How to trick your brain out of impulse spending

Ever found yourself clicking “Buy Now” before your brain catches up? You’re not alone. 88% of Brits make an impulse purchase at least once a month, and with the average person making 40 unplanned buys a year, that adds up to 2.4 billion items bought on a whim annually.

Impulse buying isn’t just a money issue, it’s a mindset one, too.

We all know the thrill of buying something shiny and new. But that rush is often followed by a pang of guilt, especially when the purchase wasn’t planned or truly needed. Over time, impulse spending can derail savings goals and stop us from affording the things that really matter.

Retailers know this, and they’re experts at triggering those impulsive urges! From flash sales like “Black Friday” to psychological tricks like “one-click” buying and limited-time offers, they create urgency and convenience that override our better judgment.

But the good news? With a few smart tweaks to your money habits, you can take back control. Here are some simple but powerful ways to outsmart your spending triggers.

Add a Delay

Impulse buys thrive on urgency. Break the cycle by building in a pause:

• Wait 24 hours (or even a week) before buying.
• Ask yourself: Do I really need this? Will I still want it later?
• If it’s still a "yes" after a few days, you can feel guilt-free and go for it.

You’ll enjoy the purchase more and avoid buyer’s remorse.

Create Friction

Retailers like Amazon and PayPal aim to make spending effortless with “one click” purchase options. You can fight back by adding small barriers:

• Disable “one-click” purchases on sites like Amazon.
• Delete saved payment details from browsers and apps.
• Keep your wallet or card in a different room when shopping online.

These small hurdles give your brain time to reconsider before you hit the “buy now” button.

Clear Out Your Cookies

Browsing a pair of shoes once shouldn’t mean seeing them 10 times a day for the next week. Those re-targeted ads you get on websites like Facebook wear down your willpower, don’t let them win.

• Regularly clear your cookies and browsing history.
• Use ad blockers to reduce temptation and distraction.

Out of sight…out of mind (and out of your basket!)

Don’t Trust the Hype

Just because one item is 50% off doesn’t mean everything is a good deal.

• Be wary of sales that create urgency, especially when retailers use countdown timers or “limited stock” claims.
• Shop around before clicking “checkout” to make sure you’re getting real value.

A £100 item reduced to £50 isn’t a £50 saving, it’s still £50 you have spent.

Get a Second Opinion

Take a friend shopping or even just message them for a second opinion before buying.

• Avoid friends who encourage overspending, and choose someone who’ll be honest with you.
• Explain your reasoning out loud. This small moment of reflection helps you pause and evaluate.

Or try writing down your purchases and reviewing them weekly. Seeing it all on paper can be a wake-up call.

Avoid Shopping on Low Energy

Decision fatigue is real. The more tired or distracted you are, the more impulsive your choices become.

• Don’t shop when you’re tired, stressed, or hungry.
• Avoid long browsing sessions, they wear down your self-control.

Shopping should be intentional, not something you fall into when your energy’s drained.

Final Thoughts

Retailers have psychology on their side, but now, so do you. With a few small habit shifts, you can dodge those impulsive buys and stay focused on what really matters financially.

Want more tips? Check out our blog on why impulse spending happens and how to change the habit from the inside out.