaces. This made me question whether a new piece of decor was a genuine desire or a response to an artificially created need. The practical utility of the item and its long-term aesthetic appeal were often prioritized over fleeting trends.
The Underlying Psychology of the “2019-Me” Filter
Breaking the Automaticity of Spending
One of the key psychological benefits of this question is its ability to break the automaticity of spending. Many purchases are made on autopilot, without conscious deliberation. The “2019-Me” filter forces a deliberate pause, injecting a moment of conscious thought into the spending process. This pause is a powerful tool for interrupting ingrained habits.
Leveraging the Endowment Effect in Reverse
The endowment effect suggests that we value things we own more highly than things we don’t. This filter works in a somewhat reverse manner. By asking if a past version of yourself would buy something, you are subtly creating a sense of disownership around the proposed purchase. You’re viewing it from an outsider’s perspective, before it has been “endowed” to your present self. This detachment allows for a more objective assessment of value.
Recalling Past Priorities and Values
Our priorities and values are not static; they evolve over time. Major life events, shifts in societal norms, and personal growth all contribute to this evolution. By invoking “2019-Me,” you’re deliberately recalling a different set of priorities and values. This acts as a benchmark against which current spending decisions can be measured. If the purchase doesn’t align with those past values, it prompts a deeper inquiry into why it’s being considered now. Is it a genuine shift in priorities, or an impulsive deviation?
Minimizing Buyer’s Remorse
Consider the pang of buyer’s remorse, that uncomfortable feeling of regret after a purchase. This often stems from a misalignment between expectation and reality, or a realization that the purchase didn’t genuinely serve a purpose. By pre-emptively engaging “2019-Me,” you’re essentially conducting a mini-post-mortem before the purchase. If “2019-Me” would have found the item unnecessary or overpriced, it significantly reduces the likelihood of “Present-Me” experiencing remorse later.
The Tangible Results After 30 Days
Reduced Discretionary Spending
The most immediate and quantifiable result was a significant reduction in discretionary spending. Purchases that were once made without much thought suddenly had to pass a more stringent test. This wasn’t about austerity, but about aligning spending with genuine value. The “fat” in my budget, often present in small, frequent, and seemingly insignificant purchases, was trimmed.
Increased Savings Rate
As a direct consequence of reduced spending, my savings rate saw a noticeable increase. The money that would have been allocated to unnecessary items or services was instead redirected towards financial goals. This provided a tangible sense of progress and reinforced the efficacy of the new habit.
A Shift in Perspective on Materialism
Beyond the financial aspects, the exercise fostered a deeper shift in perspective regarding materialism. The constant questioning of “why am I buying this?” led to a greater appreciation for sufficiency. It peeled back layers of manufactured desire, revealing a core understanding of what truly contributes to well-being versus what merely provides fleeting gratification. The focus shifted from acquisition to utility, experience, and long-term value.
Greater Intentionality in Purchases
Every purchase began to feel more intentional. Instead of reacting to external stimuli (ads, trends, peer pressure), I became more proactive in my spending. Each item that did pass the “2019-Me” test felt more justified and earned, leading to greater satisfaction with my purchases. This intentionality extended beyond just spending, seeping into other areas of decision-making.
Reconnection with Core Values
Ultimately, the “Would 2019-Me Buy This?” question became a conduit for reconnecting with core values that had perhaps been obscured by the noise of modern consumerism. It’s not about being a purist or denying oneself enjoyment. Instead, it’s a practical method for ensuring that your money is a tool that serves your most authentic self, rather than a master dictating your desires. It’s about building a financial framework that supports your current life goals, not just automatically fulfilling wants created by external forces. This simple question, though seemingly trivial, acts as a powerful anchor, grounding your financial decisions in a personalized and meaningful context.
FAQs
1. What is the concept of asking “Would 2019-Me Buy This?”
The concept of asking “Would 2019-Me Buy This?” involves evaluating potential purchases by considering whether your past self from a specific year would have made the same purchase. This approach encourages mindfulness and reflection on spending habits.
2. How does asking “Would 2019-Me Buy This?” impact spending habits?
Asking “Would 2019-Me Buy This?” can impact spending habits by prompting individuals to consider the value and necessity of their purchases. It encourages a more thoughtful and intentional approach to spending, potentially leading to reduced impulse buying and increased savings.
3. What are the benefits of using the “Would 2019-Me Buy This?” approach?
The benefits of using the “Would 2019-Me Buy This?” approach include increased awareness of spending habits, reduced impulse purchases, and a shift towards more mindful and intentional spending. This approach can also lead to greater financial discipline and improved financial well-being.
4. How long does it take to see changes in spending habits using the “Would 2019-Me Buy This?” approach?
The article suggests that changes in spending habits can be observed within 30 days of using the “Would 2019-Me Buy This?” approach. However, individual results may vary depending on personal circumstances and spending patterns.
5. Can the “Would 2019-Me Buy This?” approach be applied to all types of purchases?
Yes, the “Would 2019-Me Buy This?” approach can be applied to various types of purchases, including everyday expenses, discretionary spending, and larger purchases. It encourages individuals to consider the long-term value and impact of their spending decisions across different categories.
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