Caught in impulse-buying trap? Here's how to break free and save money
Illustrative photo: What to do about impulsive purchases (Freepik)
Buying "on emotion" isn't a problem if you budget for it correctly. The key is not to fight impulses but to learn how to manage them consciously, explains corporate and personal finance expert Elena Shepel in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.
How to manage impulsive spending
"I say you don't need to fight it. You need to take charge of it," the expert explains.
According to her, impulsive purchases should be part of your life - but you should allocate a separate section of your budget for them.
"Spending this money for in-the-moment pleasure is totally fine. Just keep track of how much you"ve already used from this category during the month," she advises.
Why we buy on impulse
Impulsive purchases often happen in the evening or at night - when we're tired and looking for a dopamine hit. Research shows that we get the most dopamine right before the purchase itself, Shepel says.
To avoid overspending on big-ticket items, the expert suggests following the 24-hour rule.
"If you want to buy something more expensive than a cup of coffee, take a 24-hour break. If you still want it after that - okay, go ahead and buy it," she explains.
Can you reward yourself with purchases?
It's absolutely normal to reward yourself, to indulge, and to bring yourself joy, the expert emphasizes.
However, it’s important to maintain a balance between three basic categories: income, expenses, and savings.
"If you received a larger amount of money and increased your savings, you can feel free to spend the rest," the specialist concludes.
