How to Resist an Impulse Buy

We all have the following: savings goals, budgets, and, at times, little to no self control. Here is a quick "how to" to get the latter in line!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Patience
• Granola Bar
• Excellent Reasoning Skills

1. FIND. Zero in on your desire. You're want to splurge on a piece of chocolate cake, the hot new boots you pass on your way to work, or the "Oh my god, so perfect!" air freshener shaped like a duck conveniently placed next to the cash register. Isolate your lust factor! Be specific. Find what it is you desperately lust for, but don't actually WANT.
2. FIRST TACTIC: Eat something. Yes, really! Carry a granola bar in your bag for just this purpose. On diets, you tend to splurge because you're hungry. When shopping, if you're hungry you'll buy more AND less prudently. ADDITIONALLY, when you're on a diet (exercising self control in one arena of your life) your ability to control other aspects diminishes. Self control, apparently, is like a loaf of bread, and you only have so much to dole out. So grab a fibrous snack!
3. TACTIC TWO: WALK AWAY. You've heard it before, but think about it--do you know WHY supermarkets stack the cash registers with stuff? You're more likely to buy it if you're not carrying it around, looking at it, considering it's usefulness and cost. The less you think, the more you buy. So take another stroll around the outlet mall and reconsider the lust boots! And not just inside the same store--walk outside, away, get physical perspective and see if you're still dying for the shoes.
4. TACTIC THREE: EXPLAIN! Pretend your best friend (or mother, whoever is harsher) is beside you, demanding, "Well, when will you actually wear gold leaf pumps? I don't think they go with anything you own. Why do you REALLY want to buy that purse, because frankly I think it's about your frustration at work." Friends and mothers make you face facts and question why you really want to blow your bonus on material things instead of paying off debt, saving for a car/house, or whatever your savings goals may be.
5. TACTIC FOUR: LET IT BREATHE. Like a good wine, sometimes you need a little air. If this is a real break-the-bank purchase, it deserves some time to think about it. Come back to the store in a day or two, sleep on it, crunch some numbers (I love to crunch!) and make a calm, informed decision.
6. TACTIC FIVE: WEIGH THE COST. How far will this throw off your savings plan? How much of a wrench will it throw in the gears of your goals? Will it max out a credit card (VERY BAD)? Is this going to blow your entire budget, and if so--is it really, truly worth it?
7. REASSESS. How do you feel now? If you still want it, go for it. It's not about depriving yourself or teaching yourself how to live without--it's about discovering what you actually want, what's actually important. Nine times out of ten, you're going to choose to save, pay off debt, what have you. But every now and again, even I need a pair of sinfully warm Ugg boots. ;-)

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, have moderation in all things--including moderation.
• Always be honest with yourself, especially concerning finances.
• Ladies out there, you are the guiltiest of all! Women are more likely to have debt and higher interest rates than men, so be careful! Protect your credit score with your life.