Mastering Temptation: Creative Friction Strategies to Curb Impulse Spending

Temptation surrounds us every day, especially when it comes to shopping. Whether it’s a flashy online ad, a limited-time sale email, or a clever store display, companies want you to buy now. One client recently shared how he added sneakers to his online cart but talked himself out of the purchase. He felt proud of resisting the urge—until an email popped up saying, “Almost sold out — buy now!” That message pulled him back in, and he bought the shoes. The good news? He realized the impulse didn’t match his goals and returned them. This story shows how awareness is the first step to controlling spending.

Another client shared a smart trick she uses at Costco. She knows she’s tempted by all the deals, so she created a simple rule: only buy what she can carry out without a cart. She called it “tricking her brain.” This kind of small, intentional barrier is called a friction strategy. It makes impulse spending harder and helps protect your financial goals.

Using a small shopping cart to limit purchases

What Are Friction Strategies?

Friction strategies add small obstacles between you and the purchase. These barriers slow down the decision-making process and give you time to think. Instead of buying on impulse, you pause and consider if the purchase fits your goals.

These strategies don’t require willpower alone. They change your environment to support better choices. The goal is to make impulse spending inconvenient or less automatic.

Simple Friction Strategies You Can Try Today

Here are some practical friction strategies that can help you resist temptation:

• Delete shopping apps

Removing apps from your phone reduces the chance of browsing and impulse buying. Without easy access, you’re less likely to open the app just to “look around.”

• Remove saved credit cards from online stores

When you have to enter your card details each time, it adds a step that slows down the purchase. This extra effort can stop you from buying on a whim.

• Clear your online shopping carts regularly

Leaving items in your cart can create a false sense of urgency. Clearing the cart removes that pressure and helps you reassess if you really want the items.

• Unsubscribe from sales emails

Sales emails are designed to trigger impulse buys with phrases like “limited time” or “exclusive offer.” Reducing these messages lowers temptation.

• Only shop with cash for certain categories

Using cash instead of cards makes spending feel more real. It also limits how much you can spend, helping you stick to a budget.

Creative Examples From Real Life

The Costco shopper’s rule to only buy what she can carry is a great example of a friction strategy tailored to her habits. It physically limits her purchases and forces her to prioritize.

Another example is a friend who sets a 24-hour waiting period before buying non-essential items online. If she still wants the item after a day, she considers it more carefully. This delay reduces impulse buys significantly.

Some people use a “no shopping day” rule, where they avoid all shopping for a whole day or weekend. This break helps reset their mindset and reduces habitual spending.

Why Awareness Matters Most

Recognizing when you’re being tempted is key. The client who returned the sneakers showed that awareness can lead to better choices. When you notice a nudge like “almost sold out,” pause and ask yourself if the purchase fits your goals.

Awareness combined with friction strategies creates a powerful defense against impulse spending. You’re not just relying on willpower but changing your environment and habits.

How to Build Your Own Friction Strategy

Start by identifying your biggest temptation triggers. Is it online shopping, grocery stores, or sales emails? Then, think about small barriers you can add to slow down your decisions.

Try these steps:

1. List your triggers

   Write down where and when you feel most tempted to spend.

   
   

2. Choose one friction strategy

   Pick a simple change like deleting an app or unsubscribing from emails.

   
   

1. Test it for a week

   Notice how it affects your spending and temptation.

   
   

2. Adjust and add more barriers

   Build on what works and create a system that fits your lifestyle.

   
   

Final Thoughts

Impulse spending is a challenge for many people, but small changes can make a big difference. Friction strategies help you slow down, think, and protect your financial goals. Whether it’s deleting apps, using cash, or setting personal rules like only buying what you can carry, these tiny shifts add up.