She Strengthens

Mastering the Art of Self-Control: 15 Women Share Their Secrets to Curbing Impulse Spending

As someone who’s prone to buying okra chips and yogurt-covered pretzels on a whim, I know how hard it can be to resist the temptation of impulse purchases. Whether it’s a fancy snack or a trendy outfit, we’ve all been there – and it’s not just limited to online shopping. But the good news is that there are ways to overcome this habit, and I’ve gathered insights from 15 women who’ve successfully curbed their impulse spending.

Avoiding Temptation

For Katie, the key is to simply avoid shopping altogether. By sticking to a strict list and skipping social trips to the mall, she’s able to sidestep the temptation of impulse buys. Similarly, Etinosa keeps a list of “dream” purchases and regularly reviews it to ensure she’s not buying on a whim.

Cash Control

Jessica and Kendra swear by the power of cash. By leaving credit cards at home and using cash for daily expenses, they’re able to stick to their budgets and avoid overspending. Laura takes it a step further by limiting her spending to cash or debit cards, forcing her to prioritize her purchases.

Tracking Expenses

Neeharika credits her Excel sheet for helping her track even the smallest expenses, giving her a clear picture of where her money is going. This level of accountability has helped her curb frivolous spending.

Online Shopping Strategies

Eva has a clever trick for online shopping: she closes her tab after adding items to her cart, forcing herself to wait a day before making a purchase. This helps her determine whether the item is truly necessary. Natalia takes a more drastic approach, unsubscribing from store emails and notifications to avoid temptation.

Accountability Partners

Farah finds that grocery shopping with a buddy or significant other helps her stay on track, as they can hold her accountable for her purchases. Rose takes a different approach, making sure no website has her credit card information on file, forcing her to think twice before making an impulsive purchase.

Mindset Shifts

For some, it’s about shifting their mindset. Anum learned the hard way that buying clothes wasn’t worth the financial burden, while Jenna’s month-long shopping ban helped her see the value in avoiding impulse purchases. Elizabeth’s experience living off her emergency fund showed her that she could comfortably live without impulse spending.

Prioritizing Needs Over Wants

Samantha keeps a list of essential items on her phone, using it as a reminder of what she truly needs. Rachel’s clever trick of taking out small chunks of cash from her account helps her prioritize her spending.

By adopting these strategies, you too can master the art of self-control and curb your impulse spending. Remember, it’s all about finding what works best for you and sticking to it.