We’ve all been there—you walk into a store for one thing and leave with a bag full of items you weren't expecting to get. Buying on impulse is one of the biggest barriers to accumulating wealth, and it can quickly derail your money goals if you’re not careful. The good news is that overcoming spontaneous purchases is possible, and with a little discipline and a few helpful tricks, you can start saving more money and making better money choices. The key is to identify the triggers behind your spending and swap those tendencies with positive, money-saving behaviours.
The first step to stopping spontaneous purchases is to set up a spending plan and stick to it. Knowing exactly how much money you have allocated for extras each month can help you resist the urge to purchase items impulsively. When you see something you are tempted to purchase, give yourself a cooling-off period—give it a day before pulling the trigger. This gives you time to assess whether you really need the item or if it’s just an urge. Usually, you’ll find that the desire to buy fades, and you’ll avoid spending money needlessly.
Another helpful strategy is to minimise your access to triggers. If online shopping is your weakness, opt out of marketing emails and delete stored payment info from your favourite e-commerce platforms. If you tend to buy without thinking in person, leave your credit cards at home and shop with cash instead. By adding obstacles to purchases, you’ll have more time to evaluate your choices and avoid succumbing to spontaneous purchases. Breaking the habit may take time, but the long-term rewards—more savings and online financial advisor less financial stress—are well worth the effort.