10 Savvy Ways To Stop Impulse Buying

But for those of us who are impulse shoppers, we know that we lack a certain element of self discipline in this area and those strategies simply won’t work.

There are, however, 10 ways that you can stop impulse buying.

1. Carry Cash.

If you can actually see the money disappearing right before your eyes, it will help you limit impulse buying.

2. Leave Credit Card(s) At Home.

We all say that we’re “only using our credit cards for emergencies” but if it’s in our wallet while we’re out, we just might be tempted to use it. There’s no harm in leaving it at home. Put it in a safe place and believe that today, there won’t be any emergencies.

3. Develop A Financial Plan.

You need to get your finances in check when you decide it’s time to quit impulse buying. It’s always best to have a blueprint of where your money is going, and this will definitely help you.

4. Stay Away From Toxic Friends.

If you have a friend who encourages spending–late night drinks, last minute shopping trips, etc.–it’s best to find other ways to hang out with them instead. Suggest having movie night and pedicures at home.

5. Avoid Shopping With Rich Friends.

We are completely envious of those girls who never have to work for anything. You know the type–they had that unpaid fashion internship at Vogue, lived on Park Avenue, and bought Louis Vuitton bags without ever having to work. Don’t shop with those friends, unless they’re buying! When you want to hang out, suggest ideas that require little to no money.

6. Check Your Mood.

If you’re having a bad day, don’t shop to cheer yourself up. Call a friend (or your mom) and vent about it. Take a walk (not at the mall or Fifth Avenue or even in that general direction) or take a bubble bath to cheer up.

7. Plan Shopping Trips Ahead.

Make a list of what you need and take it with you. When you’re out shopping, challenge yourself to only buy what’s on the list. This tip is difficult and requires self-discipline.

8. Don’t Put Yourself In A Compromising Position.

Keep yourself away from your favorite shops or restaurants when you’re feeling down. You might experience a quick high from your latest find, but when the feeling wears off, you’ll still be upset and you’ll have the added financial burden. This includes surfing the Web for online stores.

9. Write Down Your Goals.

Write down your goals on a sheet of paper and put it in your wallet. When you’re out shopping, if you have the urge to buy, take out that sheet of paper and ask yourself whether that purchase will help you meet your goals or not.

10. Unsubscribe From Mailing Lists.

You might not know when Topshop has a sale or when H&M opens up a store in your town, but that’s probably a good thing. And get rid of mail-in catalogs that encourage you to purchase.