Most of the time impulsive shopping is associated with spoiling yourself but there is definitely a difference, same as impulsive and compulsive is not the same.
According to The Economic Time, impulsive shopping is the tendency of a customer that buys goods and services without planning in advance. When a customer takes such buying decisions at the spur of the moment, it is usually triggered by emotions and feelings.
Ever just carefully thinking about something you purchase, whether you’re buying it because it’s on sale or you just want it for no particular reason? Real Simple Blog sees this person as someone who has issues with self-esteem, sadness or boredom. If you happen to be an impulsive shopper, it’s time to ask yourself why?
However, if you wish to change your ways, here is how you can do it:
Stop immediate buying
Have yourself a mental checklist:
- Do you urgently need this?
- Can you afford it?
- Is this not frivolous spending?
Give yourself time to think about the purchase, Alexandra Emery, a licensed practicing psychologist says giving yourself 24 hours before buying something gives you a change to think about whether you still want or can afford it.
Stick to a budget and savings
Start with the important things you have to pay for like, your house bond, car payment, groceries and other essentials, then with whatever is left put some in a savings account and after that then see if you can afford to buy something you don’t need but want.
Allow for healthy spending
When making your budget leave room for flexible spending, as noted by many “you work too hard to be strict with your money” splurging once in a while motivates you to save and enjoy some of your hard work.
Allowing yourself to have that “fun budget” will help you see that impulsive shopping is not the same as spoiling yourself, says Alexandra.
Take accountability
Find someone who will hold you accountable for your spending ways, some people might find shame in sharing their finance burdens with other people, but what you need is just someone you can talk to when you feel the urge to shop.
Some people view impulsive shopping as a careless expenditure but some people probably do it and not even know they’re impulsive shoppers.
