How Do You Avoid Impulse Buys?

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How Do You Avoid Impulse Buys?

Submitted by: Tip Hero 01/16/2009 10:25 AM

We are constantly inundated with enticing ads, irresistible sales and bargains and even social pressure, all tempting us to consume. And it can be so easy to succumb to the belief that a particular purchase will make us feel better.

With the odds stacked against us, what strategies do you use to resist the urge to splurge?

Please share your tips below so that other TipHeroes can benefit from your money-saving ideas. And thanks for being a TipHero!

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Comments:

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I use a "lifeline" and phone a friend. She can usually talk me out of purchases that I really don't need. She'll remind me that i've got a closet full of shoes and don't need more or that I don't need a cocktail dress if I've got no parties to attend. I do the same for her.

Posted by designermavin on January 16, 2009 12:10 PM

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I resolve to go home and check prices on eBay and Google Shopping before purchasing anything not secondhand.

Posted by anonymous on January 16, 2009 12:30 PM

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super easy to be tempted. but now everytime i refuse a purchase, i set that amount of money in a savings account and watch my savings grow everytime i resist the urge to buy somethign i don't need.

Posted by anonymous on January 16, 2009 12:41 PM

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I often give into the impulse, but I keep the tags on everything and keep the receipts in a file. I keep the items for a few weeks and if I see myself going for the item or think about wearing it several times, then I keep it. If it sits in tthe house and I don't think about using it or wearing it, then I return it. Helps me to realized what I can and should live without!

Posted by leigh67 on January 16, 2009 12:45 PM

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I don't go shopping!

Posted by Diana on January 16, 2009 1:31 PM

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It is very difficult for me to curb impulse buying, however, I think about buying a house and re-decorating it myself. At that moment, I put down the object and walk away. Usually, I feel pretty good after that, not only because I saved money but because I get a sense of achievement and self-control!

Posted by Patricia on January 16, 2009 1:34 PM

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I go to thrift shops on 1/2 price day and shop for the homeless Vets, at the VA Hospital. This curbs big time spending, and satisfies my need to shop. I spend less than I would on a pair of Jeans, and get a whole car full. Win I'm low on $$$, I see what I can get with a couple bucks, about the cost of a Starbucks.

Posted by Sandy Terrebonne on January 16, 2009 3:05 PM

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When at the store of choice and you are deciding to buy an item at the moment. Lay it down and walk away thinking do I really need this item? If a want then do I have the money and will I use it????

Posted by Kim on January 16, 2009 3:25 PM

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I find that few retail stores carry what I'd like to get in my size in styles I'd like. I make a list of what I want when the clothes catalogs arrive. Then I wait for e mails re sales, I pick & choose re what I need to buy. I ask myself if I want to take a chance on getting that partcular item on sale or would I prefer to take a chance on another item from another company.
I make a list showing what I need the most for clothes. I'm loosing weight from the waist down, so I buy neutrals, in pull ups or draw strings. I save money for after Christmas sales some have no shipping deals and sales.

Posted by Lori on January 16, 2009 3:28 PM

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For years I have followed the "one week rule". I fill out the order form or copy the information and sit it on the kitchen table. I refer to it periodically. At some point, I usually say "what was I thinking?" and throw it away. If it is still there, and I still want it after a week, I buy it!

Posted by Marge Artus on January 16, 2009 3:34 PM

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To curb the urge, I purchase items through cash only. The checking account and credit card are used for bills only. Plus to satisfy my inner need to shop (I think it's part of being a hunter/gatherer!) once a month I go to a church sponsored clothing room to forage. The clothing is nice and best of all, completely free.

Posted by ldenny58 on January 16, 2009 4:03 PM

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I stop and figure out how long I had to work to earn whatever it is. If I picture four bad hours at work or whatever number is involved ,I can often decide it is not worth it. Conversely I allow myself to have some little item if I figure that I made the price in a half hour and I worked forty and should have a bit of a reward.

