Let’s be sincere, some procuring lists are extra options than commandments. You waltz into Goal needing eggs and stroll out with $112 value of “enjoyable stuff” like two throw pillows, and a shampoo that smells like a seashore trip you’re not even taking. Sound acquainted? Enter: the Backwards Record Hack. It’s half Jedi thoughts trick, half accountability buddy, and it truly works. As an alternative of writing down what you want, you make a listing of the crap you all the time purchase however most likely shouldn’t. Right here’s how this little reverse psychology procuring hack works and easy methods to use it like a professional to cease impulse shopping for chilly.

Step 1: Make a “Do Not Purchase” Record Earlier than You Go

Earlier than you store, seize your ordinary checklist pad (or app) and flip the script.

As an alternative of “milk, bananas, lunch meat,” write this:

• Pre-cut fruit trays – You’re paying $7 for somebody to slice a melon
• Any seasonal candle with “sundown” or “linen” within the title
• Greeting playing cards from the grocery retailer – Hit up Greenback Tree (nonetheless $1.25).
• Potato chips – we now have 3 half eaten luggage already
• Graphic tees from the clearance rack
• Kitchen devices I believe I’ll use twice, max
• New pens (I personal 47)

The above is my checklist and clearly yours might be completely different.

To be clear, you’re NOT saying you may’t purchase them. You’re simply “calling them out” earlier than your mind justifies the heck out of them.

PRO TIP: EXAMINE OLD RECEIPTS

Return by previous receipts or Amazon orders for inspiration. You’ll discover patterns quick.

In the event you purchased a $6 lip gloss 4 completely different instances within the final 2 months, guess what’s going in your Backwards Record.

Step 2: Deliver Each Lists to the Retailer

Sure, you CAN nonetheless convey an everyday checklist. This isn’t a complete free-for-all.

Tape them facet by facet, or put the “don’t purchase” checklist on the high in daring.

You need your eyes on it usually. That method, whenever you’re within the greenback spot at Goal or scrolling “In the present day’s Offers” on Amazon, your personal handwriting whispers, Don’t do it, Kyle.

See Additionally: Strive the “1 Field Combo” Grocery Buying Trick

Step 3: Create a “24-Hour Cooldown Rule” for Something That’s Not on Your Actual Record

Right here’s the place the actual magic occurs. See one thing shiny? Nice. Now put it again and provides your self 24 hours.

Odds are, you received’t return for it.

This rule works particularly nicely on-line. Add it to your cart, however don’t purchase. Let it sit. In the event you nonetheless need it after sleeping on it (and checking your checking account), then perhaps it’s value it.

PRO TIP: USE STICKY NOTES

Flip your backwards checklist right into a sticky word warning label.

Write your high 3 impulse traps on a sticky word (bodily or digital) and slap it proper in your debit card, bank card, and even your cellphone case.

Seeing “NO MORE MUGS. NO MORE CANDLES. NO MORE CLEARANCE TEES” each time you go to swipe or faucet? On the spot guilt journey—freed from cost.

Twist: Apply This to Costco and Amazon, Too

Costco Model: Hold a word in your cellphone titled “Issues I At all times Seize at Costco That Blow My Price range.” You recognize those…fancy cheeses, $40 sweatshirts, bulk-sized snacks you eat in three days.

You possibly can nonetheless seize offers, however now you’re calling out the same old suspects earlier than they sneak in your cart.

Amazon Model: Use the Save-for-Later function like a quarantine zone for dangerous selections.

Earlier than checkout, look at your Backwards Record. If something in your cart matches? Banish it to Save for Later. (Then neglect about it eternally.)

See Additionally: Over a Dozen Frugal Dwelling Hacks That Are Straightforward

Out-of-the-Field Tricks to Supercharge This Hack

Use a Word-Taking App With Checkboxes

Apps like Google Hold or Apple Notes allow you to test off objects.

Make your “Do Not Purchase” checklist with checkboxes and uncheck issues if you happen to truly have to override it—solely with robust justification.

It turns guilt right into a mini sport.

Create a “Backwards Price range” Envelope

In the event you don’t purchase any of the impulse stuff in your checklist, take the cash you’d’ve spent and toss it in a financial savings jar or “enjoyable fund” envelope.

Name it the “I Didn’t Purchase That” Bonus.

Flip It Month-to-month

Your weaknesses will rotate. July may be pool floats and out of doors rugs. December? Vacation mugs and novelty pajamas.

Hold the checklist contemporary and seasonal. A stale Backwards Record = a leaky procuring cart.

Share It With a Buddy

Take into account making this a bunch problem. Textual content your buddy your Backwards Record earlier than you store, and have them do the identical.

Afterward, test in: Did you cheat? What tempted you? Who caved first? Guilt is stronger when it has an viewers.

PRO TIP: DO A “REVERSE HAUL” BEFORE YOU SHOP

Earlier than your subsequent journey, take 5 minutes to stroll by your own home and discover 3 issues you purchased on impulse that at the moment are simply sitting there. Dusty air fryer? Unworn sneakers? Board sport nonetheless in shrink wrap?

Stack them someplace seen and ask your self: Do I want extra stuff… or do I have to cease mendacity to myself within the clearance aisle? Spoiler: it’s most likely the second.

Why This Works (a Little Psychology for the Nerds within the Again)

Impulse shopping for is emotional. You’re not procuring from logic—you’re procuring from emotions: stress, boredom, FOMO, or “deal with yo’ self” syndrome.

The Backwards Record snaps your mind out of auto-pilot. It forces you to call your weaknesses earlier than the shop throws them in your face with a 20% off sticker.

It’s budgeting from the opposite route—reducing bloat earlier than it even begins.

Last Phrase

You don’t must swear off candles, throw blankets, or no matter your private kryptonite is. However you do have to know what these kryptonites are.

The Backwards Record Hack is like putting in bumpers in your spending habits. It received’t all the time cease you from going overboard—but it surely’ll gradual you down simply sufficient to ask, “Do I really need this?”

(And if the reply is “no but it surely’s on sale,” you already comprehend it’s happening subsequent month’s checklist.)

Ask the Reader: Are you prepared to do that “don’t purchase” trick? I recommend attempting it a pair instances and I actually assume your habits will shortly change.

By Kyle James

I began Reasonably-Be-Buying.com in 2000 and have turn into a client knowledgeable and advocate writing about out-of-the-box methods to avoid wasting at shops like Amazon, Walmart, Goal and Costco to call just a few. I’ve been featured on FOX Information, Good Morning America, and the NY Occasions speaking about my financial savings ideas. (Be taught extra)