The Weird Trick That Actually Stops Impulse Buys

To be honest, some shopping lists are more suggestions than commandments. You’ll be a waltz to targets who need eggs and head out with $112 worth of “fun things” like two throw pillows and a shampoo that smells like a beach vacation you’re not taking. Does it sound familiar? Input: Backward wrist hack. It’s a Jedi Mind Trick, some accountability buddy and it actually works. Instead of writing down what you need, you Make a list of junk you always buy But probably shouldn’t. Here’s how this little inverse psychology shopping hack works and how to use it like a pro.

Step 1: Create a “Don’t Buy” list before you go

Before you go shopping, grab your regular wrist pad (or app) and flip the script over.

Instead of “milk, banana, lunch meat,” write this:

• Pre-cut fruit tray – you’re paying $7 for someone to slice melon
• Seasonal candle with “sunset” or “linen” in its name
• Grocery Store Greeting Card – Dollar Tree (still $1.25).
• Potato Chips – Already have 3 half eaten bags
• Graphics from clearance rack
• Kitchen gadget I think I’ll use it twice, Max
• New pen (I own a 47)

The above is my list and obviously your list is different.

To be clear, you do not have You say you can’t buy them. You’re just “Call them” Before your brain justifies their oneness.

Pro Tip: Check out old receipts

Check out our old receipts and Amazon orders for inspiration. You will find patterns faster.

If you have purchased four lip gloss four times in the last two months, guess what’s going on Backward list.

Step 2: Bring both lists to the store

Yes, you can Still bring the regular list. This is not completely free.

Tape them side by side, or place the “Don’t Buy” list at the top and make it bold.

You want your eyes frequently on it. That way, when you’re at the target’s Dollar Spot, or when you scroll through “Today’s Deals” with your own handwritten whispers, Kyle.

See: Try the “1 Box Combo” grocery shopping trick

Step 3: Create a 24-hour cooldown rule for things that aren’t on the actual list

This is where real magic happens. Do you see something shiny? wonderful. Now put it back and give it 24 hours.

The odds, you won’t go back for it.

This rule works especially well online. I’ll add it to my cart, but please don’t buy it. Let me sit. If you still want it after sleeping (and checking your bank account), it may be worth it.

Pro Tip: Use Sticky Notes

Change the back list to a sticky note warning label.

Write the top 3 impulse traps on your sticky note (physical or digital) and hit them on your debit, credit card or mobile phone case.

I’m watching “We don’t have mugs anymore. We don’t have candles anymore. We don’t have clearance tea anymore.” Every time you go swipe or tap? Instant Guilt Trip – Free Fees.

Twist: Applies to Costco and Amazon

Costco version: Keep notes on a phone titled “What I always grab at Costco to blow your budget.” I know some stylish cheese, $40 sweatshirts and a large size snack that I eat in three days.

You can still grab the deal, but now you’re calling out the usual suspects before they sneak into your cart.

Amazon version: For bad decisions, use preservation features like quarantine zones.

Look at the back list before checking out. What if something in your cart matches? Exile it for later saving. (And then forget it forever.)

See: Simple dozens or more simple living hacks

Ready-to-use tips for charging this hack

Use a note taking app with a checkbox

Apps like Google Keep and Apple Notes allow you to check off items.

Make you “Don’t buy it.” List it in a checkbox and check if it actually needs to override it if it has strong legitimacy.

Turn guilt into a mini-game.

Create a “backward budget” envelope

If you don’t buy anything impulsive on your list, take the money you spent and throw it in a savings jar or an envelope in a “fun fund.”

Call it the “I didn’t buy it” bonus.

I’ll flip every month

Your weaknesses will rotate. July could be a pool float and an outdoor rug. December? Holiday mug and novelty pajamas.

Keep your list fresh and seasonal. Old rear list = leaky shopping cart.

Share with friends

Consider making this a group challenge. Text your friends on the backward list before you shop and let them do the same.

After that, check in: did you cheat? What seduced you? Who fell first? Guilt becomes stronger when you have an audience.

Pro tip: “Reverse transport” before shopping

Take five minutes to walk around your house before your next trip. Find 3 things You just bought it on the urge to sit there. A dusty air fryer? Unused shoes? Are the board games still in shrink wrap?

Stack them somewhere you see and ask yourself: Do you need more…or do you need to stop lying to yourself in the clearance aisle? Spoiler: Probably the second one.

Why does this work (small psychology for the nerds in the back)

Impulse buying is emotional. You’re not shopping from logic. You are shopping from emotions: stress, boredom, FOMO, or “Yo’self” syndrome.

The back list pushes the brain out of the autopilot. You will be forced to name your weaknesses before the store is thrown in your face with a 20% off sticker.

It’s a budgeting process from another direction – cutting off the bloating before it starts.

The final words

You don’t have to swear a candle, throw a blanket, or swear what your personal Kryptonite is. But you need to know what those Cryptonians are.

A rear wrist hack is like installing a bumper into your spending habits. It doesn’t always stop you from going overboard, but it’s slow enough to ask, “Do you actually need this?”

(And if the answer is “no”, then it’s for sale, then you already know it’s on next month’s list.)

Ask your readers: Try this “don’t buy” trick. I recommend trying it a few times and I really think your habits will change soon.

By Kyle James