How to stop impulsive shopping

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What is impulsive shopping?

Most of us are guilty of being impulsive shoppers. After all, its so easy when everything is just a few taps away! I am guilty of shopping to cheer myself up if I have had a bad day or I am feeling low. Your brain actually gets a hit of dopamine - which is that surge of happy feeling you get when you achieve something, work out or shop! I have ADHD, so my brain craves those quick dopamine hits. 

Impulsive shopping is when you buy something you weren't planning too. It is so easy to do, with facebook ads and TikTok shop it has never been easier. It was only last week I saw a TikTok video on rosemary hair oil... 10 seconds later I had ordered it and 24 hours later it had arrived at my door. Have I used it yet? no.... It was an impulse purchase and my brain got a hit of dopamine when I hit buy! That is how shopping can become so addictive!

How can I stop myself impulse buying?

Something I started doing recently, which has really helped limit my spending, is to create a 'want' list. This is especially helpful to fight the spending urge during a no spend month! It is simply a list on my notes of things I want to purchase. Instead of hitting spend I add it to my list. 9/10 I end up removing it as the dopamine wears off and I am relieved I didn't actually buy it! Plus, when I do have some extra money to spend, I can prioritise my spending and know that it is actually going on something I really want! 

What goes on my WANT list?

Everything and anything! I have a few separate want lists - for the house, for me, for my son... you can categorise your want list! If you have sinking funds, you can then allocate those funds to areas of your want list. 

What happens when I need to buy something?

I am currently doing No Spend January, so my current mindset is not to spend at all. But of course, sometimes its important to treat yourself and thats totally okay! However, if you do decide to make your purchase then make sure you are getting a good deal! Keep an eye on ebay, facebook marketplace and vinted to get a good second hand deal. Or make sure you are using a coupon code or a cashback app if you are buying new! Plus, thats a big old dopamine hit if you manage to save some money on a big purchase! 

Another top tip is to add the item to your basket, go to purchase it by typing in your email and then exit the tab. Within 24 -48 hours you will more than likely get an email about saving your basket with a nice discount code alongside it! 

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