[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/personal-finance\/saving-and-budgeting\/how-to-stop-impulse-buying\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/personal-finance\/saving-and-budgeting\/how-to-stop-impulse-buying\/","headline":"How to Stop Impulse Buying and Save More Money","name":"How to Stop Impulse Buying and Save More Money","description":"We\u2019ve all done it.\u00a0You notice an item in your favorite store and the excitement...","datePublished":"2019-02-08","dateModified":"2021-09-30","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/author\/logan-allec\/#Person","name":"Logan Allec, CPA","url":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/author\/logan-allec\/","identifier":4,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6e74dd0453a5871d1dcfde6d40d9494765ca8bfdb01927cefee4564d4bee9075?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6e74dd0453a5871d1dcfde6d40d9494765ca8bfdb01927cefee4564d4bee9075?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Money Done Right","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Money-Done-Right-Personal-Finance-and-Investing-Blog.png","url":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Money-Done-Right-Personal-Finance-and-Investing-Blog.png","width":488,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/how-to-stop-impulse-buying.jpg","url":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/how-to-stop-impulse-buying.jpg","height":650,"width":1000},"url":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/personal-finance\/saving-and-budgeting\/how-to-stop-impulse-buying\/","about":["Saving Money"],"wordCount":2684,"articleBody":"We\u2019ve all done it.\u00a0You notice an item in your favorite store and the excitement to own it takes the better of you.\u00a0During this moment, all you are thinking is how the item will positively impact your life. The desire to associate yourself with the item is too much at this time.\u00a0The truth is, you don\u2019t need this item, and you never planned to buy it.Impulse buying is a temptation that most people fall into. You may try really hard but resisting the urge is quite complex.\u00a0When you give in to impulse buying, you\u2019ll negatively affect your short term financial goals. You may also never achieve your long term financial goals.Good to Know:\u00a0To know how to stop impulse buying and save more money, we need to understand the trigger points.\u00a0What makes you make that unplanned purchase?\u00a0There are different types of impulse buying and to help you understand better, here is a brief outlineTable of ContentsToggleTypes of Impulse BuyingImpulse Buying TriggersThe Effects of Impulse BuyingHow Can You Stop Impulse Buying and Saver More MoneyTypes of Impulse BuyingReminderThis is when you remember you needed something when doing your shopping.\u00a0For instance, you can buy batteries when checking out just because you saw them and remembered you need them.SuggestionThis is when you make a decision based on what a salesperson says.\u00a0When buying a pair of jeans, a salesperson may suggest you buy a pair of shoes to complete the look.When you do this, you\u2019ll end up spending more than you had planned and this will ruin your budget.MotivationWith this type of impulse buying, you\u2019ll see an item and feel a deep urge to buy it. For instance, while waiting for your turn to check out, you decide to buy chewing gums.As a means of justifying your action, you claim that you need to keep your breath fresh and this will really help.DiscountsYou walk into a store to buy some washing powder and in the process, you notice that the bar soaps are selling at a 50% discount.\u00a0You end up buying 5 bars of soap which you had no plans of buying.You will rationalize your impulse buying by things like:It\u2019s such a good dealI\u2019ll need the item in the futureIt\u2019s just a few bucksWell, I can pay for itThis is a lifetime chanceIf you still want to go on a shopping spree every now and then, you will need some extra cash. Do you know there are 100+ ways you can make extra money? Check this out hereLooming ShortageIf an item had been out of stock and you are finally able to get it, you may be tempted to buy more.\u00a0You may also find an item on sale and because you fear that the offer will run out, you buy more at once.\u00a0Whatever the type of impulse buying, it does not change the fact that you never planned for it.\u00a0You need to learn how to stop impulse buying and save more money.Impulse Buying TriggersBased on the current statistics, here are the main impulse buying influencers:Love For New ThingsIt is exciting to own a new item and you can\u2019t wait to show it off to your friends. How good it will feel to win the admiration of your friends!\u00a0It\u2019s like an addiction and every time you walk into a shop, you keep searching for something to buy. You don\u2019t even care if you will use it or not, as long as you own it.The Need To Fit InYou walk into a store and all your friends are buying something and you want to look like them.\u00a0In the end, you own an item you don\u2019t really need and may even never use it.DisplaysYou walk into a store and the attractive display strikes you hard. The urge to get closer, to touch the items it too strong and then, you buy the item.