Posted by elaine on January 16, 2009 4:06 PM

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Fuel prices keep me from traveling the 12 mile trip to the nearest store. So I do a lot of online shopping. I login and fill my cart. But instead of going directly to check out I log off and do not get back on for 3-5 days. When I get back into the shopping site I discover that what I thought I couldn't live without a few days earlier I no longer need or want the items. I satisfied my need to shop and yet I didn't spend a dime. Occasionally I treat myself to one item. I'm a knitter so I am satisfied with a nice skein of yarn.
This kind of shopping works for me and I am not spending money that I don't have in the first place.

Posted by kathy on January 16, 2009 5:23 PM

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When shopping, I look at something that will just sit and I have to dust, and I say do I need or just want this? guess what, I don't have to dust it. That's how I do about alot of stuff. do I need it or not? if not then I don't buy it.

I can do enough exercise at home to keep me healthy, so I don't waste my money at the gym.

Posted by anonymous on January 16, 2009 5:53 PM

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I try to condition my mind not to, also considering that the economy in not in the best position that is another way I deter myself and
appreciate what I already have at home.

Posted by Leslie-Ann on January 16, 2009 5:58 PM

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I believe that often times we use shopping as a replacement for meeting real needs, like having community, being appreciated, treating ourselves nicely, or having more control over our environment. If I have the urge to shop I try to step back and figure out what it is I really need and then I think of ways to get that instead of the new sweater.

Posted by anonymous on January 16, 2009 9:20 PM

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I still do impulse buys but ONLY if i have a coupon! Then I dont feel so bad

Posted by Jackie on January 17, 2009 2:00 AM

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I have a shoppers helper calculator I take with me to the store. It is programed to add tax. I add in my budgeted amount for that shopping trip. As I shop, I subtract my amount. When the total hits zero, I am done. If my list is not complete, I recheck my basket, which is time consuming. That I don't like, so it helps stop the impulse purchases. If an item is not on the list, I put it back and replace it with something on the list.

Most times, I find I complete my list with out all the impulse buys. Sometimes, I have a some money left over. If that happens, I put it back into the family funds to be used for another bill.

Posted by Jeannie on January 17, 2009 1:55 PM

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I keep telling myself "you don't need that" as I walk on by whatever has caught my eye.

Posted by barbara rhodes on January 17, 2009 2:01 PM

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This gathered elsewhere,sorry not to give credit.It's due and has helped me by keeping a copy in my wallet.

SPENDING RULES
I've renewed my determination to ask myself these questions before I bring anything of significance into this house:

Can I afford it?
Do I really need it?
Do I need it now?
Do I have something like it already?
Can I find a cheaper substitute?
Is this the best deal?

Walk Toward Simplicity
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Posted by Dianne on January 18, 2009 7:40 AM

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I try and run my errands on my lunch break..I am in a small time frame so I get in and get out without browsing around...same goes for after work. I want to be home not shopping...get in..get out!

I have a Amazon.com credit card and I get points towards gift certificates. I stash these so when I really want to treat myself to something...it's free!

Posted by Sloane on January 18, 2009 10:06 AM

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Whenever I want to buy something that wasn't on the list, I ask myself "would I still need this/be happy with this decision if I got laid off?" And in this economy, that takes care of any urge to buy anything not absolutely necessary.

Posted by anonymous on January 18, 2009 7:12 PM

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If I don't want to spend, I don't go into the store. This has allowed me to spend whole days at home, not using my car saves me gasoline, and I get to use all the things I've already bought. If I need something, I make a list. If the item stays on the list over time, I'll make sure to get the right price/right item when I do shop.

Posted by Sue on January 18, 2009 7:44 PM

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When I need a shopping "fix", I go online to my favorite sites. I put everything I like into the shopping cart and I mean everything. Price is not an object. I spend a good long time to make sure I didn't miss anything. Then when I get tired, I go to the checkout to find the total. I'm always shocked at the amount and then it's easy to leave the site before completing the purchase.

