SALT LAKE CITY — Impulse spending can be a big issue for a lot of people, especially during the holiday season. According to a study by The Columbian last holiday season, more than 50% of shoppers bought at least one item they didn’t need. Financial expert Amanda Christensen said understanding the why behind these purchases is key to curbing the habit.
Recognize the Emotional Triggers
Christensen explained that impulse buys are often driven by emotion.
“Our brain’s chasing a little hit of dopamine,” she said. “We’re tired, we’re stressed, and we often don’t know that’s the reason we’re spending.”
Many may have the mentality that small purchases aren’t a big deal, but Christensen explained that those numbers start to add up.
“ Research shows anywhere from 150 to $280 a month on unplanned or that frivolous, spontaneous spending,” she emphasized. “So understanding why you’re doing it as much as what you’re spending money on is actually the key.”
Create a “Pause Point”
Christensen encouraged pausing and asking what emotion you’re feeling before making a purchase. Find out what is driving the decision.
“If it’s boredom or stress or if it’s habitual … then the idea is to create a pause point where I stop,” she explained.
She suggested adding that item to a wish list or writing it down instead. She also recommended replacing shopping in that moment with something else entirely, like going for a walk or chatting with a friend.
“ I’m replacing that habit with something that’s maybe a little more beneficial to my budget,” she said.
Host Brooke Walker added that some of her friends purposely don’t memorize or save credit card numbers. That way, they have to get up and get the card which gives them time to think about the purchase.
Set a “Fun Money” Budget
Rather than giving yourself a hard “no,” Christensen recommended setting a “fun money” budget.
“Say I’ve got 50 bucks this month and I’m gonna spend it on whatever I want, whenever I want,” she said. “When it’s gone, it’s gone.”
She explained that this strategy gives you a boundary to follow. It allows the expression to happen within a healthy money boundary that doesn’t ruin your savings goals.
“ I’m not trying to squash that personality,” Christensen emphasized. “Sometimes that’s how people show love to others.”
Use the 24-Hour Rule
Christensen is a big fan of the 24-hour rule.
“If I’m seeing something, I’m feeling influenced to buy something unplanned, I pause for 24 hours,” she said. “If it still feels like something I want, then I go ahead.”
Understand Your Money Personality
Just as people have love languages, Christensen said they also have money personalities. Your personality will tell you why you do what you do in regards to spending.
“Do I spend to celebrate or soothe? Do I avoid spending because it feels scary? Do I justify splurges as self-care?” she asked.
Understanding your specific personality can help you build a budget that doesn’t feel restrictive, but fulfilling.
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Find more advice from Amanda Christensen at utahmoneymatters.org.
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