How I "Stopped" Impulse Shopping 💸 my tips & tricks to spend more intentionally

[@traceythompson7895]

I'm 49. I wish I knew the things I know now at your age. I signed up for my 1st cc in college and bought bought bought bc I had no money for anything besides books, laundry and an occasional trip to McDonald's. I did end up paying it off but it was rough once you get maxed on so many cards. I think it's great your getting this information out there. Even following a budget was foreign to me. I was never taught to save! I am proud to say I carry 0 balance on my cc, have an emergency fund, have sinking funds, a Christmas fund and max out my Roth IRA each year. Just wish I new all this 30 years ago! Oh and congrats on your new home. 🎉

[@Aimeekl272]

Wow… how did you get there?! Congratulations! I’m 34 and feeling so doomed for retirement. I have debt including home, car, student loans, etc. I have nothing saved for retirement and it freaks me out so bad!!

[@bobbih2022]

Carter, this video! I was in my 30s when I realized I often wanted a FEELING or EXPERIENCE when I bought something. Examples....a candle = feeling comfort at home, a new top = feeling put together. Now I try to use the things I already have to achieve the feeling.

[@CarterSullivan]

Yes love the idea of using what you have to achieve the feeling you're looking for!

[@andreadoletzky]

This was the fast 30 minute sit down video I’ve watched in a long time. I’m working on my saving goals and my unnecessary spending is what is keeping me from reaching them! I love that you mentioned spending money on experiences because those I tend to feel guilty about when they bring me the most joy!

[@Stephanie-ki5oz]

I appreciate this video starting on how it will always be a process. Helps to elivate the pressure of being perfect and helps be more realistic .I feel this same way about binge eating. Both are about Being mindful about feelings and not letting them take over when you’re feeling out of control.

[@CarterSullivan]

Yes!!!!

[@alnovsy]

This is so timely! I’m attempting to do a 3 month no impulse spend that started on Oct 1. Want to be more intentional with my money for the rest of this year 🤞🏽

[@CarterSullivan]

You got this!!

[@elizabethgraceb]

over the last few months the biggest thing I realized was that my spending is because of my adhd, and it made it so much easier to empathize with myself and use less judgment. I realized i simply cant look at one big number in a checking account and know what amount of that is for what & what needs to be coming out/when, so i got multiple accounts for different needs and started categorizing my daily expenses in cash envelopes. it's literally been life-changing!!! i love the personal finance chats thank u queen xx

[@CarterSullivan]

I love that you found what works for you!! Just goes to show it's really not a one size fits all for personal finance🫶🏻

[@tiffanyrogersfeuer1914]

My biggest problem with impulse spending is getting "special drinks" like coffees, kombuchas, whatever almost every time that I'm out because I got into the habit of feeling like it enhanced the experience. Or I would see influencers doing it, and it kind of normalized it for me in a weird way. My other thing is spending just to get out of the house if I'm bored or lonely. I'll go get a coffee or walk around Target, just because I want something to do. I can always think of some reason that I need to buy something. Sometimes those reasons are valid, but most of the time I feel like I'm just searching for -something- to buy to justify going to a store. I try to make budgets, track my spending but it lasts for about a week and then I forget that I even had the budget in the first place. If anyone has any advice, I would really appreciate it. This video was helpful too

[@vanezaparisien9735]

I was like that too before! What really helped me is to think of a goal and why I'm not supposed to spend everything I make. It helped me put into perspective what I can spend on 😊

[@skylarggarner]

This video has come at the perfect timing for me! I always impulse spend around midterms and finals because of the stress of it all.

[@abbywebster2725]

Love, love, love this type of video!! So informative and educational while being realistic. I’m an avid spender and sale shopper, I just can’t say no but am trying so hard to educate myself and improve my habits! Deleted several shopping apps, unfollowed those that I feel influence me. When I find myself shopping on my phone I turn it off and read. When I find myself itching to go to any store to shop I go to the gym.

[@classicashley3925]

As a professional organizer, part of my role with clients is talking through the benefits of being a more conscious consumer. So this video is right up my alley! A lot of great points. One other way to look at the reason we like to shop: naturally we are hunters/gatherers. But we no longer need to hunt for supplies in the wild. So that natural urge is now satisfied by gathering and hunting for the goods in stores. Of course I have zero science to back this up, but it makes sense to me why we get a dopamine hit when shopping.

[@CarterSullivan]

That's an interesting perspective that I've never heard before!

