Impulse purchases can really add up, translating into what you could have saved.

Admit it.  You&rsquove been there, standing in a long check-out line, waiting your eyes wander.  You can&rsquot help it&mdashproducts line the aisle, everything you need, things you forgot you needed, a snack.  Often times, our emotions contribute to unplanned purchases.  It&rsquos too easy to fall prey to purchases that are well intended, or that you think you need at the time, only to regret it later.  You may think, &ldquowhy in the world did I buy this&rdquo or &ldquoI shouldn&rsquot have spent the money.&rdquo  This may all ring even more true if you are having financial trouble or just not saving as much as you should be.  Here are some tips that can help you control your shopping impulse.

• Think twice.  Give yourself extra time when considering a purchase you weren&rsquot intending to bring home.
• Consider your wants vs. needs.  Most likely, it&rsquos a want.  You&rsquove survived without it, so continue.  Think about wanting to save money and what that can mean for your and your family.  You&rsquoll probably feel more satisfied if you just put the item back on the shelf.
• Make a list and stick to it.  Only purchase what you&rsquove put on your list, unless you really did forget something.  For school shopping, don&rsquot stray off the supplies list the teacher distributed&mdashyou&rsquoll end up with unnecessary and unused items.

• Make a rule of not purchasing anything form the check out line.  It&rsquos tempting to toss the magazine you&rsquove been reading into your cart, but, once again, you don&rsquot really need it.

• Decide how much money you can spend before you leave the house, and only take that amount in cash.  Leave your credit cards and checkbook at home. 
• Don&rsquot be fooled by clever marketing inside stores.  Signs such as &ldquotwo for one&rdquo and &ldquolimit three per person&rdquo are specially designed to help persuade shoppers to buy more.
• Be discriminating when it comes to a &ldquosale.&rdquo  It&rsquos not a good deal if you don&rsquot need it.
• Be realistic.  Sometimes we&rsquore too optimistic about cooking, for example, that you buy exotic ingredients you never end up using.  This same concept can be applied to many different purchases.

Impulse purchases can really add up, translating into what you could have saved.

About Christian Credit One, Inc.

Christian Credit One, Inc. is a national, non-profit Christian Credit Counseling  organization dedicated to helping consumers achieve financial wellness through Christian credit counseling and education. Established in 1994, Christian Credit One has helped over two million individuals achieve financial security. Christian Credit One is one of the top members of the American Association of Debt Management Organizations (AADMO), Christian Credit One manages clients across the country. Personalized and confidential consultations are available in person, by phone or online. Visit Christian Credit One or call 888-767-9155.

Greg McTaggart, Certified Credit Counselor with 22 years experience, licensed by AFCPE, Director of Christian Credit One and is an expert in budget and Christian credit counseling.  Having the combined experience as a licensed Real-estate salesman, Mortgage Broker, Real-estate Broker, Notary, Ace Member of the Cincinnati Credit Executives, Mortgage Assistance Counselor and Spokesperson of the radio talk show &ldquoThe Money Mentor&rdquo, Greg McTaggart is a qualified Christian Credit Counselor to help you.

Click Here to Schedule an Online Consultation with a Trained Counselor

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