We’ve all experienced it—you pop into a shop for one thing and end up leaving with a bunch of things you didn’t plan to buy. Spontaneous spending is one of the major obstacles to saving money, and it can easily disrupt your financial plans if you’re not cautious. The good news is that breaking the impulse spending habit is possible, and with a little self-control and a few practical tips, you can start increasing your savings and making smarter financial decisions. The key is to understand the causes behind your spending and replace those habits with smart, savings-focused actions.
The first step to curbing impulse spending is to make a financial plan and adhere to it. Knowing exactly how much money you have available for discretionary spending each month can help you fight the temptation to make unplanned buys. When you see something you want to buy, take a break—pause for 24 hours before making a purchase. This gives you time to think about whether online financial advisor you truly want it or if it’s just an impulse. More often than not, you’ll find that the urge to purchase disappears, and you’ll keep your money in your pocket.
Another great tip is to reduce opportunities for temptation. If internet shopping is your downfall, unsubscribe from promotional emails and delete stored payment info from your favourite shopping websites. If you tend to buy without thinking in person, shop without credit cards and shop with cash instead. By adding obstacles to purchases, you’ll have more time to consider what you’re buying and avoid succumbing to spontaneous purchases. Changing your spending habits may take time, but the long-term rewards—more savings and less financial stress—are well worth the effort.