Struggling with Impulse Spending? Here’s how the 48-hour rule Can Help

Do you sometimes find yourself going through extreme phases of spending? Do you find yourself rationalizing yet another lipstick/ pair of shoes you bought but know you don’t need 🫣🫣🫣?

 As a fashion-loving girlie one of my biggest struggles (one I’m learning to manage) has been buying clothes on impulse. 

And the worst thing is while some look good in the moment, they end up sitting in my wardrobe because I didn’t like them that much after a while! 🤭🫣🫣🫣

The temptation to buy things on impulse purchases is an ever-present threat as a result of:

•  FOMO also known as fear of missing out 🤭: The pressure to act quickly for fear of losing an opportunity.
•   Stress and anxiety: Heightened emotions that cloud judgment and lead to rash purchases.
•     Instant gratification:   Our natural tendency to seek immediate rewards, even at the cost of long-term benefits.
•  Emotional spending: Buying to lift your mood, especially after a stressful day.
•  Social media influence: Algorithms that keep showing you tempting ads

 One of the ways to beat this through the 48-hour rule: wait two days before buying anything that isn't essential.

The 48-hour rule gives your brain the time it needs to shift from an emotional response to rational thinking.

This pause allows you to evaluate whether the purchase is truly necessary, helping you avoid buyer's remorse and save money in the long run. 

How to effectively use the 48-hour rule: 

  Identify your triggers

Recognize situations where you’re prone to impulsivity, such as high-stress environments or moments of emotional vulnerability.

 Create a wish list with the items you want to buy and put it away.  After 48 hours, revisit the list and assess whether the desire to buy still exists, you choose not to buy or buy at a later ate

 Set spending limits. Determine a monthly budget for discretionary spending and stick to it. This helps curb unnecessary expenses and encourages you to prioritize your financial goals, such as saving or building an emergency fund.

Harness technology to help you resist the impulse to buy. Consider using a budgeting app that categorizes your spending. By regularly reviewing these categories, you can identify patterns in your spending habits and adjust as needed.

 

👉 Have you ever tried waiting before buying something? 

 What difference did it make for you? 

 Share your experience in the comments: I’d love to hear!

 

By Martha Songa

miss.songa@gmail.com