Ever walked into a store to buy one thing but left with a bag full of stuff you don’t need?
Or scrolled through an online sale and ended up spending half your salary in five minutes?

Yeah, we’ve all been there.
Impulse spending is the silent killer of savings.
You don’t even realize it’s happening until you check your bank balance and think, “Wait… where did all my money go?”

But don’t worry. I’m going to show you how to control impulse spending so you can save more without feeling deprived.
Let’s fix this once and for all.

Why Do We Impulse Spend? (It’s Not Just You!)

First, let’s be real—spending feels good.
When you buy something new, your brain releases dopamine (a feel-good chemical).
That’s why shopping feels exciting, especially when you’re sad, stressed, or even just bored.

And businesses know this. That’s why they use tricks like:
✅ Limited-time discounts (Buy NOW or miss out!)
✅ Buy one, get one free (Why buy one when you can have two?)
✅ Flash sales & free shipping (Might as well buy more to save on shipping, right?)

Before you know it, you’ve spent thousands on things you didn’t even plan to buy.

But here’s the good news: Impulse spending is a habit—and habits can be changed.

How to Stop Impulse Spending (Without Feeling Miserable)

1. Follow the 24-Hour Rule

This is the simplest way to control impulse spending:
📌 If you want to buy something, wait 24 hours before making the purchase.

Why? Because most of the time, you’ll realize you don’t actually need it after the excitement wears off.

Try this next time you see something you really want.
Add it to your cart or wishlist, then wait 24 hours.
If you still feel it’s worth buying after a day, go ahead.
But most of the time, you’ll forget about it.

2. Use the “Needs vs. Wants” Test

Before buying something, ask yourself:
👉 Do I NEED this, or do I just WANT it?

  • Needs: Rent, groceries, electricity bill, transport, healthcare.
  • Wants: New phone (when the old one works fine), expensive coffee every day, fast food deliveries every night.

If it’s a need, buy it.
If it’s a want, think twice.

3. Set a Monthly “Fun Spending” Budget

Look, I get it—you can’t only save money. That’s boring. But you can set a limit for your fun spending.

💡 Example: If you earn PKR 50,000, you can set PKR 5,000 for fun spending (eating out, shopping, movies, etc.). Once that amount is gone, no more unnecessary spending for the month!

This way, you enjoy life without going broke.

4. Delete Saved Payment Methods & Shopping Apps

If you struggle with online impulse shopping, make it harder to buy things.

  • Delete shopping apps (Daraz, FoodPanda, Amazon—goodbye!)
  • Remove saved credit/debit card details from websites.
  • Unfollow brands that tempt you with new deals.

If you have to manually enter your card details every time you want to buy something, you’ll think twice before spending.

5. Start a “Saving Before Spending” Habit

Before you spend money on wants, put some into savings first.

Here’s a simple rule:
💰 Save 20% of your income before spending anything else.

If you earn PKR 50,000, put at least PKR 10,000 into savings before paying for anything else. When you see your savings grow, you’ll naturally feel less tempted to waste money.

6. Avoid Shopping When You’re Emotional

Feeling sad, bored, or stressed?
Don’t open your shopping apps.
Don’t go to the mall “just to look around.”

People spend the most money when they’re:
😞 Sad (Retail therapy)
😤 Stressed (“I deserve this!”)
😒 Bored (Shopping for fun)

Instead, do something that doesn’t cost money:

  • Go for a walk
  • Watch a movie
  • Call a friend

You’ll feel better without spending money you’ll regret later.

7. Set a Big Financial Goal (Something Exciting!)

The best way to control impulse spending is to give yourself a bigger reason to save.

Want to buy a car? Travel? Start a business? Write it down.
Whenever you feel the urge to impulse buy, remind yourself:
“Do I want this random thing, or do I want to reach my [BIG goal?]”

Goals > Temporary Wants.

Bonus: The “Cash-Only” Trick (Works Like Magic!)

If you REALLY struggle with impulse spending, try this:
💵 Withdraw your monthly budget in cash and use ONLY that.

  • No credit/debit cards.
  • No online payments.
  • No “buy now, pay later” traps.

When you physically see the money leave your hands, you’ll think 100 times before spending it. It’s a simple but powerful trick.

Final Thoughts – Spend Smart, Save More

You don’t have to stop spending completely—you just need to spend wisely.

  • Think before you buy.
  • Set a budget for fun spending.
  • Save before you spend.
  • Control emotional spending.

If you follow these tips, you’ll save more, stress less, and actually enjoy your money.
Because what’s the point of money if it’s always gone before the month ends?