SALT LAKE CITY \u2014 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\u2019t need. Financial expert Amanda Christensen said understanding the why behind these purchases is key to curbing the habit.<\/p>\n
Recognize the Emotional Triggers<\/p>\n
Christensen explained that impulse buys are often driven by emotion.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur brain\u2019s chasing a little hit of dopamine,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019re tired, we\u2019re stressed, and we often don\u2019t know that\u2019s the reason we\u2019re spending.\u201d<\/p>\n
Many may have the mentality that small purchases aren\u2019t a big deal, but Christensen explained that those numbers start to add up.<\/p>\n
\u201c\u200aResearch shows anywhere from 150 to $280 a month on unplanned or that frivolous, spontaneous spending,\u201d she emphasized. \u201cSo understanding why you\u2019re doing it as much as what you\u2019re spending money on is actually the key.\u201d<\/p>\n
Create a \u201cPause Point\u201d<\/p>\n
Christensen encouraged pausing and asking what emotion you\u2019re feeling before making a purchase. Find out what is driving the decision.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf it\u2019s boredom or stress \u200aor if it\u2019s habitual \u2026 then the idea is to create a pause point \u200awhere I stop,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201c\u200aI\u2019m replacing that habit with something that\u2019s maybe a little more beneficial to my budget,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Host Brooke Walker added that some of her friends purposely don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
Set a \u201cFun Money\u201d Budget<\/p>\n
Rather than giving yourself a hard \u201cno,\u201d Christensen recommended setting a \u201cfun money\u201d budget.<\/p>\n
\u201cSay I\u2019ve got 50 bucks this month and I\u2019m gonna spend it on whatever I want, whenever I want,\u201d she said. \u201cWhen it\u2019s gone, it\u2019s gone.\u201d<\/p>\n
She explained that this strategy gives you a boundary to follow. It allows the expression to happen within a healthy money boundary that doesn\u2019t ruin your savings goals.<\/p>\n
\u201c\u200aI\u2019m not trying to squash that personality,\u201d Christensen emphasized. \u201cSometimes that\u2019s how people show love to others.\u201d<\/p>\n
Use the 24-Hour Rule<\/p>\n
Christensen is a big fan of the 24-hour rule.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf I\u2019m seeing something, I\u2019m feeling influenced to buy something unplanned, I pause for 24 hours,\u201d she said. \u201cIf it still feels like something I want, then I go ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n
Understand Your Money Personality<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo I spend to celebrate or soothe? Do I avoid spending because it feels scary? Do I justify splurges as self-care?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n
Understanding your specific personality can help you build a budget that doesn\u2019t feel restrictive, but fulfilling.<\/p>\n
Master Your Money Mindset Workshop<\/p>\n
Friday, Nov. 14, 2025 in Salt Lake City Find more advice from Amanda Christensen at utahmoneymatters.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n Related stories:
Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in St. George
Sign up at utahmoneymatters.org<\/a><\/p>\n
3 Common Money Mistakes That Delay Retirement & How to Avoid Them<\/a>
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