Everyone’s done it—you pop into a shop for one thing and end up leaving with a bunch of things you weren't expecting to get. Impulse spending is one of the major obstacles to accumulating wealth, and it can sabotage your financial plans if you’re not careful. The good news is that overcoming spontaneous purchases is possible, and with a little focus and a few practical tips, you can start saving more money and making smarter financial decisions. The key is to identify the triggers behind your spending and shift those behaviors with healthier financial practices.

The first step to curbing impulse spending is to set up a spending plan and adhere to it. Knowing exactly how much money you have allocated for extras financial advice each month can help you fight the temptation to purchase items impulsively. When you see something you feel like buying, take a break—wait 24 hours before making a purchase. This gives you time to evaluate whether you truly want it or if it’s just an unnecessary desire. In most cases, you’ll find that the urge to purchase disappears, and you’ll avoid spending money needlessly.

Another great tip is to limit your exposure to temptation. If internet shopping is your challenge, opt out of marketing emails and delete stored payment info from your favourite retail sites. If you tend to buy without thinking in person, avoid bringing your credit cards and shop with cash instead. By putting limits on your ability to spend, you’ll have more time to evaluate your choices and avoid getting caught in impulsive buying habits. Breaking the habit may take time, but the benefits over time—more savings and lower money worries—are well worth the effort.