Instant Gratification

Instant gratification is the desire to experience pleasure or fulfilment without delay. It’s that rush you feel when you buy something new or indulge in a treat. While it feels good at the moment, these impulses can often lead to financial stress and missed long-term wealth-building opportunities.

Transforming instant gratification urges into smart investments isn’t always easy, but the rewards are well worth the effort.

The Cost of Impulsiveness (and the Power of Investment)

Let’s break it down with a simple example. Suppose you spend $50 a week on impulse buys – a new gadget, dining out, clothes you don’t really need, or even something as routine as two daily takeaway almond flat whites. Over a year, that’s $2,600. Now, imagine if you redirected that money into an investment, such as an index fund with an average annual return of 9%. If you invested that $2,600 once (and only once) and left it for ten years:

• Year 1: $2,834
• Year 5: $4,000
• Year 10: $6,155

Your initial $2,600 would grow to $6,155, a total gain of $3,555 or about 137% return on your original investment. But what if you continued to save and invest $2,600 each year for ten years, instead of spending it on impulse purchases?

• Year 1: $2,600
• Year 5: $15,560
• Year 10: $39,501

By consistently investing $2,600 yearly, you’d end up with $39,501 after ten years

This amount is nominal, meaning it does not account for inflation. However, it still represents a significant sum, demonstrating the power of redirecting impulse spending into long-term investments.

Strategies to Redirect Impulses

1. Pause and Reflect: When you feel the urge to make an impulsive purchase, take a moment to pause. Ask yourself if this is something you truly need or if it’s just a fleeting desire. Often, waiting 24 hours can help you make a more rational decision.
2. Set Clear Financial Goals: Clear, tangible financial goals can help you stay focused. Whether it’s saving for a house, a holiday, or retirement, knowing what you’re working towards can make it easier to resist impulsive spending.
3. Create a Budget: A well-planned budget can help you allocate funds to necessities, savings, and investments. By sticking to your budget, you’ll be less likely to spend money on unnecessary items.
4. Automate Your Savings: Set up automatic transfers to your savings or investment accounts. This way, a portion of your income is saved before you even have a chance to spend it.
5. Find Joy in Free Activities: Look for free or low-cost activities that bring you joy. A walk in the park, a beach day, or a home-cooked meal with friends can be just as fulfilling as expensive outings.

Turning Impulses into Investments

Once you’ve curbed your impulsive spending, it’s time to put that money to work. Here are a few more ways to start investing. Remember always to seek professional advice that works best in your personal circumstances.

1. Property: Investing in property can provide rental income and potential capital gains. It’s a long-term investment that can pay off handsomely.
2. High-Interest Savings Accounts: These accounts offer better interest rates than regular savings accounts, helping your money grow faster.
3. Stock Market: Investing in stocks can offer higher returns over time. Consider starting with a diversified portfolio or index funds to spread the risk.
4. Superannuation: Contributing extra to your superannuation can significantly boost your retirement savings, thanks to compound interest.
5. Education: Investing in your education or skills can lead to better job opportunities and higher income in the future.

By redirecting your impulses into investments, you’re not just saving money but building a secure financial future. Over time, these investments can grow substantially, as our example showed, providing you with financial stability and the freedom to enjoy life without stress.

Transforming instant gratification urges into smart investments isn’t always easy, but the rewards are well worth the effort. You can build wealth and achieve your long-term goals by practising patience and making mindful financial decisions. So next time an impulse buy tempts you, remember the bigger picture and choose to invest in your future instead. Your future self will thank you for the thousands of dollars you’ve grown through wise investments.

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Alpha Advisors firmly believes everyone needs a financial plan. A road map showing where they're going and how to get there as efficiently and effectively as possible. With over 50+ years of combined experience, we have seen it all and learned never to make the same mistake twice.

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