Impulse buying is something we’ve all done. Maybe it was a glossy magazine in the checkout line or a pair of shoes being offered at a price you “couldn’t pass up”. These small, irrelevant items that find their way into your shopping cart can add up quickly. Although impulse buying has dealt a fatal blow to many a household budget, the good news is yours doesn’t have to be next. Arming yourself with a few tips before you go out shopping can ensure you resist the urge to make these trivial (and costly) purchases for good.

1. Track spending trends.

At the beginning of the month, start a log. Write down everything you spend for a full month. At the end of that month, review your trends to see how much you spent impulsively. The results may startle you enough to kick start your anti-impulse buying campaign.

2. Make a list.

Know what you need before shopping. This cuts down on time spent browsing, which is most often when the impulse to buy strikes.

3. Use coupons.

If you do need to purchase an item, seek out a coupon first.  These days, you can find a coupon for almost any product, from any retailer online.  Gone are the days of coupon clipping.  For example, if you’re looking for Macy’s coupons, then simply go to your preferred search engine and type that in.  You’ll get pages full of website that publish coupons and deals.

4. Learn to separate “needs” from “wants”.

Make every attempt to justify your purchases based on a need instead of a want. Just because you want that leather jacket you saw on sale at the mall doesn’t mean you need it – especially with four others hanging in your closet.

5. Shop alone.

Friends, spouses and children can all be a hindrance on a budget-conscious shopper‘s mission. The urge to splurge gets stronger around certain influences – such as shopaholic friends and crying children.

6. Eat before going shopping.

It sounds silly, but a lot of impulse shopping happens when people grocery shop on an empty stomach. Every thing is tempting, making shoppers more likely to buy pricier things than they would normally buy to satisfy a food craving.

7. Avoid temptation.

Some impulse buyers have a particular weakness. It might be cosmetics, clothing, DVDs or even books. Avoid these items. Don’t even shop at the same stores. Change your shopping routine completely to get out of this rut.

8. Develop a mantra.

Remind yourself that every impulsive purchase you resist is $X toward a vacation or other special treat, $X more dollars in your savings account or $X less dollars in debt.

9. Shop sales smartly.

Some people wait all year for Black Friday when it’s possible to get the same kind of deals online. Cyber Monday is a holiday introduced a few years ago that allows online retailers to get in on the Black Friday madness.  It’s also easier to comparison shop online as some merchants’ normal prices are considerably higher than others.

10. Sleep on it.

If you find something that you think you truly cannot live without – sleep on it. Return to the store the next day. If the urge is still there and still as strong, you might consider making the purchase. If not, recite your mantra from #8 and give yourself a pat on the back.

What tips do you have to curb impulse spending?

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