The desire to spend is normal. The gratification from getting new, better, bigger things is great. However, sometimes just because you really want something, does not mean it is a good idea. In fact, in many cases the "I really want it" syndrome leads to financial decline. If you can't control your need to spend, or curb your desires so that you do not buy everything you want, you will get deep into debt, and will suffer the consequences or the burden of debt.

There are some safeguards set up to protect you from spending more than you should, but they are not always as strict as they should be. For example, your bank is not going to allow you to buy a house bigger than they estimate you can afford based on your income, debt, and credit score. However, what happens when your wants are not large, or they can be purchased using a credit card you already have? What happens when your wants are things like eating lunch out each day, or buying designer clothing? These are relatively low expenses, but can add up extremely quickly, and lead to mountains of debt. So, instead of only using the safeguards that the bank or lender impose on you (such as your credit limit), it is important to impose your own safeguards, and know what you can do when you really want something but either can't afford it, or should not buy it. Put in place a level of control for the "I really want it moments" in your life.

The best line of defense from the "I really want it" syndrome is the following:

1. Wait. Often in the moment things seem like a better idea, or a must have, when they are not. So, to help protect yourself from the "I really want it" syndrome, you should always make yourself wait a day minimum on purchases over $50. You will find that it most cases you can live without the item, or determine you did not really need it after all.
2. Give yourself a budget. You should not deprive yourself from things you want, at least not entirely. It is a better idea to budget out how much you can realistically spend each month for your wants. Then give yourself cash, and once it is gone, you have to commit to not buying the "wants" until the next month's cash. This way if you want bigger purchase items, you will have to wait a few months to save enough for the purchase.
3. Learn to find satisfaction elsewhere. Often people overspend to fill a void in their life. So, find ways to gain your satisfaction elsewhere, and you will spend else. It may be from a hobby, or a person.