We’ve all been there—you walk into a store for one thing and leave with a bag full of items you weren't expecting to get. Buying on impulse is one of the biggest barriers to accumulating wealth, and it can quickly derail your money goals if you’re not careful. The good news is that overcoming spontaneous purchases is possible, and with a little self-control and a few helpful tricks, you can start saving more money and making wiser spending decisions. The key is to identify the triggers behind your spending and swap those tendencies with positive, money-saving behaviours.

The first step to stopping spontaneous purchases is to set up a spending plan and stick to it. Knowing exactly how much money you have allocated for extras each month can help you resist the urge to purchase items impulsively. When you see something you are tempted to purchase, give yourself a cooling-off period—give it a day before deciding to buy. This gives you time to assess whether you really need the item or if it’s just an urge. Usually, you’ll find that the want to spend lessens, and you’ll keep your money in your pocket.

Another great tip is to limit your exposure to temptation. If buying online is your downfall, remove yourself from mailing lists and remove saved payment details from your favourite shopping websites. If you tend to spend saving money tips for women impulsively in person, shop without credit cards and use only cash. By creating barriers to spending, you’ll have more time to think about your purchases and avoid succumbing to spontaneous purchases. Changing your spending habits may take time, but the eventual payoffs—greater savings and less financial stress—are well worth the effort.