It’s ironic but true that getting more “yes” in your life comes from knowing when, and how to say “no”.

But saying no is hard. We want things.

New things look so shiny and fun. It’s exciting to be brimming with the enthusiasm that this purchase is the one that will take us to the next level.

While there are those game changing moments in life, most of what we buy does not meet that standard.

To survive online you have to be able to say no, or you’ll just go broke.

Here are three questions you can ask, before buying anything, that will help you use what you buy.

1. Do I need this now?

An incredible number of books are never read, sites never accessed, tools never used.

The list of things I have bought and not used makes me blush.

If you are like most people, you have books, courses, DVDs and more you intended to use but never got around to using.

Good news: It’s not too late to use what you have already bought!

Here is an action step to help solve the problem.

Organize all of your ebooks, audio, software and memberships into one folder so you can quickly check if you have something before you order.

I used Evernote for this and simply made a list of what I own. It was a huge eye opener!

2. Will I use this now?

People are busy. I know you are busy. That’s why we all buy things, intending to use them when we “have time” and then never find the time.

The standard we all want to meet is to use what we buy, never waste a dollar and be good stewards of what we have.

But life gets in the way.

Here is an action step that will help. 

The moment you make the purchase pull out your calendar and write down when you will begin using what you purchased.

If it’s an online course, when will you view the lessons?

If it is a piece of software, when will you learn to use it and put it into practice in your business?

This one step alone can make the difference between being an impulse buyer with loads of unused tools at your disposal and a ninja who has mastered your time and business.

3. Do I already have it?

We buy things and forget we have them, then see a great sales letter and pull out the plastic.

It happens to everyone.

Here is an action step that will help you never again buy more than one type of item.

Make a list of what you need in your business. Now next to the item you list (like autoresponder) write the name of the product you use for that purpose (like Aweber).

The next time you consider buying something take a look at the list first and see if that need is already filled.

If it is filled but you truly believe the new product will work better, buy it and replace your old choice with the new.

If you have an online business, or want one, here are some things you will probably need.

• Hosting

• WordPress

• A WordPress theme

• An autoresponder

• Ad tracking

• Word processor

• Email account

• PayPal or other online payment method

This list could be much longer of course, but you get the basic idea.

If you do nothing more than take action on the three points above you will be able to avoid spending money you don’t need to spend, know where you stand at all times, and have a more organized business as well.

And those are beautiful things indeed!