If your paycheck seems to disappear as soon as it hits your bank account, it might not be the big ticket items you pay for every month — it could be the little purchases adding up.
In fact, research shows that nearly 90% of shoppers have made an impulse purchase, and the average American spends around $282 per month on unplanned buys. That’s over $3,300 every year that could otherwise go to furthering your goals. So how do you stop the leak? Here’s how to keep your money working harder for you (and build some good digital shopping habits along the way!).
Why Impulse Buying is Hard to Stop
Impulse buying isn’t a character flaw: It’s often a response to emotions or external triggers. Nathan Astle, one of Beyond Finance’s Certified Financial Therapists, says that impulse buying is frequently tied to uncomfortable emotions. He says that it’s easy to buy things because we are tired, hungry, stressed or overwhelmed — it’s a financial reaction to an emotional problem.
And what’s more, marketers understand when and how to capture your attention, using tactics like limited-time offers, targeted ads and one-click checkout to make buying virtually effortless.
Temptation is everywhere. And when you’re constantly bombarded with opportunities to feel a little better about your day, it’s easy to understand why you (and everyone else) can fall victim to wasteful spending habits.
5 Small Changes that Can Slash Impulse Purchases
Just as impulse purchases can be small and add up, so too do small adjustments to daily habits lead to big changes. Try a few practical ways to take back control of your spending:
- Use the 24-Hour Rule: When you feel the urge to buy something, add it to your cart… and then walk away for at least 24 hours. You’ll find that the initial excitement of something new fades, allowing you to make a decision based on your goals (rather than a momentary mood).
- Unsubscribe and Unfollow: Targeted ads and promotional emails are designed to trigger spending. Take 10 minutes to unsubscribe from brands you follow via your email inbox, mute social media accounts that spark envy and block advertisers on your social media platforms as they appear — you’ll be surprised by how your digital landscape changes.
- Remove Saved Payment Info: A digital wallet makes spending essentially effortless — you don’t even have to look up your card number to make a minor (or major) financial decision. By deleting saved credit cards from shopping apps, you add “friction” to the checkout process, giving yourself time to think about what you’re buying and why.
- Shop with a List: When you do the thinking ahead of time, you’ll prevent buying stuff you don’t need. So, make a list and stick to it. Treating shopping like a checklist helps you get what you need and avoid costly distractions.
- Budget for Fun: Being overly restrictive can backfire. Instead, set aside a small amount each month for guilt-free spending. This allows you to enjoy occasional splurges — without derailing your long-term plans.
When Emotions Drive Spending
If you notice patterns—like shopping when you’re bored or stressed—it may help to pause and name what you’re feeling. Beyond Finance’s financial wellness experts suggest trying soothing exercises when you find yourself tense or fixated on a specific thing.
It might feel silly at first, but remember: The goal is to make the most of the money you’ve worked hard to earn. And there’s nothing silly about taking your ambitions seriously.
Give Yourself More Bandwidth in Your Budget
If unplanned spending has led to a mountain of credit card debt, you don’t have to start your journey alone. Talking to an Accredited Debt Relief Consolidation Specialist can help you understand your options, find a plan to regain control and show you how you could get debt-free faster.