How Many Amazon Purchases Do You Make in a Year?
Seriously. Did you know you can access your purchase history each January?
Eeek.
Here I go…
In 2021 I made 242 different purchases from Amazon.
That’s an average of just over 20 purchases a month.
Holy hell.
“A good 70 percent of Americans are Amazon Prime members, nearly half of whom buy something every week, while 7 percent purchase something nearly every day.” – Ila Bonczek, Vision Times
I’ll Be Better in 2022
I think?
Maybe?
One magical day in February DIY Dave came home and put down a stack of paper on our beautiful, hand crafted, kitchen table.
“Jessica, do you know what this is?”
“Enlighten me.”
“Our credit card bill from the past month. Do you know how many Amazon purchases you made in January?”
“Now, why would I know that? Do you think I keep track of such things?”
“Do you know what our credit card bill is?”
“How would I know what it is? I never look at it.”
“I will show you.”
“Oh, shit. That’s really high”
Well, one could say that I wasn’t off to a great start in 2022.
21 purchases in the month of January. My average was increasing.
And… here is where my stubbornness comes into play.
Goodbye Amazon App
Yup, I’m nothing if not stubborn.
One evening, while sitting in bed with Kinsley I said to her, “I’m taking the Amazon App off my phone.”
I thought her head was going to explode. Seriously explode.
When I want to prove a point, I dig in, dig in hard.
I thought this new journey would be hard.
Once again, I was wrong.
I Let Go
I had no idea how freeing it would be.
This started as simply wanting to prove a point to my husband.
But, this one decision has turned into so much more.
I didn’t want to admit I had a problem. I didn’t want to realize I had an Amazon addiction.
But I did.
Yes, did.
I know it’s only been a month and a half but I’m free.
I don’t have the desire to randomly hop, scroll through various sections and see what may pique my interest.
I know this may seem silly for some, but I know I’m not alone.
What Have I Accomplished?
Random purchases for the kids – gone
Random purchases for the dogs – gone
Random purchases for myself – gone
Random purchases for Dave – never existed in the first place (Had to throw it in)
Purchases made in February and March – 10 total
- Read-a-thon Gifts (PTA reimbursement)
- Dog Food x 2
- Kinsley bought herself a craft
- Goodies for my best friend. Welcome baby Emmy!
- Vegan Collagen
- Valentine’s Day goodies for the kids
- Hair products for K
- Gift card for my nephew’s birthday
And because I’m sure you are curious – the credit card bill was slashed in half.
Which prompted DIY Dave to say, “If you keep your frivolous spending down like this, we can plan vacations for later this year.”
And if you know my husband, he is simply hilarious with his spreadsheets and comments about finances.
Not Ready to Give Up the App Yet?
I get it. I do.
Shit, I have a section on my blog dedicated to my FAVORITE Amazon Prime must haves.
But if you aren’t ready to take this drastic step here are just a few great suggestions from Wealth of Geeks writer Mary Elizabeth.
- Stop Buying From Amazon For a Week
- Give up Amazon for a Month
- Shop at Other Stores (Buy Local – not always the most convenient but we can all do better with this!)
- Don’t Shop On Amazon During Happy Hour (I feel seen)
- Don’t Browse Amazon in Bed (I feel seen again)
Are You Ready to Challenge Yourself?
I’m serious.
Start with a week, removing the app, setting a realistic Amazon budget.
One little step at a time.
No better time than now to start.