Impulse buying
Training 65 minutesimpulse buying
You are 42, a warehouse manager. By day everything is under control, by night it is your phone and "last chance" sales. At month end the card is $200 short, though nothing big was bought.
Training goal: Buy on decisions, not impulses
▶ Play this trainingSituation
- Add to a wishlist, come back in 48 hours
- Buy them, you save $80
- Buy and return if you do not like them
- Leave it, it is convenient
- Delete saved cards from the stores
- Set a $1,000 monthly card limit
- Take three, I will use them up anyway
- Take one at the regular price
- Take three plus a balm at the checkout
- Browse the store, just looking
- Go for a 20-minute walk and call a friend
- Order food and a couple of things for $40
What you will learn
- The 48-hour rule cools most impulses
- An extra step before paying cuts spontaneous buys
- Do not treat stress and fatigue with shopping
Your real-life step
Remove your saved card from the two stores you buy from most. Start a wishlist with the date each item was added.
Questions and answers
How do I stop impulse buying?
The 48-hour rule, a shopping list, removing saved cards and unsubscribing from store emails all work. The key is a pause between wanting and paying.
Why do people impulse buy?
Buying gives a quick dopamine hit. Stores amplify it with timers, discounts and one-tap checkout, especially when you are tired or upset.
What is the 48-hour rule?
Before any unplanned purchase, wait two days. If you still want it and it fits your budget, buy it.
More trainings in this module
- What money really is
- Assets vs liabilities
- Personal cash flow
- Needs vs wants
- SMART money goals
- The "earn more, spend more" trap
Numbers are illustrative. A game, not financial advice.