Resist the Urge
Impulse buys can seem irresistible, but their costs often outweigh the temporary thrill. From flashy gadgets to extravagant meals, many last-minute purchases leave you wishing you hadn’t. With that in mind, here are the 5 worst offenders.
1. Cars
Buying a new car is one of the most common regrettable impulse purchases. It can be so tempting to indulge yourself in all of that shiny paint and fancy curves; however, jumping into a major financial decision can cause a lot of stress in the long run.
2. Viral Tech
Another typical impulse purchase to feel buyer's remorse over is gadgets or tech accessories. You think that shiny new gizmo, smartwatch, or phone accessory looks so cool. But in reality, you rarely use them or get bored with them in a short time. They quickly go out of style and become obsolete.
3. Flights and Hotels
Splurging on expensive airline tickets and lavish hotel accommodations on a whim is an impulse purchase to avoid. A last-minute escape can sound like a treat, but the fun ends when your savings are depleted and you’re left in financial stress. The immediate gratification is never worth the long-term repercussions of spending more than you can afford.
4. Mattresses
Buying a mattress on a whim is one purchase that should be avoided. After all, it's where we spend a third of our lives. Taking the time to look into your sleep style, budget, and seasonal deals can make it a smart big-ticket buy. And while there is a return policy, its size and heft can make it a hassle to exchange if you don't like it.
5. Fast Food
Fast food is the item most often regretted after impulse buys. In the moment, it's easy and delicious, but rarely satisfying in the long term. These impulsive orders can make you feel crummy afterward, too. Just take a moment to think before you order.
