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Nobody Likes To Wait

In a world of easy one-click checkouts and instant gratification, it’s easy to blow money without thinking twice. It has never been easier to spend.

Whether you’re scrolling through Takealot or eyeing something in a physical store, shopping has become as much about emotion as actual need. It can be hard to know if we really want an item, or we have just been convinced we need it by crafty marketing people.

That’s where impulse control comes in, and it can make a big difference to your budget.

Hit Pause

So next time you find something that catches your eye at the shop, try pressing pause.

Add the item to your online basket, but don’t check out just yet. Close the app or website for the day (and don’t believe them when they say there are only 2 left in your size).

If you are at the mall and have seen something you like, make a note of the price and then walk away. Give it a day or two.

Often, you’ll find that the overwhelming need you had to have the item passes, and you realise you didn’t need the item after all. You may realise that it doesn’t actually match your style, it is priced too high or is not as good as a different option.

Waiting can put things in perspective.

If You Really Do Want it

If, after waiting, you find that the item is still on your mind and it works within your budget, then it’s likely a good purchase. Go for it!

You deserve nice things.

Delaying purchases for a little while can help you avoid the traps of clever marketing people and website designers, and help you to live within your means.  It can also help you avoid buyer’s remorse from impulse purchases.

Waiting a day or two also gives you additional time to compare prices, and check if there’s a better deal out there (or to realise the money could be better used elsewhere at the moment).

After all, the best bargains are the ones you don’t regret.