I think no matter how frugal and money-saving we try to be there is always that impulsive spending temptation, the urge can be quite strong, and sometimes it’s easy to lose track of your long-term goals for that immediate adrenaline rush that comes with purchasing something you want but don’t necessarily need.

Here are my top five tips for curbing those impulsive spending sprees.

1. Avoid temptation, simple really, if you know that browsing in shops encourages you to spend then either stay home or just go into the shops where there are things you actually need to buy then go home.

2. Unsubscribe from temptation, if you are a sucker for a special offer email or the lure of a new seasons wardrobe on your favourite retailer’s website is too much for you then I suggest you unsubscribe from those emails and un-follow those retailers on social media, don’t let FOMO get the better of you!

3. Distract yourself, we all have those jobs around the house that we really should do, make yourself a list and get on with it, make the home you live in and the things you own work for you so you don’t feel the need to replace them.

4. Only carry cash, the action of paying with physical cash forces you to see where your money is going, it’s easy to become disconnected and justify impulse spending when you swipe or punch a number in.

5. Remind yourself it’s not forever, if you are being frugal or saving money and have a goal in sight then visualise that day when you will have spare cash again and will be able to treat yourself to the things you want but remember that experiences and people will bring you more joy than things ever will.

How do you curb your impulsive spending?