Things You'll Need:
- A plan for when you are out shopping.
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Step 1
Always use the "I will buy it next time I'm in this store" rule. This has saved me thousands of dollars. Many times I go home and realize I already have a similar item at home or I just don't want the item.
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Step 2
Always buy from a list. Never buy while browsing. If you really need to have the item, do the rest of your shopping first then go back if you still want to and use step number one.
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Step 3
Have a trustworthy friend on stand-by whom you can call when tempted to buy something impulsively. Have your friend ask you questions like, "Do you really need to buy this now? Come back next week and take another look."
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Step 4
Keep a spending log. You will become more accountable to yourself. Make sure to review your log on a regular basis whether it's once a day or once a week.
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Step 5
Have a long-term financial plan in writing and on your computer. Review it every week or at the very least once a month.
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Step 6
Many people use cash to pay for everything. Bringing a limited amount of money with you keeps you on target with your money. You will also avoid running up your credit card bills.
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Step 7
Make sure you have had a full meal before venturing out to the stores. Studies show that people who shop while hungry have more of a tendency to purchase extra treats they normally would not buy.
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Step 8
If you receive catalogs from stores, stop looking through them. Call the company and have them remove you from their mailing list. Get rid of the ones you have. If companies you shop with send you emails, send them to your spam mail.
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Step 9
You may be impulse shopping to avoid feelings you don't want to deal with. Make a list of what bothers you. Go to support groups and share your feelings. There is a link for debtor's anonymous in the resource section at the bottom of this article.
Comments
vallain said
on 1/25/2009 I think many Americans need this advice about stopping impulse buying. We've been on a binge and need to stop cold turkey.