Cleaning and Cooling Off After Spending Events

It’s crucial to clean yourself after a spending session. This form of observation is something I’ve gained from Mr. Money Mustache. It’s a way to protect yourself after a spending event. For example, say you bought a new set of walking shoes or a nice second-hand blender. For me, even a grocery haul can feel like a big spend.

A "cleaning and cooling" process is essential—often and early—for recalibrating our actions back to responsible money management. Have you ever ordered out a couple of times and then had the urge to search Google for food in the days that follow? It’s as if the restaurants are just waiting for “your” menu pick.

So, what’s the preferred method for ensuring proper decontamination? A 15-day pause after each grocery haul? Right? Well, no—let’s be honest. That would be impossible for almost everyone. Instead, it’s necessary to sit, pause, and think after any day-to-day money-spending event. I believe S, P, T should be a central ritual following the vast majority of our money-spending events, such as:

Money Spending Events:

• Groceries
• Beneficent new tools for life
• Quality-of-living additions
• Seconds of “this or that”
• Upgrades
• Convenience & Luxury (Labeling C & L is a fun daily experiment)

The Best Way I've Found to Sit, Pause, and Think: Using the "You Can Win" Budgeting System

The best way I’ve found to sit, pause, and think after a spending event is by pulling out the You Can Win budgeting system and entering my data for that specific spending event. This system helps me track every dollar and forces me to pause and reflect on the impact of each purchase in real-time.

After any spending event—whether it’s groceries, a splurge, or an upgrade—I enter the details into the system. Seeing the numbers laid out in front of me helps me assess if the purchase truly fits within my budget and aligns with my long-term goals. It’s not just about tracking; it’s about reflection. When I input the data, I ask myself:

• Did I overestimate my needs or wants?
• Is there any room for me to adjust my budget next month to compensate for this purchase?
• How does this fit into my bigger picture of financial freedom and choice?

This simple habit of entering data after every purchase gives me an immediate way to sit, pause, and think. It acts as a built-in feedback loop that stops me from making hasty decisions or falling into the trap of impulse buying. It also helps me keep my financial goals front and center, ensuring I make every dollar count.

A Long-Term Perspective for Success

Attack this idea with a long-term perspective instead of getting stuck in the "this year or next year" cycle. Think about how great you can become over the next decade by implementing this process. Small, consistent adjustments today can lead to big rewards down the road. The freedom and financial choice you’re striving for won’t happen overnight, but with dedication to sitting, pausing, and thinking after each spending event, you'll set yourself up for massive success in the long run.

You only get one life. So, charge for freedom and choice with the relentlessness necessary by sitting, pausing, and thinking after situations that require you to spend money.