I get the fun rush of impulse buying, I'm entertained for an afternoon and it didn't cost me anything but some relaxation time doing what I love. It's like eating chocolate cake without the calories!

Posted by Rebecca on January 19, 2009 1:35 AM

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I have focused on eliminating the temptations that trigger impulse buys. I got myself removed from catalog mailing lists, now I don't "browse" at home.

Same thing for magazine subscriptions, which are loaded with ads for things I don't really need and in some cases didn't even know existed before seeing the ad.

Lastly, I record TV programs and then fast-forward through all the commercials. I'm a visual person, so the "out of sight, out of mind" method has really worked for me.

Posted by L.B. on January 19, 2009 10:04 AM

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is this a serious topic of discussion? don't go shopping! go outside and exercise. read a book. play with your kids. live. on a serious note.... if you really can't control the urge to shop, get professional help. i don't mean that in a snarky way, seriously think about therapy.

Posted by gregg on January 19, 2009 10:50 AM

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these are great ideas

Posted by Joan parkison on January 20, 2009 12:50 PM

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Great ideas here - I use a combination of several of the above...when I'm in a store if I like it and think I want it, it goes into the cart. I push around the cart long enough to keep looking at the item(s) to decide if I really want/need them. I usually put all or most back because at the same time I'm tallying up bills I have to pay, and know I really don't have any extra money and even if I did I like my savings account to grow! It drives my family crazy because then I'm running around putting stuff back when they want to check out, but I have to do what works for me!

Posted by anonymous on January 20, 2009 1:24 PM

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I curb impulse buying...

I quenched the urge to stop at fast food restaurants. The foods are high in fat and sugar and I remind myself that I have groceries at home.

I have stopped going to malls. When I have a bridal or baby shower to attend, I purchase the gift on the Internet or get a gift card. I don't pay for gas, am not tempted by store displays and I am timelier.

In the past I justified impulse buying at thrift stores because I could get allot more for the money over retail store purchases. I concluded that THERE ARE GREAT DEALS everywhere. Now I limit my shopping trips and only buy USEFUL ITEMS that IMPROVE MY WAY OF LIFE.

I remind myself that the more I bring home, the less home space I have to live in. I don't want to be old and broke with a house full of useless junk and dust.

I read in the Bible that God desires for us to be free and happy. If I am careful and wise with the money He provides for me, I will be free from the worry and stress of debt and clutter. I will have less to maintain and have more time to share with family and friends.

God has allot to say about making wise decisions. He gives me a peace that is greater than the impulse high brought on by shopping.

Posted by Barbara on January 23, 2009 4:57 AM

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I remind myself that I have five more like it or almost like it already at home.

Posted by juliett on January 23, 2009 5:21 PM

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Recycle the catalog before it even enters your house. If it has to enter the house, flip through and fold down the page of the item you like. Then bury it in a pile. When you uncover it, see if you can remember what you liked without opening the catalog. You probably won't be able to. If you are, perhaps use the method above of doing a shopping spree on that website and then closing it out when you see your total. I like that one!

Posted by Beth on January 23, 2009 5:56 PM

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What a great idea to have a bank account and save what you're 'not buying!' I love that idea and plan on implementing it. I'm not a big shopper but there's always room for improvement!
thanks!

Posted by Andrea on January 24, 2009 8:33 PM

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I go by the motto, "do I want it or do I need it"? And, I take my kids with me, helps me realize our family needs the money and I don't really need the sweater or vase. Its hard but you need to train yourself to walk away. I also take no cash with me and rely on my debit card. Believe it or not, that stops me also. I remember how much (or little) I have in my checking account and the next time I will get paid - that does the trick. Even better - stay home!! dont go shopping!! enjoy your time at home with your family!!! lol..Good luck..

