Money
How to stop impulse buying your way into debt
Impulse shopping might feel good in the moment, but your budget deserves to feel good too. Here's how to rein it in without sucking the joy out of your life.
By Bron Maxabella
You know that feeling when the parcel arrives and you have no idea what’s in it because you forgot you even ordered it? Welcome to the club: we meet weekly in our stretchy pants, usually while clicking “add to cart.”
For many of us, impulse buying is the one-night stand of shopping. All heat and excitement… until the regret kicks in. The sales are always so shiny, the marketing is genius and suddenly you’re the proud owner of a sushi maker (even though you barely tolerate rice).
Yes, at times it feels like you’re stuck on an Amazon warehouse conveyor belt, but panic not. If you really want to, you can stop impulse buying without giving up the thrill of spending. You just need to outsmart your own brain (and, I promise, yours is very smart). Here’s what you’re going to do.
1. Reconnect with your values (yes, really)
I know, I know. You came here to stop excessively buying shoes and now we’re talking life values. But bear with me because if you don’t know what truly matters to you, everything starts to feel like it matters. And that’s when impulse spending sneaks in wearing a discount sticker and whispering, “You deserve this.”
Aligning your spending with your values means making every dollar count toward the kind of life you actually want, not just the life a clever ad told you to want.
So, start by asking yourself:
- What do I care most about in life right now?
- What brings me lasting joy (not just a fizzy hit at the online checkout)?
- Where do I want my money to take me in five years? Ten?
Maybe you value freedom, family time, creativity, adventure or a sense of security. Once you know what’s most important to you, you can match your spending with your values. For example, if you value travel, put your spare cash towards a holiday, not random homewares you don’t remember buying. If your top value is health, your daily smoothie habit might be money well spent, but a $400 handbag? Perhaps not.
When your money choices reflect your true priorities, something amazing happens: you feel satisfied. Which means you don’t need to keep filling a bottomless pit of despair with scented candles or pet accessories (unless, you know, indulging your pet is on your list!).
2. Know the difference between “need” and “want”
Just because it’s ‘70% off’ doesn’t mean it belongs in your life. It might belong in someone’s life, but probably not yours.
Before you buy, ask:
- Do I already have something like this?
- Could I borrow it instead?
- Will I still love it next month?
- Would I pay full price for it?
If your answers make you pause (even just a little) it’s worth backing away from the checkout. Sometimes the space between want and need is just a moment of honesty.
3. Introduce a 48-hour cooling-off period
Impulse buying thrives on urgency. That’s why you need to put a big, beautiful pause between want and buy (plus, see above).
The rule is simple: if you see something you want, wait 48 hours. You can add it to your cart, if that makes you feel better, but you can’t click buy until the day after tomorrow. Chances are, the sparkle will fade and the rational part of your brain (the one that remembers your super balance is low but your credit card debt is high) will kick in.
Let it go. Another sale will come along, I promise – most likely next week. And your future self will be grateful you didn’t buy those LED-colour-changing flamingo drink coasters this time. But maybe next…
4. Avoid temptation like it’s your ex
Rule number 1: Unsubscribe from store emails. If you can’t see it, you won’t want it and that means you definitely won’t buy it.
Rule number 2: Stop “just browsing” at Kmart when you’re bored or stressed or down or… just don’t go to Kmart, okay? Seriously, would you hang out in a cake shop if you were trying to give up sugar?
Rule number 3: Keep a shopping list of things you actually need. (See point 2 above). If it’s not on the list, it doesn’t come home.
And remember, even your brain is wired to crave novelty, so swap your shopping habit with something that feels equally exciting, but doesn’t come with Afterpay. Maybe something like:
- Try a free online class: Learn to draw, dance, play ukulele or finally discover how Excel spreadsheets actually work. It’s all waiting for you via YouTube.
- Declutter and surprise yourself: It’s weirdly satisfying and you’ll probably find a bunch of stuff you forgot you owned (some likely with the tags still on). Like a brand-new candle or seven?
- Plan a ‘shop your wardrobe’ challenge: Pick a piece you haven’t worn in ages and style it three or more different ways. It's changing up your ‘fit... but free.
- Host a swap night with friends: Clothes, books, accessories, kitchen gadgets, pantry items – bring along what you don’t want and trade for someone else’s treasure.
- Create a “dream big” savings goal board: Visualise what you're saving for and make it so juicy (that trip! that reno! that feeling of being debt-free!) it outshines your next 101 impulse buys.
5. Try a no-spend challenge
Go on a buying detox with zero spending for a week or a month, whatever feels doable. Every time you almost buy something, write it down instead. Then add up how much you would have spent. I promise the feeling of smugness is worth way more than a mini airfryer, pair of jelly shoes or the latest must-have (for now) face cream.
It’s shocking and wildly satisfying. Bonus points if you stick the list on the fridge so your partner can also marvel at your restraint.
10 ways to buy nothing new:
- Borrow from a friend
- Use your local library
- Upcycle what you already own
- Repair it, don’t throw it
- Shop second-hand
- Regift (carefully)
- Visit a library of things
- Make your own gifts
- Use up what’s in the pantry
- Join a local freecycle group on Facebook
6. Give yourself guilt-free “mad money”
Deprivation doesn’t work. We’re adults, not toddlers – until you tell us we can’t have something, and suddenly we want it more than life itself.
So build a little “mad money” into your budget. That’s a guilt-free allowance to spend however you want, whenever you want. Whether that’s on books, coffee, plants, meals out or more books, it’s your call. Just don’t go over your spending limit each month – never, ever.
Oh, and mad money resets each month. So if you don’t spend it, it triumphantly marches back into your savings account like a little battle-weary soldier, ready to serve your bigger goals.
7. Get a spending baddie
If you’ve tried all the tricks and you’re still knee-deep in late-night purchases, it might be time for some tough love.
Ask someone you trust to hold you accountable by literally handing them your credit card. Your partner, best friend, your mum (she’ll keep it nice and judgmental); whoever you know won't cave when you say, “But it’s SUCH a bargain…”
A good spending baddie keeps you honest, calls you out (lovingly), and reminds you of your goals when you’re about to impulse-buy your fifth indoor plant for the month.
Buy less, live more?
Commit to all or some of the above and life will likely feel a lot less chaotic. You’ll have more money, but just as importantly, you’ll have less stuff.
Less clutter in your home, less noise in your head and less pressure to keep up with things that never really mattered in the first place. Instead, you should start to notice more space; financially, yes (and hallelujah to that), but also physically and mentally. We’re talking more space to focus on what truly brings you joy (spoiler: it’s rarely free shipping).
Feature image: iStock/Creative Credit
This article reflects the views and experience of the author and not necessarily the views of Citro. It contains general information only and is not intended to influence readers’ decisions about any financial products or investments. Readers’ personal circumstances have not been taken into account and they should always seek their own professional financial and taxation advice that takes into account their personal circumstances before making any financial decisions.
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