These days, you’re often just one click away from an impulse buy. That ease can also make overspending feel like an accident. But you can take back control of your spending by adding “friction” to your transactions. Friction slows things down, and a delay gives you an opportunity to think before spending your next paycheck.
Simple Ways to Slow Down
Delete Saved Credit Cards in Social Media Apps
If you’ve ever bought something on a social media site, know that you’re not alone. In fact, a recent report suggests that 70% of active users shop on Instagram. To protect yourself from impulse spending on social media, unlink your cards from these platforms. By adding a roadblock to the purchasing process, you can make a world of difference to your budget
Delay Purchases by 24 Hours
This one helps build discipline — if you see something you want, leave it in your cart for a full day. You’ll find that the thing you wanted in the moment often loses its sheen, making it easier for you to decide if this purchase is absolutely worth it (or if your money could be better spent elsewhere).
Try the Envelope Method
It’s a classic budgeting move for a reason — when you budget your fun money as cash, you cut online shopping out of the picture entirely. The envelope method can put a lot of friction between you and other kinds of impulse spending too: Consider the difference between one tap and physically going to the store to buy something, and then paying with actual money right then-and-there. And when that money is gone, it’s gone, making it difficult to overspend.
Friction Helps Change Habits
Just because you’re being financially responsible doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. After all, financial wellness is about making sure your money goes toward the things that actually help you reach your goals — not the stuff that can delay your success.
But if your credit card balances are already high, it can feel like these small steps aren’t enough. At Accredited Debt Relief, we help people find a way out of debt faster — and can even help you save 40% or more every month on eligible debt payments.