by Rachel Wood

Created on: April 09, 2009

We are all guilty of impulse spending and there's no harm in it on the odd occasion. It's when it starts happening on a regular basis and leaves you short of money that it becomes a problem. When you buy yourself something new it gives you a buzz and some people can get addicted to this. Hopefully this article will give some useful advice for how to cut back on impulse spending.

If you see something you like then don't buy it there and then. Instead give yourself two or three days before making a decision. Taking some time out may make you realise that you don't really want the item after all.

When you go out shopping only take cash with you. Leave all of your cards at home. That way you can't buy anything on credit or draw some more money out. Set yourself a limit on how much you are going to spend and only take enough money to cover it.

Make a list before you go out of everything you want to get and stick to it.

If you go out on shopping days because it's a social event then find something else to do with friends or family. If it's a nice day go to the park and have a picnic or just meet for a coffee, somewhere away from any shopping centres. Find something else to do which will involve you spending less money.

If there is something you want from a store that you visit on a regular basis don't stop to browse. Go in and go straight to the section containing the item you want. Pick it up, pay and leave. Not looking around will mean you are less likely to be tempted by something you weren't looking for.

Work out how much money you have coming in each month. Take from this all the important things that must be paid like rent, bills, credit card repayments. Whatever you are left with can be your "treat" money for the month. Use this for your impulse buying purchases but take care not to go over it.

Learning to say "no" and having the discipline to not buy yourself something you like can be very difficult. There is a difference between wanting and needing something and you must remember that if you want to cut back on impulse purchases. Ask your loved ones for help. They can go shopping with you and keep hold of your purse or stop you from buying something on the spur of the moment. We all deserve a treat sometimes and when you have worked hard for your money, it's only natural to want to spend it on yourself. However there are always more important things to pay for first.

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