: How to Avoid Impulse Spending
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(472 Words)
Impulse spending can leave you with items you do not need at a cost you cannot afford. There are things that you can do to try to avoid this type of spending. Consider the following tactics.
Only go shopping when absolutely necessary
You cannot impulse buy something if you do not see it. If you have trouble resisting these temptations then avoid them as much as possible. You might not be able to help going to the grocery store for your weekly food shopping, however you can avoid going to the mall to just browse. This also includes going on websites that have items that you do not need but might buy.
Make a list of what you need and stick to it
Before you go somewhere try to make as comprehensive a shopping list as possible. Try to make a rule that you will only buy the items on this list. Stick to that as much as possible.
Go quickly through the stores and do not browse
If you must go to the stores, then do so quickly and efficiently. Armed with your list, go from one item to the next and try not to look at the other products that might tempt you.
Only bring the amount of money that you need to buy the items on your list
You cannot impulse buy something if you do not have the funds. Some people who have a large problem with this will leave their credit cards at home and only bring the cash that they know they need.
Stop and think about every item before you buy it
If you see something that you want do not just throw it in your cart. Instead answer the following questions: Do I need this item? When will I use this item? Where will I get the money to pay for this item? What will I take away from the budget to pay for it? Do I have anything else similar to it? Will I bore of it quickly? You want to strongly consider putting it back and letting yourself think about it for some time. Some people do a week rule. They put it back. If after a week you still want it, then you can reconsider it. You can also keep a piece of paper with you and write down anything you think you want. You can save up for these items or find a place in the budget for them. You can also put them on your wish list or ask others to get them for you for gifts. By the time all this happens you will know if you truly wanted it or if it was an impulse purchase.
Avoiding impulse spending can put you in better control of your money. Use the above techniques to curb this destructive behavior.
Updated On: 09/08/2010 Published On: 09/08/2010 Article ViewerClose
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