\u00a0Store owners will go to any length to make their display beautiful. As you bask in the beauty, you\u2019ll end up buying items you never planned for.Money AvailabilityYou know that feeling when you have money? All you want is to spend it, to buy something new. As you walk by, you are looking out for what to spend the money in your pocket on.Time AvailabilityWhat other better way to pass time than going out for shopping. you walk into a store and as you walk along, you see an item and buy it.\u00a0In short, the more free time you have, the higher the chances of impulse buying.Discounts And Special OffersSeeing the word \u2018SALE\u2019 on an item is enough impulse buying trigger! You want to take advantage of the offer though you had no plans to buy the item.\u00a0\u2018Buy one get one free\u2019 is a temptation that most people will fall into. You feel that by buying the item, you are getting a great deal.Social StatusIf everyone in your inner circle is buying a certain item, you may also be tempted to buy it. This will be in an effort to maintain the status quo.\u00a0In short, you don\u2019t want to lag behind by those in your social class.AddictionIf you are a chain smoker, a beautiful cigarette display will push you to make an impulse purchase.Learn more about expense tracking hereThe Effects of Impulse BuyingWhen making an impulse purchase, you may not think in the long-term effects they\u2019ll have on your finances.\u00a0As a matter of fact, the high feeling you get after an impulse purchase is temporal. The remorse you will feel after the \u2018high\u2019 moments is what lasts.Here is a brief outline of the effects of impulse buyingRemorse: once you spend the money you had set aside for saving, you regret afterward. The joy of your decision will be short-lived.Delay in achieving your financial goalsYou\u2019ll end up buying items you may never useIf it was a \u2018sale\u2019 item, the quality may not be as goodSome decisions will be embarrassing. For instance, you buy a refrigerator, and your house is too small to accommodate it.You will end up with too much clutter.Conflict with your loved onesInability to pay your bills due to unplanned spendingAddiction to destructive financial habitsUnhappiness after the brief moment of excitementNow to the main issue; how to stop impulse buying and save more money\u2026How Can You Stop Impulse Buying and Saver More MoneyCreate A Shopping ListBefore you go out for shopping, list down what you\u2019ll be buying.\u00a0When you walk into the store, go directly to the places you\u2019ll find the items on your list. This way, you will not be tempted to buy other items displayed in the shop.Are you looking for ways to make extra money? Check out these great ideasGet Rid Of Your Credit CardShopping with a credit card is dangerous to say the list.\u00a0You make an impulse purchase and plan to deal with it later.\u00a0When the reality of what you\u2019ve done hits you, it will be too late. You\u2019ll have ruined your budget.Follow The Waiting Period RuleIf you notice something and feel the urge to buy it, write it down. Note down where you saw it and the price, then stick the note somewhere.\u00a0After about 30 days, if you feel that you still need the item, buy it. If your interest in the item is no longer there, leave it.Do Not Idle Around Shopping AreasIf you get bored or are waiting for someone, shopping malls are not the best places to pass time.\u00a0The truth is, as you pass time, you will get tempted to buy an item you never planned for. An item that you may never use ends up ruining your budget and goals.Avoid Carrying Excess CashWhen writing down your shopping list, note down the estimated cost for the items. This way, you\u2019ll know the amount you will carry for the shopping.\u00a0When you budget for all the money you have with you, there will be no chance for impulse buying.Here are some workable tips to help you make extra money todayDo Not Shop When IntoxicatedIf you are a man, you understand this too well. Someone comes to you with a very enticing offer.\u00a0Since you are under the influence of alcohol and are not thinking straight, you buy the item.It will shock you the following day when you realize you wasted your money on an item you don\u2019t need. The item may not even be worth the amount you paid for it.Research Before Making A PurchaseBefore you make a huge purchase, conduct a thorough research.\u00a0 Note down the specifications of the product you wish to buy and compare different brands.By doing this, you will buy an item that will meet your present and future needs. You will not have to struggle with the store\u2019s management trying to exchange the item in the future.You can learn more on achieving your financial goals with Long GameAvoid Shopping When EmotionalWhen your emotions are high, the chances of buying an item as a \u2018reward\u2019 are very high.\u00a0You think that by buying the item, you are doing yourself a favor. If you find yourself in this state, going out for shopping is not the best idea.If you notice an item when your emotions are high, take some time before making the purchase.\u00a0You can go home, sleep over it and if you still feel the urge to buy the item the following day, buy it.Focus On Your GoalsWhen you have a goal, you will go to any length to make it come to pass.\u00a0You know that any unnecessary spending will delay the realization of your dream. Some of the long-term goals can be:Buying a home of your dreamsOwning your dream carGoing for a holidaySaving money to start a businessGetting a master\u2019s degreeYou can add to this list\u2026With this in mind, you\u2019ll know that anything that will delay this goal is not worth buying.Need some great ideas on how you can make extra money?