I still find it hard to resist buying things sometimes. I’ll see something I like, start thinking of reasons I need it, and before I know it, I’m talking myself into another purchase.
It doesn’t help that we’re surrounded by reasons to shop, from online ads and influencer recommendations to sale emails and tempting in-store displays. For me, spending less starts with putting a little time between seeing something I want and deciding whether to buy it.
Remove Some of the Temptation
It’s easier to resist buying things when you’re not constantly being reminded that they exist. Unsubscribe from store emails, turn off shopping notifications, and unfollow accounts that leave you wanting new clothes, kitchen gadgets, or home décor every time you scroll.
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Pause Before Turning a Want Into a Purchase
Give yourself a day or two before buying something that catches your eye, then see whether you still feel the same way about it. Ask yourself whether you already own something similar, whether you’ll use it often, and whether you’d have wanted it if you hadn’t just seen the ad.
Give Your Money Somewhere Better to Go
Skipping a $50 impulse buy feels easier when you have another use for that money in mind. Putting it toward a vacation, debt repayment, an emergency fund, or another personal goal gives you a reason to think twice before spending it.
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Pay Attention to Where Your Money Is Going
Small purchases can seem harmless until you add them up over a month. Look through your transactions from time to time and notice which categories take more of your money than expected, especially purchases you barely remember making.
Shop What You Already Own First
Looking through your belongings can remind you how much you’ve already bought and how little of it you use. Before ordering something new, check your closet, pantry, bathroom cabinets, and storage bins to see whether you already have something that will do the job.
Find Something Else to Do Besides Shop
Shopping can become a way to deal with boredom, stress, or a need for something fun, even when you don’t need anything new. When you feel the urge to browse stores just to pass the time, try taking a walk, reading a book, gardening, cooking, or working on a project instead.
Related: 15 Surprising Ways Your Spare Change Can Save You Money
Make Impulse Buying Less Convenient
Saved payment details and one-click checkout make it easy to buy something before you’ve had time to think about it. Remove stored card details from shopping sites, avoid browsing stores without a reason to buy, and make yourself take a few extra steps before placing an order.
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