How I Control Impulsive Spending Habits – 8 Simple Tips

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Last Updated on January 16, 2023 by Bree

Are you one of those who spend impulsively?

And your money is usually finished before the month ends?

Do you own expensive bags but an empty bank account?

I used to be like that until I got my impulsive spending habits in order.

So in this post, I’ll show you 8 tips to control impulsive spending.

Let’s begin.

This post will show you 8 simple tips to control impulsive spending and save money.

8 Tips To control Impulsive Spending habits

1. Acknowledge that you have a habit of spending money impulsively

First of all, you need to acknowledge that you have a weakness for impulsive spending.

Once you know that spending money is becoming a problem, you will be ready to learn ways to help yourself.

So talk to yourself, recognize your problem, and seek ways to control it.

That’s the first step to controlling impulsive spending.

2. Avoid those places you tend to spend money the most

Another tip to control impulsive spending is to avoid the places you tend to spend the most.

Those things vary with everyone.

For me, it’s mostly clothes and shoes.

There were times when I spent my whole paycheck on clothes, shoes, etc. before the middle of the following month.

Then I’d go out looking good, but my bank account was red.

You know the items that make you hand out your credit or debit cards.

So try to keep your distance from them.

That’s one step in getting you closer to controlling your impulse spending habits.

It won’t be easy.

But it’s a step toward growing better spending habits.

3. Use the 50-30-20 budget plan to control impulsive spending habits

Make a budget plan using the 50-30-20 method to control your spending habits.

That is 50% of your income covers your needs, 30% covers your wants, and 20% goes into your savings.

This is a very smart way to control impulsive spending and get your money in order.

Read more about the 50/30/20 budgeting rule below.

The 50/30/20 Method Is Perfect if You’re on a Budget… but Still Have a Life.

4. Always shop with a shopping list to control impulsive spending

Shopping with a shopping list is another step to controlling impulsive spending.

At least from point #3, you have an idea of what your needs and wants are.

So as the days go by, add things you need to your shopping list.

And when you are ready to go shopping, you only have the important stuff on the list.

A shopping list may not always help you control impulsive spending, but it takes you a step closer.

And coupled with avoiding the things you tend to spend money on, it should work to a large extent.

I mean avoiding the aisles when you’re at the stores.

Because there is a high chance that you may pick up something that’s not on your shopping list if you go to that aisle.

5. Before you spend money on anything, sleep on it

I do this consciously and sometimes unconsciously.

Maybe it’s because I overthink everything.

Before entering your card digits and making a purchase, sleep on it.

Take your time and ask yourself if that item is worth the money you are about to spend.

Can you do without that item?

Are there more affordable options?

Are there other more useful things you can do with that money?

Do you have the extra money in your budget for that item?

These are questions you ask yourself before spending that money.

If that doesn’t work, ask your bestie, your partner, your parents, your pet, your neighbors, and coworkers…lol.

Just kidding!

Anyway, don’t be in a hurry to pay for something you may not have any need for.

Or without looking for cheaper alternatives.

6. Just because it’s on sale doesn’t mean you’re saving money

To control spending impulsively, you need to avoid sales sometimes.

Even if an item is on sale, it doesn’t mean you are saving money.

Yes, I understand when you shop during sales, you pay way less than the regular retail price.

But my point is you are still spending money.

And sometimes you are spending money you don’t have.

Or money that has been budgeted for a need.

However, you can keep your eyes and ears out for when a need is on sale.

Then that would be money spent wisely.

You may also enjoy these posts:

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13 Things You Need To Stop Buying To Save Money

7. Reward yourself sometimes

Controlling impulsive spending is not easy especially if you were never taught how to save in the first place.

So even as you are getting your money and budget in order, don’t forget to reward yourself.

I know of someone that sets $20 aside for little monthly spending.

Yours can be more or less.

But it should and would go a long way in learning good spending habits.

You may also love 5 Easy-peasy Tricks To Actually Save Money.

8. Spend cash instead

Another tip to impulsively control spending is using cash instead of your credit cards.

Use cash when grocery shopping, when hanging out with friends, etc.

The thing about spending cash is that you know exactly how much you have.

And can’t spend more than that.

So even if you see something you like, sorry babe, no money to pay for it.

*tongue out emoji*. lol.

Anyway, that’s it.

Let’s Wrap It Up!

So those are 8 smart tips to control impulsive spending.

Can we go over them again? Maybe.

1. Know you have a problem with spending money.
2. Avoid the places and things you spend your money on.
3. Work with a budget. Remember the 50-30-20 budgeting rule.
4. Make sure to shop with a shopping list.
5. Before spending money on an item, take your time, and sleep on it.
6. Sales do not necessarily mean you’re saving money.
7. Give yourself a reward, once in a while.
8. Use cash instead.

I hope these few tips help you cultivate better spending habits, get your money in order, and never be dead broke again.

Do you have any tips to stop spending impulsively?

Please share them with us.

Thanks for reading!

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