For a very long time, I didn't have an income or a credit card and lived in a location without any shops. Thus, while frugality was (and still is) a big part of my lifestyle, for many years I was free of the temptation of impulse purchases.
Fast forward a few years. I began earning money as a freelancer, got a credit card, and moved to an area with shops and reliable Wi-Fi. This meant I started doing a lot more shopping, and had to deal with controlling my own spending practically for the first time in my life.
It feels amazing to know that you can buy stuff after many years of everything, from socks to a new washer, being out of your reach. But staying within one's budget is also part of adulting.
I'll admit that, like so many others, I have occasionally succumbed to the lure of the next shiny thing. Impulse purchases are especially difficult to avoid when you shop online and can order something with the click of a button. And then, when that coveted item finally arrives, how often do you wonder what made you order it in the first place?
When I analyzed those "Don't know what I was thinking" purchases, I saw a pattern. More often than not, I was stressed when browsing online. Or tired. Or I had had a really tough work week and felt like I "deserve" a little treat. And in most cases, by the time I got my stuff, I wasn't sure why I wanted it and was 100% certain I didn't need it.
There's some great advice on curbing impulse purchases out there. Here are the top three tips that I've found most helpful:
One, distract yourself. Look up a fun recipe, watch a video of some beautiful places in New Zealand, listen to music, or read a book (you can find many freebie books on Amazon).
Two, reward yourself with positive things that don't cost money, like a nature walk, a nice soak in a hot bath, or an afternoon of baking with your kids.
Three, wait. Add the item you want to a shopping list or put it in your online cart, but don't hit "Buy" just yet. Wait a few days. If upon sober contemplation you decide you do want this thing and can afford it, go ahead. This way, there's a much better chance you will enjoy rather than regret your purchase.
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