Have you ever bought something on a bad day, and then regretted it five minutes later?
Maybe it was a takeaway you couldn’t afford, or clothes you didn’t need, or a “treat” that only made you feel worse afterwards.
If that sounds like you, you’re not alone.
This blog is here to help you understand what might be going on, without judgment, and give you ways to take back control.
What is impulsive spending?
Impulsive spending means buying something without really planning to. It’s often quick, emotional, and sometimes even automatic.
You might say:
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“I’ll just get it, I’ve had a hard day.”
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“I deserve a treat.”
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“I’ll worry about the money later.”
The problem isn’t the purchase itself. It’s the pattern, especially when it leaves you short on essentials, stuck in debt, or feeling guilty and stressed.
What triggers impulsive spending?
Think about more than just the money. Think about the emotions. We often spend to:
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Feel better when we’re sad, stressed or bored
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Reward ourselves after a hard day
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Feel in control when everything else feels out of control
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Numb emotions we don’t want to deal with
This is sometimes called emotional spending. It acts like a quick fix, but the relief doesn’t last.
Common spending triggers
Here are a few situations where impulsive spending can creep in:
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Stress – You buy to comfort yourself
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Loneliness – Online shopping becomes a way to feel good
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Low self-esteem – You spend to boost your mood or confidence
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Comparison – You see others online and try to “keep up”
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Tiredness – You’re too drained to cook, so you order in
Noticing your own patterns is the first step to changing them.
Healthy coping strategies that actually help
You don’t need to cut out all spending. But here are some ways to deal with the feelings behind it:
1. Pause before buying
Before you click “buy now,” stop and ask:
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Do I need this?
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Can I afford it without stress?
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Am I trying to feel better emotionally?
Even just waiting 10 minutes can make a difference.
2. Create a “cooling off” list
Write things down you want to buy, but don’t buy them straight away. Come back in a few days and see if you still want them. Most of the time, you won’t.
3. Try another comfort
If you usually shop to cope with emotions, try another comfort:
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Go for a walk
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Call a friend
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Watch something funny
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Journal your thoughts
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Do breathing exercises (free ones on apps like Headspace or Smiling Mind)
4. Use banking apps effectively
Use banking apps to:
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Set up alerts
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Lock certain types of spending
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Move money to a “no-spend” space
IE Hub can also help you see your money clearly, and show if you might be entitled to help with bills, debts or benefits.
How IE Hub can support you
We know impulsive spending often comes with shame. But you’re not alone. IE Hub gives you:
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A simple, step-by-step budget tool
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Ways to share your financial info safely with companies
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Support that fits your life, no judgment, no scary phone calls
Final thought
Impulsive spending isn’t about being bad with money, it’s often a sign that you’re trying to cope with something else.
Instead of beating yourself up, ask: What was I really needing in that moment? Comfort? Distraction? Relief?
You can’t fix everything overnight. But you can start noticing your habits, trying new ways to cope, and building a better relationship with money, one small step at a time.
And IE Hub will be here to help whenever you’re ready.
