7 ways to resist impulse spending during sales season

Looking for practical ways to avoid impulse buying during Black Friday, Boxing Day and beyond? You’re in the right place. 

When the Elf on the Shelf demands his own wardrobe budget, and a simple weeknight dinner comes with the pressure to buy a host’s gift, it’s no surprise that costs can snowball (pun intended).

But you don’t have to swear off shopping altogether. Together, we’ll explore small habit shifts that could help you resist the hype and enjoy a calmer sales season. Things like:

1. Pausing before buying
2. Planning a buy nothing day
3. Making the most of what you already own 
4. Making second-hand your first choice
5. Reclaiming your attention with a digital detox 
6. Learning how to spot retailer tricks during sales season
7. Swapping Buy Now, Pay Later for Save Now, Buy Later

By learning how to shop with your eyes open, you can protect your money and feel good about where it’s going. So let’s reclaim festive joy and make sure you’re spending on the things that matter to you, not the algorithm.

7 practical ways to resist impulse spending during sales season

1. Notice the nudge, and pause anyway

When trend cycles move faster than ever, pausing is a powerful way to reclaim control. 

Here are three mindful-spending techniques to try:   

• Noting: Label the urge before you act. Finish the sentence, “I want to buy this because…”
• Waiting: The 24-hour rule could help you sit-tight, and sense-check your purchase
• Questioning: Ask yourself things like, “Do I actually want it?”, “Does it fit my budget?”, “Would I buy this if I had to save for it first?”

Remember, there’s a quiet power in saying “no” sometimes. A moment of space can protect months of savings progress.

2. Plan a buy nothing day

A “no buy” day is a simple, gentle way to remind yourself that you don’t have to say yes to every ad.

And the best part? Just one day could be enough to reset your mindset. 

There’s a quiet sense of achievement in saying, “No, I don’t need that today.”

3. Shop your home first

If you feel tempted to buy a whole new range of home decor for every season, we see you.

Before you head to the shops, make an “I already have” list. Knowing what you already have might help you scratch the “new stuff” itch without actually buying anything. 

Oh, and, don’t forget to check your loft. Trust us, there’s nothing quite as humbling as finding a stash of festive scented candles you definitely didn’t need to repurchase.

4. Make second-hand your first choice

Sustainability and savings? If that sounds like a bit of you, make second-hand your first choice. 

Browsing charity shops, online marketplaces, or community-sharing apps like Freecycle can be a great way to bag a bargain.

5. Enjoy a digital detox

Our phones are brilliant, but they can also be a huge source of “buy-now!” noise. 

Reduce the pressure to spend by reclaiming some calm: 

• Limit your screen time
• Unfollow brands that tempt you 
• Mute notifications that interrupt your day 
• Remove shopping apps from your home screen

6. Get ahead of retailer tricks

Still want to grab a bargain, without getting caught out by clever marketing? We’ve got you. 

Here’s a list of things to watch out for: 

• Anchoring prices: Showing a huge, “Was £200” price to make the discount look irresistible
• Framing: Labels that say “Save £30” when the item still costs £170
• Scarcity: “Only 9 left” messages are designed to panic you
• FOMO:  Prompts like, “Everyone’s got one!”
• Countdown timers: Designed to rush you before you’re ready  

Before you buy, use price trackers, like camelcamelcamel.com, to check if the item has actually been cheaper before. A “deal” isn’t a deal if it’s been that price for most of the year.

7. Choose save now, buy later

If you’re trying to avoid the pull of Buy Now, Pay Later, save now, buy later could help you slow things down. 

Saving towards something you truly want can reduce stress and make the final purchase feel more meaningful. 

If you’re already thinking ahead to a future purchase, Loqbox could be your save now, pay later bestie. Discover how our savings feature helps you save towards a goal, and build your credit as you go. 

Improvements to your credit score are not guaranteed.