Impulse Buying Checklist: 8 Questions That Stop You From Buying
Your finger is on the "buy" button. Your heart is racing a little. Your brain is already imagining how great this product will make you feel.
This is the moment that matters.
In the next 60 seconds, you'll either click buy or walk away. And the difference between impulse spending and mindful spending is literally just pausing for a checklist.
The 8-Question Impulse Buying Checklist
Question 1: Do I Need This, or Do I Want This?
Honestly answer.
Need = something required for function or safety. Want = something that feels good to imagine but isn't necessary.
If it's a want, move to question 2. If it's a need and you don't already own it, that's not impulse buying—that's shopping. You're fine.
Question 2: Will I Use This in 30 Days?
Put the item away in your mind. Imagine it a month from now.
Will you actually use it? Or will it sit in a closet/drawer/garage gathering dust?
Be brutally honest.
Question 3: Is This Price a Deal, or Just Affordable?
There's a difference.
A deal is: "This is normally $100, and it's $60." You'd have already wanted it at full price.
Just affordable is: "I have the money, so I can buy it." That's not the same thing.
If it's just affordable, you're being sold by the availability of funds, not by the value of the item.
Question 4: Am I Buying Because of an Emotion Right Now?
Check in with yourself:
- Am I stressed/anxious?
- Am I bored/restless?
- Am I sad/lonely?
- Am I nervous/insecure?
- Did I just have a conflict with someone?
If yes to any, close the browser. Do not buy.
Wait until you're emotionally neutral. The desire usually fades by then.
Question 5: Would I Buy This If It Was Full Price, Not On Sale?
Sales create urgency. Urgency bypasses rational thinking.
Remove the time pressure in your mind. Would you still want it?
If not, the sale is doing the selling. Not the product.
Question 6: Have I Wanted This for More Than One Week?
Real wants stick around.
Impulses are momentary. If you saw it today and suddenly want it today, that's impulse.
If you've wanted it for weeks, that's desire. That's stronger. That's worth considering.
Question 7: Am I Comparing Myself to Someone Else Right Now?
Did you see someone on Instagram with this, or something like it?
Did a friend just get this?
Are you trying to be like them, or be cool, or fit in?
That's FOMO talking. Not your authentic want.
Question 8: Can I Borrow or Buy Used First?
Do you know anyone who owns this?
Is there a used version available?
Can you rent it instead?
Buying new should be your last option, not your first reflex.
The Verdict: How to Score Yourself
If you answered "YES" to ANY of these, do not buy:
- Question 4 (emotional buying)
- Question 7 (FOMO/comparison)
If you answered "NO" to ANY of these, reconsider:
- Question 1 (it's not a need)
- Question 2 (you won't use it)
- Question 5 (sale is doing the selling)
- Question 6 (it's a fleeting impulse)
If you passed ALL questions—go ahead. That's not an impulse buy. That's an intentional purchase.
Make It Easy to Use
Don't memorize these. Save them:
- Screenshot this list
- Add it to your phone notes
- Print it out and keep it near your laptop
The easier it is to access, the more you'll actually use it.
Track Your Wins
Every time you use this checklist and choose NOT to buy, log it. Whether in a calendar, a notes app, or an app that tracks your no-spend days.
Seeing the number of impulses you've prevented is incredibly motivating. And motivation makes it stick.