\u00a0 Check this outStop The ComparisonYou can never succeed in life by trying to be like everyone else. By wanting to own what others have all the time, you\u2019ll never get satisfied.\u00a0The truth is, you\u2019ll never win this game of comparison. It will drain you of every coin and still leave you wanting more.Instead of trying to be like everyone else, appreciate what you have. It may shock you to discover that you have more than enough!Avoid Shopping AloneIf every time you shop alone you end up buying items you never planned for, bring someone along.\u00a0Any time you want to pick an item that\u2019s not in your list, he will caution you. This way, you\u2019ll avoid all temptations and stick to your plan.Pro Tip:\u00a0You can promise a reward to the company if he succeeds in making you stick to the shopping list. With this, you will stop impulse buying and save money.Live Within Your MeansAt times, you may be tempted to buy an item just to prove to people that you can afford it.\u00a0The more they applaud you for the purchase, the bolder you get with your purchase. In the end, you will feel the pain of your action all alone.Pro Tip:\u00a0It could be that you took an overdraft or you are using a credit card for the unplanned purchases. Stay away from friends who will take you through that path.Avoid Shopping For FunShopping is by no means fun! Spending money on what you didn\u2019t plan for is not funny.\u00a0If you must have fun, go for window shopping and view the new trends in the market. Once you finish, go home and think through what you saw.\u00a0You work too hard for your money and you shouldn\u2019t spend it without proper planning.Address The Reason Behind Your Impulse BuyingIf you normally go out for impulse shopping due to some underlying reasons, address the issues.\u00a0For instance, if it happens when you are sad, anxious or when your self-esteem is low, address these issues.\u00a0Handle what causes these problems either on your own or seek professional help. This way, you will overcome the bad habit forever.Consider The Amount Of Time You Took To Make The Money You Want To SpendThink of the sleepless nights, the many hours in traffic, and the other pains you endured to make your money.\u00a0Does spending the money on that purchase make you feel guilty? Don\u2019t buy it!Imagine spending an amount that took you one week to make on a bottle of champagne. Does this make you feel like a hero?Do you know you can buy items and resell them to earn extra income? Learn more hereLook For Alternative Ways To Relieve Your Pains And FrustrationsWhen talking about how to make stop impulse buying and save more money, this is an important point.\u00a0When you feel sad or at your lowest, watch a movie, go for a hike or read a book. Whatever else you can do except going for shopping, do it.\u00a0You will feel a lot better with these activities and you will not suffer from guilt feelings later.Talk To Your Significant Other Before An Unplanned PurchaseWhen out for shopping, do not make any rash decisions.\u00a0If you come across an item you \u2018think, you may need, ask your spouse if you are in marriage.\u00a0He will help you to decide if you really need the items or you should forget about it. This way, you will not have conflicts in your family.Do Not Use A Big Shopping CartWhen you go out for shopping, do not use the biggest shopping cart available.\u00a0You will be tempted to look for items to fill the shopping cart and end up spending more.Take a smaller cart that will be enough for the few items you came into the store to buy.Do Not Consider Your Loyalty CardsWhen seeking on how to stop impulse buying and save more money, store owners want you to spend more.\u00a0 This is why they\u2019ll issue a credit card and ask you to buy up to a specific value to earn points. In doing this, you\u2019ll end up buying items you don\u2019t really need.Though you will get the discount, you\u2019ll end up spending more than you planned for. This will deeply hurt your financial goals.Do you know there are apps that can help you save money? Learn more hereDelete All The Payment Methods You\u2019ve Saved On Online Shopping PlatformsWhen you buy on Amazon, eBay or Wal-Mart among others, you\u2019ll be required to submit your payment details.\u00a0If you plan to purchase in the future, all you\u2019ll need is a few clicks and you\u2019ll get the item.\u00a0 To avoid making unnecessary purchases, delete the details. This way you\u2019ll have to go through a long process if you intend to make another purchase.You will have enough time to decide if the purchase is worth the trouble.\u00a0There are a thousand and one ways you can save yourself from the pain of impulse buying. From the unnecessary spending that will leave you financially and emotionally drained.Do you have any other workable method you use to avoid impulse buying? We\u2019d love to hear your suggestions, so please share with us in a comment below!"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Personal Finance","item":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/personal-finance\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Saving And Budgeting","item":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/personal-finance\/\/saving-and-budgeting\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"How to Stop Impulse Buying and Save More Money","item":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/personal-finance\/saving-and-budgeting\/how-to-stop-impulse-buying\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]