How To Stop Impulse Buying | Stash Learn

How To Stop Impulse Buying

Published: Dec 18, 2023

• Updated: Aug 27, 2024

Ever feel like you can’t resist the urge to reward yourself with a little treat, even when it’s not in your budget? That’s an impulse buy. How about the overwhelming desire to snap up a sweet deal, even if you don’t need whatever’s on sale? Another example of impulse buying. And although it feels pretty great in the moment, unchecked impulse buying can add up quickly and send you into a spiral of overspending, and even a mountain of debt. However, once you understand what triggers your shopping itch, you can implement strategies that help you learn how to stop impulse buying.

What is impulse buying?

Impulse buying occurs when you make an unplanned purchase, large or small, frivolous or necessary. We’ve all done it. A couple of grocery items that aren’t on your list, an afternoon coffee, a new sweater, or even a new car can all be considered impulse buys when you don’t plan or budget for them. Generally, impulse buying is based on emotion rather than reason. Retailers and marketers know this. That’s why advertisements, store layouts, sales, and other tactics are designed with your emotions in mind. But the little hit of dopamine you get from a moment of retail therapy wears off quickly, especially when you look at your credit card statement or checking account balance.

4 types of impulse buying

You may find yourself making impulse purchases under a variety of circumstances. Some experts categorize impulse buying behaviors into these four different types.

Pure impulse buying: You buy something completely novel that you hadn’t even thought of until you saw it.
Reminder impulse buying: You see something that reminds you of an item you need to buy. Perhaps you see fabric softener, and that reminds you you’re out of stain remover.
Suggestion impulse buying: You see something for the first time and find it so appealing that you come up with a reason to need it.
Planned impulse buying: You make a purchase based on discounts or coupons.

Examples of impulse buying

Impulse buying can happen at any time; here are just a few examples:

Making in-app purchases when playing video games or using mobile apps
Going off your list at the supermarket or big box store
Getting unplanned items for yourself while shopping for gifts
Buying things you don’t need just because they’re on sale

Common triggers for impulse buying

Both internal and external factors can trigger impulse spending, and there’s almost always an emotional component. Common triggers for impulse buying include:

Fear of missing out: FOMO is real.
Peer pressure: Your friend wants to go out for a nice dinner.
Advertising: Marketers love to create urgency.
Lack of planning: Not having a plan can lead to impulse buys.

The hazards of impulse buying

It may seem like little impulse buys don’t make much difference to your overall financial health. But add those daily purchases up and $5-$10 a day could become $1,825-$3,650 a year. And if you’re putting impulse purchases on your credit card, you risk racking up some serious debt.

How to stop impulse buying: 15 smart tips

If you’re trying to figure out how to stop impulse buying, consider these 15 tips:

1. Make a budget you can stick to

Planning your spending ahead of time helps you avoid impulse buying.

2. Don’t deprive yourself

Plan for fun expenses to avoid reactionary shopping sprees.

3. Track your spending

Keep track of spending to see your buying patterns.

4. Try a cash-based system

Paying with cash can limit how much you spend.

5. Leave your credit card at home

Keep credit cards out of sight to avoid temptation.

6. Make it harder to spend on a whim

Create barriers to quick spending to give yourself time to think.

7. Reduce temptations

Eliminate marketing emails and unfollow social media accounts that trigger spending.

8. Remember that it’s okay to wait

Postpone purchases to make level-headed decisions.

9. Shop what you already own

Use what you already have instead of buying new items.

10. Distract yourself with dopamine

Engage in activities you enjoy to curb spending urges.

11. Recognize your triggers

Understand what triggers your impulse buys to develop avoidance strategies.

12. Make a list and stick to it

Plan specific purchases ahead of time to stay focused.

13. Shop in the right frame of mind

Avoid shopping when you’re emotional or stressed.

14. Find an accountability buddy

Having support can help you stay accountable for your spending habits.

15. Set specific financial goals

Prioritize your goals over instant gratification.

How to stop impulse buying with intentional financial planning

Shift your mindset from impulsive to intentional to take control of your finances:

Make a financial plan: Assess your finances and create a roadmap.
Improve your financial literacy: Learn about managing money effectively.
Grow your money: Look for ways to achieve financial goals.

Empower yourself with healthy spending

Use these strategies to curb your impulse buying habits and move forward with your overall financial health.