Impulse buying is a hard habit to break for many. How can you stop purchasing unnecessary items just because they’re on sale?
Impulse buying—or giving in to temptations like “I probably don’t need this, but… why not?”—can silently drain your wallet. With flash sales constantly popping up in an uncertain economy, now is the perfect time to be extra mindful of your spending.
Buying things you enjoy isn’t inherently bad; it can make you feel happy and refreshed. However, if it happens too often, depletes your tight budget, or clutters your living space with unnecessary items, it’s time to curb this habit as soon as possible.
Since impulsive spending is, by definition, “unplanned and emotionally driven,” it’s easy to give in to anything that catches your eye. Here are some tips to help you quickly break the impulse buying habit.
How to Break the Impulse Buying Habit
Wait 24 hours—or better yet, until the weekend—before checking out
When bored, stressed, or tempted by a flash sale, something like a trendy phone accessory or a vintage coffee maker can suddenly feel like a “must-have.” According to Traci Williams, Ph.D., CFT, a clinical psychologist and financial therapist in Atlanta, impulse buying often involves a split-second decision. She explains:
“You see something you think you want, buy it immediately, and later realize it might not have been worth the money or that you didn’t really want it.“
That’s why experts universally recommend waiting at least 24 hours before purchasing anything.
Create an ongoing “wish list” of items you’re considering, whether it’s a sleek new toaster to replace an old one, a classic guitar, or a red light therapy mask. Then, review each item over the weekend (or during the next big sale) to see which ones still appeal and which have lost their luster.
With this approach, the sense of urgency often fades after you sleep on it or move on with your day. That pause can make all the difference between an impulsive decision and a thoughtful one.
Follow the TAPER Rule: Timing, Affordability, Purpose, Emotional State, Regret Potential
According to Megan McCoy, Ph.D., LMFT, CFT, associate professor of personal financial planning at Kansas State University, the following questions can help you determine if spending hard-earned money on fleeting desires is worth it.
- Timing: Have I wanted this item for a while, or is it a sudden, new desire?
- Affordability: Can I buy this without using credit or sacrificing essentials like bills, groceries, or debt repayment?
- Purpose: Is it replacing or upgrading something necessary (like a broken appliance or worn-out shoes)?
- Emotional State: Am I buying because I’m bored, sad, or excited—or because it genuinely improves my life?
- Regret Potential: Will I regret not buying it if I wait a day or a week?
If, after pausing, you still want to purchase it, it’s likely a genuine decision rather than an impulsive buy.
Unsubscribe from Marketing Emails
Daily messages about 15% discounts, new arrivals, or reminders like “You left something in your cart” aren’t doing your bank account any favors. That’s why you should hit “unsubscribe” and eliminate these temptations from your inbox.
You might also consider unfollowing influencers who frequently promote enticing (but costly) items. Or, if you tend to shop mindlessly when bored, distract yourself with healthier, budget-friendly alternatives like going for a walk, watching a favorite show, or calling a friend.
Remove Saved Debit or Credit Card Information from Payment Methods
It’s easy to overspend when your credit card and shipping details are saved—all it takes is one click on “confirm.” So, remove them from your favorite shopping sites and apps.
Making the checkout process slightly less convenient, like storing your wallet or purse out of reach, forces you to pause and think before buying, reducing impulsive spending.
Adopt a Cash-Only Policy
Using cash can make your shopping more intentional. Unlike credit cards, which create an illusion of unlimited funds, cash forces you to physically see money leaving your hands. This heightened awareness can curb the “out of sight, out of mind” mentality often associated with contactless payments.
The goal isn’t to never treat yourself. Instead, think of pausing before purchasing as a way to ensure your money goes toward long-term value—whether it’s building an emergency fund, buying essentials stress-free, or investing in something you truly love.
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