Here are some tips to avoid impulse buying and save money:

– Make a shopping list before going to the store and stick to it. Only buy what’s on your list. This will help you avoid tossing extra items into your cart on a whim.

– Wait 24 hours before making a big purchase. This creates a “cooling off” period where the initial excitement wears off. Ask yourself if you still really need or want that item the next day.

– Avoid shopping when you’re hungry, bored or emotional. These states can lead to poor decision making and overspending.

– Be aware of sneaky marketing tactics that retailers use to trigger impulse buys – things like flashy sale signs, limited-time offers, buy one get one deals, etc. Remember, it’s not a deal if you don’t need the item.

– Avoid the temptation zone at the checkout aisle. This is filled with last-minute items they hope you’ll grab. Don’t fall for it!

– Pay with cash instead of cards. It’s psychologically more painful to part with physical money. Credit and debit cards make it easy to overspend.

– Unsubscribe from promotional emails from your favorite stores. The constant flow of discounts and deals can tempt you to buy stuff you don’t need.

– Focus on needs vs wants. Ask yourself if a purchase is filling a void or making your life significantly better. If not, leave it on the shelf.

– Institute a mandatory waiting period for expensive items. Take time to research options and sleep on the decision. The thrill often fades.

– Shop your own closet, pantry and storage first before buying new. You may already have duplicates of what you want to buy.

Sticking to these tips will help train your brain to resist impulse buys and make more mindful, money-saving shopping decisions.