How to Avoid Impulsive Credit Card Purchases: Six Questions to Ask Yourself

How can you avoid impulsive purchases with your credit card? These tips will help you avoid overspending.

Having a credit card on hand and an item of clothing you love at the same time is not a good combination. Especially when at the end of the month, you don't know how you’ll manage to pay off your account. To stop your budget from suffering the consequences of these impulsive purchases, here’s what you should take into account before resorting to your credit card.

1. What should I wear it with? 

Before buying that blouse or those pants, analyze with what clothes you already have at home and you can incorporate the new item. If you find it hard to think of at least five combinations at once, that garment will most likely end up in the closet.

2. Can it go out of style? 

There are basic garments that do not go out of style, but there are others that after a season are no longer worn. If you are hesitating over that fringed bag, think about how long you will wear it and ask if it’s really worth the expense.

3. Will I wear it again? 

You finally found the perfect dress for your friend's wedding, but it costs more than you thought it would! Before you swipe your credit card, ask yourself if it's a dress you'll be able to wear again. For example, if you have another wedding, will you wear it again or will you buy another one so you don't repeat? If you know deep down that you won't wear it again, you shouldn't make the expense. Ask a friend to lend you a dress.

4. Do I really need it? 

You're out for a walk with your friends and when you pass by a store, you just can't take your eyes off those beautiful heels. You walk in, try them on and you see yourself in them! But, before you swipe your credit card, you should take a few seconds to think about whether you really need them. If the answer is no, it's best to ignore your impulses. You'll avoid unnecessary debt.

5. How many clothes and shoes do you have in your closet? 

Before you get ready to pay for that black blouse, think about how many blouses of the same color you already have. Ask yourself the following questions: is it super necessary to buy one more? What is the difference between that garment and others you already own? Will it make your life easier to have that blouse? Answer honestly and evaluate if it is worth paying for a blouse that is very similar to the others you have at home.

6. Can I really afford it? 

This is the most important question you should ask yourself before swiping your credit card. Do you have the money to pay for the garment right away, or will you have to take out a loan to pay for it in installments? If the answer is a loan, analyze very well the expense you are going to make. Think about how little the pleasure of having what you want will last and how much it will cost you to pay for it. Don't let a passing emotion win over reason!