Impulse Spending? Here’s How I Keep It in Check

 

We’ve all been there. You open your banking app and think, Wait, where did all my money go? For me, impulse spending used to be the biggest culprit — a random snack here, an online sale there, and suddenly, I was broke again before the month even ended.

If you're trying to save or stick to a budget, here's how I learned to keep those impulse buys in check — without feeling deprived.

1. The 24-Hour Rule (It Actually Works)

Whenever I feel the urge to buy something that’s not essential, I pause. I give myself 24 hours to think about it. Most of the time, I forget about the item or realize I don’t need it.

Why it helps:

• Stops you from spending out of emotion or boredom

• Gives your brain a chance to reset

• Helps you spend with intention instead of regret

2. I Track What I Spend (Even the Small Stuff)

I used to ignore little things like snacks or random online buys — but they added up. Now, I jot down every expense, no matter how small, in a simple Google Sheet or my Notes app.

What I noticed:

• Patterns (like late-night scrolling = spending)

• Categories where I overspend most (food and skincare, for me)

• How much I actually spend on “small” stuff in a week

3. I Set a ‘Fun Money’ Limit

Instead of trying to cut out all spending, I give myself a weekly allowance for non-essentials. Knowing I have a set amount for fun things helps me enjoy spending — without guilt or surprises.

Example:
If I budget $15–20 per week for treats or small extras, I get to enjoy them without messing up my overall budget.

4. I Unfollow Temptation Triggers

This sounds small, but unfollowing certain brands or influencers helped a lot. Constant “sale alerts” and product hauls used to make me feel like I needed stuff I hadn’t even thought about 5 minutes earlier.

Now, my feed is more chill, and I spend less without even trying.

5. I Ask Myself One Question: Will I Still Want This in a Week?

It’s a simple mindset shift. Before buying something, I ask: Will I care about this next week? Will it actually improve my day-to-day life?

If the answer is no or “not sure,” I skip it. And 9 times out of 10, I don’t miss it.

Final Thoughts

Impulse spending isn’t always about being careless — sometimes it’s just habit, stress, or trying to get a quick mood boost. But when you start noticing those patterns, it becomes easier to take back control.

You don’t have to give up every treat — just be a little more intentional. Your future self (and your bank account) will thank you.