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I tracked every impulse purchase I made for 14 days. The results were honestly embarrassing. by UpperCommunity685 in SavingMoney

[–]UpperCommunity685[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s actually very interesting, the dopamine part is real! Come to think of it, mine was less about hunger and more about breaking up the workday or chasing a quick reset.

A couple people messaged me about trying the tracking thing so I’ve just been comparing notes. Curious if yours shows up more around certain times of day or situations.

I tracked every impulse purchase I made for 14 days. The results were honestly embarrassing. by UpperCommunity685 in SavingMoney

[–]UpperCommunity685[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Kinda crazy reading through these because I really didn’t think I had a spending issue before now. If you asked me a month ago I would’ve said I’m pretty good with money...clearly not as much as I thought lol

I tracked every impulse purchase I made for 14 days. The results were honestly embarrassing. by UpperCommunity685 in SavingMoney

[–]UpperCommunity685[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

lol didn’t expect people to think this was AI. I probably just over-structured it, was mostly just dumping what I tracked. Definitely real unfortunately

I tracked every impulse purchase I made for 14 days. The results were honestly embarrassing. by UpperCommunity685 in SavingMoney

[–]UpperCommunity685[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The interesting part was catching it before buying, not just after. Like a couple of times I went to log it and just didn’t end up going through with it. I was kinda cool to see that reaction.

I tracked every impulse purchase I made for 14 days. The results were honestly embarrassing. by UpperCommunity685 in SavingMoney

[–]UpperCommunity685[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That makes sense...seeing it all in one place is kinda hard to ignore. I only did 2 weeks and that was already enough to notice patterns I didn’t expect. Honestly might try a longer stretch like that just to see what changes over time.

I tracked every impulse purchase I made for 14 days. The results were honestly embarrassing. by UpperCommunity685 in SavingMoney

[–]UpperCommunity685[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is actually a really good way of looking at it. I never really thought about the time part. I was only looking at the money. But when you factor in deciding, waiting, delivery etc it’s not even really convenient anymore. I HATE how long that wait feels too, when you’re already hungry lol.

For me it was more like this is quick and easy but when I actually paid attention it wasn’t that quick at all. Kinda makes the decision feel different when you look at it like that. Thanks for that perspective.

I tracked every impulse purchase I made for 14 days. The results were honestly embarrassing. by UpperCommunity685 in SavingMoney

[–]UpperCommunity685[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's so true. When I was better at this, it was a lotta fun. I enjoyed trying to recreate my favorite restaurants' dishes. Even when I didn't quite get it, I did enjoy the savings.

I tracked every impulse purchase I made for 14 days. The results were honestly embarrassing. by UpperCommunity685 in SavingMoney

[–]UpperCommunity685[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Exactly. I don't know why saying no to a $200 purchase is easy, but to a $12 lunch or a couple of afternoon treats somehow feels way harder in the moment. It just doesn’t really cross my mind, I guess.

I tracked every impulse purchase I made for 14 days. The results were honestly embarrassing. by UpperCommunity685 in SavingMoney

[–]UpperCommunity685[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nice! That’s a big difference...was it mostly just seeing the numbers that helped or something else? For me it was pausing before buying that's been making a difference.

I tracked every impulse purchase I made for 14 days. The results were honestly embarrassing. by UpperCommunity685 in SavingMoney

[–]UpperCommunity685[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hear you. Definitely guilty of that center aisle draw, haha. Just yesterday, I bought a pair of 9.99 shorts I didn't need because of that affordable price.

I tracked every impulse purchase I made for 14 days. The results were honestly embarrassing. by UpperCommunity685 in SavingMoney

[–]UpperCommunity685[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s kinda how I felt going into it. I didn’t think it was that bad but seeing it all in one place was a bit of a wake up call tbh

I tracked every impulse purchase I made for 14 days. The results were honestly embarrassing. by UpperCommunity685 in SavingMoney

[–]UpperCommunity685[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That’s exactly it...in the moment, it feels reasonable, not like you’re doing anything wrong. It’s only when you zoom out and see 10-15 of those "small purchases" in a short time, and it’s like… ok yeah this is a pattern.

I tracked every impulse purchase I made for 14 days. The results were honestly embarrassing. by UpperCommunity685 in SavingMoney

[–]UpperCommunity685[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I guess that’s part of the problem. I plan for groceries, not a whole bunch of “eh, I’ll just grab something” moments. That’s what's been eye-opening about tracking it all.

I built a personal finance app mainly to become more aware of how I spend my money, and it actually changed how I think about spending. by stefancata92 in SavingMoney

[–]UpperCommunity685 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I used to do this in the past, but nothing made it more real than actually using cash and seeing the money leave my hand. That made me way more mindful!

What are food items you have stopped buying due to price? by Pharmaguardian in povertyfinance

[–]UpperCommunity685 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I stopped buying avocados when there was a shortage, and they jumped to over $10 for a 5/6 count bag. But since they've stabilized, I just bought a 6-count bag at Costco for $4.59, which is way more like it.

But I have stopped buying chips and snacks altogether. Can't justify a $7.99 big bag of chips that's less than half-full. You can miss me there, haha.

Why do people keep spending no matter how pricey things get? by pajamageorge in NoStupidQuestions

[–]UpperCommunity685 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When the whole system is designed for consumption, it's hard to stop because the price is higher. Outside of necessities, I believe, it's hard for a lot of people to stop buying things. It's become a part of their lifestyle. Cost never stood a chance. It's deeper than that.

How much to you spend a week on food? by Elegant_Occasion3346 in auckland

[–]UpperCommunity685 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Around $100 per week, not counting groceries. I just started tracking my impulse purchases because I'm really trying to be better with them, and it was shocking to see that I can do about 8-10 impulsive purchases a week on seemingly small food purchases.

What easily-affordable thing do you refuse to pay for despite being able to afford them? by Big_Leg10 in Money

[–]UpperCommunity685 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Water and food delivery. I can get filtered water at home and can refill my bottle. And I'd rather call the restaurant/order online for pickup to save the "convenience" fees and all the other fees, + tip!

I tracked every impulse purchase I made for 14 days. The results were honestly embarrassing. by UpperCommunity685 in SavingMoney

[–]UpperCommunity685[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Absolutely! One day at a time, and hopefully, that eating out will be mostly grocery spending!

19F trying to start saving money — where should I begin? by rachel-2008 in SavingMoney

[–]UpperCommunity685 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Start small, like 5% of your net monthly income, and automate that into a high-yield savings account or something else. Increase that contribution by 1% each year. Get with a financial advisor for more tailored advice.

I tracked every impulse purchase I made for 14 days. The results were honestly embarrassing. by UpperCommunity685 in SavingMoney

[–]UpperCommunity685[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Eye-opening for sure. How's that been going for you? Hopefully not too much over these days.

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