[@onemore7632]

Thank you for making this! It's made me reflect and realize one of my biggest impulse spend issues is makeup, and it's always when I'm feeling my most insecure. I'm gonna try my best to remember next time I'm anout to spend a bunch of money on makeup that a new blush isn't gonna change my whole face

[@CarterSullivan]

Aw so glad the video resonated with you!

[@KayleighDeRosier]

Might be one of my favorite videos yet. Just started a spending log with my husband on our wall where we have to see it everyday. September was a rough spending month for us, we were very busy! I love these tips!

[@CarterSullivan]

Aw this means so much thank you!!!!

[@ariiannel]

This video was on my watch list for a month. I finally decided to watch it today and honestly it was so helpful. I overspend a lot to a point where it’s affecting every aspect of my life. You really inspired me to start budgeting and learn how to say no to certain things. I really want to get out of debt so I think I’m gonna try to change my mindset on the things I buy. Thank you so much Carter ❤️

[@Stephanie-ki5oz]

Im a psych major too so I really appreciate that angle to this video. I recently have been doing so well and feeling so satisfied and abundant. But then I got invited to two Halloween parties ( I don’t like dressing up) but both have it as an obligation. Immediately I got a costume on amazon, and that opened the flood gates! Suddenly I was LOOKING for other things to purchase

[@kyclaus7157]

Yes, I can totally relate to the opening of flood gates when purchasing something. It’s terrible!

[@Stephanie-ki5oz]

@@kyclaus7157 agreed!! but at least im becoming more aware.. probably should put an accountability system in place when i know i have purchases coming up

[@Stephanie-ki5oz]

I feel like there’s also a huge part of it being trust in yourself. Some people don’t like saying « being imperfect is okay » because they feel they’ll use that as an excuse and go too far. That harsh restriction will keep them from falling down a slippery slope. Once you realize you CAN work within SOME confines. And you WILL say no to yourself, that confidence and trust builds up over time.

[@bbbproductions7059]

I definitely impulse buy because of feeling deprived in childhood. I’m still working on this. 🙄Great video Carter!

[@L64934]

I do this, too, for the same reason. I'm finding it really hard to stop this cycle.x

[@Billy33753]

I been working on mindfulness to avoid acting on impulses

[@katiekaboom7747]

Great video, Carter! I loved all of your tips. Your journey is so relatable. You reminded me of my college years when I could only put $2 of gas in my car at a time. Hands down the best way for me to not spend money is to avoid temptation. I don't go window shopping. I don't browse shops online. Obviously it's tougher when your kryptonite is groceries, but I second the tip to do grocery pickup if that's something you struggle with.

[@CarterSullivan]

Yes to avoiding temptation! Not always possible but important when you can!

[@Piplucia]

Thanks so much for those tips!! I'm literally SO impulsive like last month my mom told me about how her Tablet was getting slower and i bought her a new one like 5 minutes laterr😭 It's so hard for me to just wait it out and see if i still want something later

[@jadenlundy]

I feel like you knew I needed this, I’m a terrible impulsive spending since pandemic happened and I’m trying to get out of debts and save more, as I was a great saver before the pandemic. THANK YOU for posting this as it is much needed right now ❤

[@CarterSullivan]

So glad you found it helpful!! ❤️

[@064511]

A lot of time and thought went into this and it shows! Thank you for highlighting so many different aspects of spending. Love so many of these thoughts!

[@CarterSullivan]

It has honestly been a few months in the making!! 🥹 Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@sammyreads]

Late comment but I feel like I requested this video at every opportunity so I still wanted to pop in and say thank you for doing this. I agree that the time limit for fun purchases is so so helpful because 80% of the time I totally forget about that thing I “needed”. Also I want to say I think a part of your appeal is that you are transparent about being a regular person who’s doing her best. I have friends that follow financial people that , in my opinion, aren’t at all relatable and the “advice” the offer isn’t applicable to the majority of people. I would much rather listen to someone who has lived a life with misteps and the lessons they’ve learned.

[@CarterSullivan]

I totally agree with this! While I love all the financial creators online, even I find sometimes they just seem a bit too perfect with their finances. And let's be real we all slip up, no one is perfect. I literally made an impulsive purchase the other day.😂

[@juliequick5526]

Hi Carter! The only thing I would add is that the process is not a one and done! When you transition into different phases of life, I have found the emotional buttons get pressed again and spending becomes more driven by feelings. For example, when I gave up work, I had a difficult time in shopping to meet my new, more casual lifestyle. I love tailored outfits that suited a corporate job, but they don’t work so well when pushing a wheelchair or helping my disabled husband in other ways. I still saw myself in a corporate life and my mind needed to catch up with reality. A good thought provoking video and you should do more xxx

[@CarterSullivan]

Yes I agree which is why I re-iterated a few times in the video that it's an ongoing process and you will never 100% stop impulse spending/shopping!

