Make a shopping list and stick to it.
Before going to the store, make a detailed list of necessary goods. Write down only what you really need and try to stick to this list, avoiding spontaneous additions. Check the availability of necessary goods at home to avoid unnecessary purchases. Planning is your best friend in the fight against impulsive spending.
Identify your triggers.
Understand what makes you want to make an impulse purchase. Is it hunger, stress, advertising, a certain mood or a place? Awareness of your triggers will allow you to better control your actions and prepare for them in advance. For example, avoid going to stores on an empty stomach or in a state of emotional stress.
Use the 24-hour rule.
If you saw something you really liked, but are not sure if you need it, use the 24-hour rule. Postpone the purchase for one day. Often after that, the desire to buy a thing disappears, and you realize that you don’t need it that much.
Use the “cheaper/more expensive” method.
Before buying, find a similar product at a lower price. This will help you estimate the real cost of the purchase and avoid overpaying for unnecessary features or the brand. Price comparison is an effective tool for saving.
Keep an eye on your budget.
Carefully track your expenses. Write down each purchase to better understand where your money goes. This will help you see how much you spend on impulsive purchases and develop a strategy to reduce them. Budget control is the key to financial stability.