How do I stop spending money impulsively?

Stop impulsive spending by adding friction, setting guardrails, and spotting your triggers.

Start today

• Use the 24-hour rule for non-essentials; longer for bigger purchases.
• Delete saved cards from shopping sites, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and your browser.
• Unsubscribe from retailer emails and delete shopping apps.

Make spending harder

• Automate savings so money leaves your checking account on payday.
• Give yourself a fixed fun-money allowance each month.
• Convert prices into hours worked before buying: “Is this worth 5 hours of work?”

Deal with triggers

• Notice if you spend when you’re stressed, bored, lonely, or tired.
• Replace the habit with a free action: walk, call a friend, stretch, or leave the app.
• If certain people or places push you to spend, choose cheaper hangouts.

The key is to make impulse buys slower, rarer, and less automatic.