Posted by Rana on January 24, 2009 9:27 PM

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I have decided to go back to the olden days of my youth (very olden!!) My mother would only make ONE trip a week to town. We made a list of the things we needed at the grocery store...she PLANNED A MENU for the coming week and created her shopping list from that menu.

When we went to town, we did everything we needed to do on that one day (ie: her hairdresser, laundry mat, trip to the library for us kids, etc.)

This not only saves gas, but cuts down on the opportunity for impulse buys. If we didn't have it in the house or forgot to buy it, we did without it until the next shopping day. (this taught us that you can survive quite well without instant gratification!)

This is working VERY well for my husband and me. It makes me have to be much more organized and that is good for me too.

Posted by Montana Mari on January 25, 2009 9:32 AM

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when i want to shop online i go to ebay and put a watch on all those lovely things i would like to buy-or think i have to have. then i look at the items and what they are selling for a couple times while they are on sale. then when they sell i congratulate myself for not buying them. its fun and its free. on the other hand,if there's something i really want to buy out of a catalog- or say,barnes and noble- i look for it on ebay and buy it for sometimes pennies on the dollar! :)

Posted by grammy vail on January 25, 2009 8:06 PM

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If I see something I want while walking thru a store, I take a close look and if still interested then tell myself I'll come back and buy it before I go home. I almost never do.

Posted by anonymous on January 31, 2009 6:28 PM

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I play a game with myself. I try to see how many days in a row I can go without spending any of my disposable income. This has helped me avoid numerous impulse purchases.

Also, I've learned, the hard way, to write down every penny of what I spend in a little notebook I carry with me.

Posted by Virgil Sweeney on February 07, 2009 6:20 PM

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I agree with L.B. Avoiding advertising helps me. If I don't know about all those fabulous, must-have things out there, I don't want them.

I also use the strategy mentioned above of putting things in the buggy that I think I want, then narrowing down to only the things I need or the one or two inexpensive things I want(I mean really inexpensive).

I avoid impulse buys with my five-year-old by reminding her before we go in a store what we are and are not buying on that particular trip. For example, before we go into Blockbuster (on the BOGO days for Rewards customers, of course), I always say, "Remember, we are only getting movies--no candy, no gum, no toys, right?"

Posted by anonymous on February 20, 2009 3:15 PM

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Rule #1: Shop as infrequently as possible. Being alone I can get away with shopping just once a month.

Rule #2: Separate the needs from the wants. I don't often indulge myself. There are so many wonderful things to purchase I'd be broke in no time at all!

Rule #3: Put all that money that you didn't spend into a savings account. When you really do need something you'll be able to purchase it. I enjoy watching my savings grow.

Posted by anonymous on February 24, 2009 12:20 AM

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Make a list before you go shopping. Bake your own bread. There's a good book called "Artisan bread in Five Minutes a Day", where you mix the dough one day and use it over the next two weeks. Get that book at the library.

Posted by Tammy on June 04, 2009 7:37 PM

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I LOVE THE POSTS ABOUT SHOPPING ONLINE AND PUTTING EVERYTHING IN A CART. I AM ON DIAL-UP CONNECTION AND IT TAKES SO LONG TO GET THROUGH THE PROCESS, SO BY THE TIME I GET TO THE CHECKOUT, I'M SO EXHAUSTED FROM LOOKING THAT I'M ABOUT TO FALL ASLEEP! THEN I JUST CLOSE IT OUT AND GO TO BED. I DON'T THINK TWICE ABOUT IT! I'M REALLY TRYING TO DO BETTER ABOUT IMPULSE SPENDING.

I'M TIRED OF TRYING TO LIVE A STEAK LIFE ON A VIENNA SAUSAGE BUDGET! HA! I LOVE ALL OF THESE TIPS! THEY HAVE REALLY HELPED ME. THANKS EVERYONE!!!

Posted by anonymous on July 22, 2009 9:51 PM

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