5 Signs You're An Impulsive Spender and How To Stop

We all know how good impulse buying can feel...at least in the short term. It can be something that helps to lift our moods after a bad day. Some people are not even aware that they are an impulse spender, and that the behaviour is having a negative impact on their financial wellbeing. Uncontrolled impulsive spending can lead to poor budget management and potentially even push people into debt. Let's dig into some signs that might indicate you are an impulse spender and some tips to help curb it.

What is impulse spending?

To put it simply, impulse spending is buying something you want, that you didn't plan for. It's a "spur of the moment" decision made with very little thought or consideration. Think about those times at the supermarket when you're hungry and buy those extra snacks. Or those random sales you see online, and you just can't help but click 'buy'. Those moments where you know you're breaking your budget but just decide to "forget the budget".

5 Signs You're an Impulse Spender

You use shopping as a way of lifting your mood
If you find yourself looking around the shops or online window shopping when you feel low, you may be using the buzz of shopping as a way of managing your emotions. You've heard the phrase "retail therapy" and sometimes that is exactly how people behave.

This can lead to some pretty negative behaviours and addictions, such as compulsive shopping. It's important that we are self aware of unhealthy habits and behaviours that are driven by emotion.

You are trying to keep up with your peers
You just visited your friend’s new home and noticed they have the latest tech gadgets—everything from smart speakers to automated vacuum cleaners. Now, you’re adding a smart thermostat, a voice-controlled assistant, and a robotic mop to your cart—but, hold on, you don’t even like dealing with high-tech devices.

If you find yourself caught in a cycle of competitive shopping, pause and reflect. It's perfectly fine to draw inspiration from others, but if you're purchasing items solely to "keep up with the Joneses," it's time to reassess. No matter how many state-of-the-art gadgets you accumulate, someone will always have a more advanced collection. Someone will always seem to have a more stylish wardrobe, the perfect patio furniture (why is it always about patio sets?), and the list goes on!

You shop to stop feeling bored
This one is similar to emotional shopping, in that we are using shopping and the buzz of buying things to feel different. If you find yourself feeling bored, and picking up your phone to window shop then you might be using it as entertainment. Of course this can lead to a very expensive habit. It might be worth finding other hobbies that can entertain you without costing the world.

You own way too much stuff
Feel like you're just one more gadget away from being featured on an episode of Hoarders? We've all had those moments where we pick up an item in a store, show it to a friend, only for them to point out, "You're already wearing the same thing." As creatures of habit, we find comfort in familiar items, leading to closets that resemble Mr. Rogers’s—full of the same thing in different colours. Similarly, you might use shopping as a way to "prep" for countless future scenarios. But here’s the thing: you don’t need everything right now.

If you find yourself repeatedly buying the same things, ask yourself, "Do I need this today or tomorrow?" If the answer is no, try holding off. This simple question can help curb unnecessary purchases and prevent your home from turning into a storage unit for redundant items.

Your spending is impacting your finances
When stress and anxiety push you to overspend, it can become a vicious cycle that only amplifies your financial worries. The wake-up call usually comes when you see the hit to your bank balance. The last thing you want is for your quest for comfort to snowball into debt.

If you're dreading the moment you have to review your credit card statement, it's a clear sign that your spending habits need attention. Here's a practical exercise to help you reassess: Print out your bank statements from the past few months. Mark all the non-essential and frivolous purchases. Calculate the total amount spent on these items.

Now, envision having that sum still in your bank account—or even better, growing in your savings account. This exercise can be a powerful motivator to rethink your spending patterns and make more mindful financial decisions, ultimately reducing your stress and anxiety.

How Retailers Pray on Impulse Spenders

It’s no surprise that we often make spontaneous purchases. Retailers know exactly how to set up their stores and websites to trigger our emotions and keep us buying more. Here’s a look at how retailers make sure we spend more than we planned.

How Physical Stores Encourage Impulse Buying

If you’ve ever been to a store like Abercrombie + Fitch, you know how loud music and strong scents can create an unforgettable shopping experience. This is no accident. Stores use these tactics to keep you engaged and encourage more spending.

Here are some other ways brick-and-mortar stores get you to buy on impulse:

• Bright, eye-catching signs
• Inviting store layouts
• Creating positive feelings with brands
• Tempting items at checkout
• Discounts and special offers

How Online Retailers Encourage Impulse Buying

If you prefer shopping online, you might notice a few common strategies designed to lure you into buying:

• Limited-time or limited-quantity offers
• Targeted emails
• Ads tailored to your interests on social media
• Influencer recommendations
• Emails reminding you about abandoned carts
• Free shipping offers

Online retailers use these techniques to keep you coming back and buying more, even showing you ads for things you’ve already bought.

5 Ways to Stop Impulse Spending

It's easy to get caught up in impulse buying, whether you're shopping online or in person. While treating yourself can be enjoyable, it's important to find ways to manage your spending so you don’t go overboard. Here are some simple strategies to help you stay on track with your budget.

Avoid Common Triggers
I found that cutting out my biggest shopping triggers made a huge difference. For me, that meant unfollowing or muting my favourite brands and retailers on social media. Here are some other ways to reduce temptation:

• Unsubscribe from promotional emails.
• Unfollow influencers who tempt you to buy.
• Clear your browser cookies to remove saved ads.
• Delete saved credit card information from your browser and phone.
• Block access to your favourite shopping sites, even if just temporarily.
• Remove online shopping apps from your phone.

Set Up “Fun” Budgets
Retail therapy can be effective, but it’s best to plan for it. Set aside a specific amount of money for fun purchases. If you don’t use it, you can save it or roll it over into something else, like a holiday fund. By budgeting for fun while staying within your means, you can enjoy your spending without falling into debt.

Save for Bigger Purchases
When I realised I was spending on impulse, I started saving up for larger items instead of buying them on a whim. If you see something you want, make a plan to save for it over the next few weeks. If you can’t wait that long, you probably don’t need it. Plus, during the saving period, you might decide you don’t want the item anymore or find it on sale.

Wait 24-48 Hours
Next time you feel the urge to buy something impulsively, take a break. If you still want the item after 24 to 48 hours, consider purchasing it. Often, you’ll forget about it, and if you don’t, you’ve had time to think it through. Be cautious of “limited-time” offers—they’re designed to make you buy now, not to help you make the best choice.

Try No-Spend Challenges
Building new habits can be easier with a structured challenge. Try setting a “no-spend” period, like a day, week, or month, to break the cycle of mindless shopping. Create your own rules and set small penalties for breaking them, similar to a swear jar. No-spend challenges can help you reassess your spending habits and find new activities to enjoy without the urge to shop.

By using these strategies, you can better manage your spending and make more thoughtful purchases.