Before You Buy Anything, Take The Crap Test
It only takes 30 seconds. It could save you thousands.
Scroll down to take the test ↓
Let's be honest.
Most of us have bought things we didn't need.
- A gadget that looked amazing online.
- A bargain we couldn't resist.
- A subscription we forgot about.
- Something that arrived, got used once, and then disappeared into a drawer.
That's why I created The Crap Test.
Before buying anything, ask yourself these five simple questions.
If you can't answer most of them positively, it might just be more crap.
Take The Crap Test
Before buying anything, ask yourself these five simple questions. If you can't answer most of them positively, it might just be more crap.
Do I Actually Need It?
Not:
"I might use it one day."
"It's on sale."
"Everyone else has one."
Ask yourself:
If this wasn't on sale, would I still buy it?
Will I Still Want It In 30 Days?
Not:
Impulse purchases love urgency.
Your future self usually doesn't.
Ask yourself:
Will I still want this in a month? If you're unsure, wait. The internet will still be here tomorrow.
Can I Borrow It?
Not:
Many things only get used once or twice.
Power tools. Camping equipment. Specialist kitchen gadgets. Party equipment.
Ask yourself:
Could I borrow this from a friend, family member, neighbour or hire company? You might save hundreds.
Do I Already Own Something Similar?
Not:
This is where things get uncomfortable.
How many: mugs? Jackets? Bags? Chargers? Water bottles? Screwdrivers?
Most of us already own something that does the same job.
Ask yourself:
Am I solving a problem or creating more clutter?
Will It Improve My Life?
Not:
The most important question.
Will this genuinely save time, reduce stress, help achieve a goal, make life easier?
Or is it just a short burst of excitement?
Many purchases provide a few minutes of pleasure and years of ownership.
Ask yourself:
Will this make a meaningful difference to my daily life in 6 months?
The Crap Score
Give yourself 1 point for every YES.
5 Points — Buy it.
4 Points — Probably worth considering.
3 Points — Proceed with caution.
2 Points — Leave it for now.
1 Point — It's probably crap.
0 Points — Step away from the checkout.
My Rule
If I'm not sure, I wait 24 hours.
Amazing how many things stop feeling essential overnight.
Final Thought
Most people don't have a money problem.
They have a spending problem.
Every unnecessary purchase is money, time and space you'll never get back.
So before buying anything, take:
The Crap Test
It only takes 30 seconds.
It could save you thousands.
Ready to buy less crap?
Save this page. Next time you're about to hit "Buy Now", ask yourself these five questions first. Your future self will thank you.
Also try: The 24-Hour Rule · The Coffee Calculator · Subscription Graveyard
This page is for general information and lifestyle discussion only and should not be considered financial advice.