When you’re at the store (whether online or in person) and an item that’s not on your shopping list catches your eye, it can be hard to resist the temptation to buy. Particularly when the item in mind looks like a really good deal. The allure of sales and low prices may cause you to spend more than your budget allows. To help you fight the temptation to spend, check out the following tips:
Make a List
It’s key to have a list of things you’re looking for before you go shopping. When you know what you need, it’s easier to avoid being distracted. Stick to your list.
Research Your Purchases to Evade an Impulse Purchase
Research the items you’re planning to buy. Know when it’s the right time to make the purchase. If you don’t need the item right now, you can wait until the item goes on sale. Certain items tend to go on sale at specific times of year.
Compare prices for that item at different retailers. Find out which stores offer the best deals on the item. Sure Amazon might have the cheapest price, so consider whether you have coupons for a store and whether you can gain reward points by shopping there. Sometimes it is better to pay a higher price to support a smaller store that you frequent so you can gain the rewards (which includes a warming of your heart for shopping at a store you like and want to support).
Doing some research will help ensure that you have the budget to buy everything on your list.
Dodge Impulse Spending by Knowing Your Habits
If you know that shopping at certain stores causes you to buy things you don’t need, try staying out of that store, if possible.
If you know that traveling down certain aisles in a store causes you to splurge, stay away if you can.
If you know that you add more to your cart when you’re in a particular mood, then avoid shopping when you’re feeling that way.
If it’s the physical store that causes extra spending, then shop online. When an item is right in front of you, it can often be more difficult to resist. If you just look at a picture of an item online, it may be easier to say no. It’s also helpful to let the items sit in your online cart for a few hours (or days). You can come back to your cart to decide if they’re really worth the investment.
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Consider Each Item
Think carefully about the items you’re pulling off the rack.
Ask yourself the following questions before you put something in your cart:
- Do I need this item? If it’s not an item that you put on your list, consider whether it’s worth buying.
- How will I use it? If you don’t have a specific purpose in mind for an item, it may not be worth it. Items that don’t have a particular use tend to take up space. (if it’s a clothing item, and you can’t think of at least two different ways to wear the item – unless it’s a prom dress – then it may not really capture your style.)
- Do I want to buy it just because it’s cheap? If you’re telling yourself, “but it’s so cheap,” you may want to rethink the purchase. Even little purchases can add up. Making these little impulsive purchases can take away money in your budget from things you might want more.
- Can I buy it another time? If the item is not something you know you’ll need in the near future, you may want to avoid buying it now. Waiting to buy an item may also help you consider whether it’s something you actually do need. It gives you more time to make your decision.
Keep Track of Your Spending
While it’s true that there are times when buying something you didn’t plan in advance isn’t a bad thing, it’s important to stay aware of how much money you have available in your budget. Before you shop, you should look at your budget and consider how much you can spend. Afterward, you should think about your spending, and whether there are any changes you should make in the future.
Though it can be difficult to curb impulse spending, it’s important to learn to fight the temptation. Battling impulse buying may take time. Eventually you’ll see how you’ve cut back on spending allowing you to gain control of your budget so you can afford the larger things that really impact your life! Overcoming impulse buying can prepare you for a strong financial future as well as a more sustainable spiritual wellbeing!
