The “Pause Before You Purchase” Rule That Saved Me Hundreds
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We’ve all been there — standing in the store or staring at an online cart, feeling that little rush of excitement over something new. You tell yourself, “It’s not that expensive” or “I deserve this.”
For me, one of those moments was buying a video game for my son who has special needs. I knew he would be fine without it, but my boys mean the world to me, and I want to make sure they have a good life. The urge to give them joy — especially when life is already challenging — can be strong.
The problem? Those quick decisions, even when made with love, can quietly drain your budget over time.
One simple habit helped me cut unnecessary spending while still caring for my family’s needs. I call it the Pause Before You Purchase Rule — and it’s been a game-changer.
What Is the Pause Before You Purchase Rule?
Before buying anything non-essential, wait 24–48 hours. That’s it.
No checking out right away. No swiping your card “just because it’s on sale.” The pause creates space between the urge to buy and the decision to buy.
Why It Works
Impulse buying thrives on emotion — excitement, boredom, even stress or guilt. Waiting gives your brain time to:
- Decide if you truly need the item
- Check if you already own something similar
- See if it still matters when the “I want it now” feeling fades
In my video game example, I still bought it — but the pause made me double-check the budget and make sure it fit without cutting into essentials. That’s the power of mindful spending.
How to Make It a Habit
- Use your cart as a wish list. Leave items there and review them later.
- Keep a “wants” note on your phone. If it’s still important in two days, revisit it.
- Pair it with your budget. Use the pause time to see if it truly fits your spending plan.
If You Still Want It After the Pause
The pause isn’t about saying “no” to everything — it’s about saying “yes” with confidence. If you still want the item after 48 hours, and it fits your budget, buy it guilt-free. You’ll enjoy it more knowing it was a thoughtful choice.
My Real-Life Results
I’ve avoided plenty of unnecessary purchases thanks to this rule — from skipping a $30 decor item that didn’t match my space, to holding off on a $100 gadget I realized I didn’t actually need. Over time, those “non-purchases” have saved me hundreds of dollars.
Take It Further
The Pause Before You Purchase Rule works best alongside a clear spending plan. When you know where your money is going, it’s easier to see what’s worth saying yes to — and what’s better left behind.
If You’re Ready for More…
In my ebook When Prices Rise: A Mom’s First Steps to Getting Financially Ready, I share more practical money habits like this — the exact steps I used to control spending, rebuild our savings, and feel confident in my family’s finances.
💬 Your turn: Have you ever walked away from a purchase and been glad you did? What’s the one item you’re happiest you didn’t buy? Share your story in the comments — you might inspire someone else to try the pause before you purchase rule.
