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Help to avoid impulsive buying

  1. To help avoid impulsive buying a number of people with ADHD have found the following worked for them:
    1. For online shopping: Putting it on a list, or online basket, or emailing yourself and waiting at least 24 hours before purchase. If you still want it in 24 hours then consider again before purchase. Use a system that you know you’ll always check so you don’t feel you need to “hold” it in your brain to remember it. Fear of forgetting can lead you to purchase as a mechanism to avoid the forgetfulness.
    2. For in person shopping: Take a photograph and email it to yourself. If fear of forgetting it is an issue ensure you have a way that you know you will check (email, WhatsApp, a calendar reminder). Fear of forgetting can lead you to purchase as a mechanism to avoid the forgetfulness.
    3. For larger items – consider creating a bank savings account (Many banks now allow you to partition your money within you own account). Put money aside to purchase so you knowingly put the money aside and cumulatively show yourself that you really want it.

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Help to avoid impulsive buying

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