Lipstick, high heels, mascara, and dresses, OH MY!!! In today’s online world, businesses are going onto even more digital fronts whether it be online or through social media apps such as Facebook and Instagram. We can, indeed, now purchase things from the comfort of our couches. Impulse buys are oh so easy to make. At the same time, impulse buying can really adversely affect one’s bank account and/or take away from money that could be used to save for a rainy day. When I gave up shopping for lent from February to April 2021, I have done a lot of learning and reflecting on the many impulse buys that I have made. Similarly, I have uncovered ways that which I can reduce my impulse buys, which I am here to tell you!
Make a Spreadsheet
Whoever said diamonds are a girl’s best friend clearly never met me! In fact, I think spreadsheets are mine, well besides dogs of course. I have utilized the power of a spreadsheet to link all of my online buys that are 9 times out of 10 triggered via impulses. In my spreadsheet, I add in the product name and price as well as its link. I, then, leave that product there for at least 2-3 weeks. If I cannot stop thinking about that item during that time frame, then I will buy it. On the contrary, if I am not interested in that item a few weeks later, then I will remove it from my spreadsheet and not make a purchase. Overall, spreadsheets are a power tool, especially when it comes to saving money!!!
Add to Cart and LEAVE
I don’t know about you, but I am a sucker for Marshall’s and TJ Maxx finds. In fact, I check each website at least daily. When I go onto a site such as Marshall’s or TJ Maxx, I typically add items to my cart since they can go pretty quickly. I, then, leave my items within my cart for at least a few hours and sometimes even 1-2 days. If I am still interested in the items after that time period has passed, then I will buy them. If not, then I will remove them from my cart.
Make a Wishlist
If there is an item that you have always wanted, then make a wishlist and add it to that list. Whether the list is a spreadsheet or an actual list, it is a great way to keep track of the items that you have always wanted. For me, one of those items is a Louis Vuitton Neverfull tote bag and another is a Barrington Gifts customized St. Anne tote bag. When you make your list, you may remember those items and sometimes the vision of an impulse buy can disappear when envisioning a wishlist item.
Impulse buying can become an addiction if you make it into one. I know it was for me at least. However, with these tips, I hope that you can help mitigate or stop the addiction from happening.
XOXO – Katie <3