Avoid Impulse Purchases: 5 Tricks to Save More

Learn how to avoid impulse purchases with 5 easy tricks that will help you save more and control your spending.

We’ve all been there—you’re scrolling online or walking through a store, and suddenly, something catches your eye. You don’t really need it, but you buy it anyway. Impulse purchases can mess up your budget and stop you from saving.

But guess what? You can totally take control of your spending and stop those impulse buys before they drain your wallet. In this article, I’ll share 5 tricks to avoid impulse purchases, so you can keep your money where it belongs—in your pocket!

1. Make a Shopping List and Stick to It

One of the easiest ways to avoid impulse purchases is to simply plan ahead. If you walk into a store or start shopping online without a clear idea of what you need, it’s super easy to get distracted by things you don’t actually need.

How to Use a Shopping List to Stay on Track:

• Write It Down: Before you head out, write down exactly what you need. This goes for grocery shopping, clothing stores, and even online shopping.
• Be Specific: The more detailed you are, the less likely you’ll stray from your list. For example, instead of “buy groceries,” write down exactly what you need: “2 loaves of bread,” “1 gallon of milk,” etc.
• Stick to Your List: When you’re in the store or browsing online, make a rule: if it’s not on the list, it doesn’t get bought. Simple as that.

A shopping list acts like a guardrail for your spending, helping you stick to your budget and avoid those “oops, I didn’t mean to buy that” moments.

2. Use the 24-Hour Rule to Think It Over

Let’s face it, when we’re in the moment, it’s so easy to grab something off the shelf or hit “buy now” on an online store. But if you take a step back, you’ll realize that most of the time, you don’t really need whatever it is. This is where the 24-hour rule comes in.

How the 24-Hour Rule Helps You Avoid Impulse Purchases:

• Add It to Your Cart: If you’re shopping online, add the item to your cart—but don’t buy it right away.
• Sleep on It: Wait 24 hours before making the purchase. It sounds simple, but this pause helps you think more clearly.
• Reevaluate the Need: After a day, ask yourself: “Do I really need this? Can I live without it?” If you still want it after thinking it over, then go ahead—but only if it’s truly necessary.

By forcing yourself to wait, you give your brain time to process whether the item is really worth it, which can help you save tons of cash in the long run.

3. Limit Your Access to Tempting Shopping Sites

Online shopping makes it too easy to fall into the trap of impulse buying. That “Buy Now” button is just too tempting, especially when you’re bored or stressed. The good news is, you can limit your exposure to these online temptations.

How to Block Temptations and Avoid Impulse Purchases:

• Unsubscribe from Emails: You know those emails that flood your inbox every time a store has a sale? Unsubscribe! You don’t need to know about every sale, especially when you’re trying to save.
• Use Website Blockers: There are apps like StayFocusd that help you block access to shopping sites during certain hours.
• Delete Saved Card Info: Remove your credit card info from your online accounts so it’s not as easy to hit “buy” without thinking.

When you reduce the chances of stumbling across tempting deals, it’s much easier to avoid unnecessary purchases. If it’s not right in front of you, it’s way harder to buy.

4. Set a Spending Limit for Fun Purchases

Let’s be honest—sometimes we need to treat ourselves, but setting a limit on how much you spend can really help prevent overspending. If you’re trying to avoid impulse purchases, setting a specific spending limit for fun stuff (like eating out, shopping, etc.) is key.

How to Set a Spending Limit to Control Your Impulse Purchases:

• Create a Fun Budget: Identify a certain amount of money each month that’s okay for non-essential spending (shopping, eating out, entertainment). This is your “fun” money.
• Stick to It: Once you hit your limit, that’s it for the month. No more splurging.
• Track Your Spending: Use an app or notebook to keep track of how much you’ve spent. When you see the numbers adding up, you’ll think twice before buying that extra pair of shoes.

A spending limit helps you balance treating yourself and staying financially responsible, so you can still have fun without breaking your budget.

5. Practice the “One In, One Out” Rule

Want to avoid clutter and impulse purchases at the same time? The “one in, one out” rule is perfect for that. It’s a simple strategy where every time you buy something new, you get rid of something you already have.

How the “One In, One Out” Rule Helps You Avoid Impulse Purchases:

• Declutter First: Before you buy anything new, think about what you already own.
• Donate or Sell Items: For every new item, donate or sell an item that you don’t need.
• Force Yourself to Think: When you know you have to give something up, it forces you to evaluate whether you really need the new purchase.

This strategy helps you avoid mindless purchases and reduces clutter. Plus, you get the added benefit of decluttering your home at the same time!

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Spending and Avoid Impulse Purchases

Impulse purchases are a huge drain on your finances, but they don’t have to be a permanent habit. By using these 5 tricks to avoid impulse purchases, you can make smarter, more mindful choices with your money.

From creating a shopping list to practicing the 24-hour rule, these simple yet effective strategies will help you stay on track with your savings goals. Remember, every time you say “no” to an impulse buy, you’re getting closer to financial freedom.

Start using these strategies today, and see how much more you can save by cutting out unnecessary purchases. You’ve got this!