[@juliequick5526]

I know you did an I added this for specific context. You did a superb job!@@CarterSullivan

[@michellesobiech8463]

GREAT VIDEO!!! Really timely too - we just reflected on Q1-3 and how we want to "spend" Q4. Thanks so much and keep up the good work Carter!

[@CarterSullivan]

Aw glad it was helpful!

[@operativealyssa]

Lately, I’ve been going back to my impulsive self. I’ve noticed that whenever I get stressed, I tend to go back to impulse spending. 😞

[@OrdinaryEverydays]

I never think I’m a big impulse spender… until I impulse spend 😔 money and emotions are so interconnected!

[@CarterSullivan]

Same, you aren't alone!!

[@thatgirly823]

This video was great; love these types of videos. A lot of great, detailed tips. 💗

[@CarterSullivan]

Thanks so much!

[@NicoleSams614]

This was so helpful and I have to say that your budgeting videos and openness about this is the reason I finally felt safe/stable enough to get my first credit card(at 25)

[@CarterSullivan]

This honestly means so much to me! And I'm so proud that you got to a position where you felt safe enough to open a credit card! 🫶🏻

[@mansoor3159]

Carter I Absolutely Absolutely needed this video and your vlogs are so so so amazing👌🏻😀💖

[@trtlduv07]

Excellent video! Glad I found your channel! Happy new year to you!! 💚

[@ThemilyCurran]

Such a valuable video Carter - thank you for this!

[@CarterSullivan]

My pleasure! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!!

[@imanieeee]

I appreciate your video so much! The balance you have in finance is so captivating. I'm 19 and I'm trying to improve and learn about finance. I used to have so much spending anxiety because I wanna buy things but I scared I'll go into a spending sprial...as that usually happens. Keep doing what you do!

[@LeleeAllison33]

this is one of my biggest issues like once i see something i’ll automatically just buy. i’m so glad i found your youtube channel . i use rocket money its a good way to budget money too . but i need to start from scratch by saving $25 dollars each month ! online shopping make things worse lol

[@nicoleh3703]

Thanks for this! We got a thrift store near my house for the first time, and I just realized that a certain group in my Facebook feed is causing me to spend more (it's for weird finds). I'm going to unfollow it now. Good point about thrifting!

[@hannahmerchant7268]

Ahh yes I’ve been waiting for this video for so long! Thank you Carter! Honestly i think there’s something to be said about saying no to yourself and strengthening that muscle. Long term gratification > short term yanno?

[@CarterSullivan]

You're so welcome!

[@nat_lr]

Thanks Carter! I did no spending months and that helped a lot! I also unsubscribed from almost everything because they are so good with their marketing strategies 😂 so those two things were the best for me!

[@CarterSullivan]

I love that those worked for you! No spend challenges don't do well for me since my brain doesn't work well with restriction but I know they do work really well for others!

[@juliaseitz2384]

I love this video so much, great info!

[@CarterSullivan]

Glad it was helpful!

[@myja100]

Love these tips from a psychological perspective, they make so much sense!😊

[@CarterSullivan]

Glad you like them!

[@thewanderingstarseed]

Another tip to not spend is to tally the amount of hours at work you need to work to pay it off. Equate the amount spent to your hourly wage. It’s a nice shock to the system to realize that one purchase could be a few workdays worth!

[@CarterSullivan]

I've heard of the strategy before! It doesn't really work for me, but I know it's a great tip for other people😊

[@kdonaker1]

I totally vibe with you, thanks for the helpful tips! 😊

[@CarterSullivan]

You're so welcome!

[@Raleighthurnau]

I really need this video. I have no impulse control and I want to save money for a house! Thank you for the motivation!

[@CarterSullivan]

You got this! Just remember, slow and steady progress wins the race🥰

[@wendyedelarosa]

I overspent in makeup, pens, planners and journals!!

[@clausm2203]

Great video🙂

[@sabahatnaheed1435]

what foundation do you use? your skin is flawless!

[@CarterSullivan]

@@sabahatnaheed1435 as someone who struggles with bad hormonal acne this is so sweet! I use the IT Cosmetics CC cream!

[@sabahatnaheed1435]

@@CarterSullivan thank you 🙏

[@laurajane1900]

I have Costcochondritis too lovely, I don’t get it often but wondered if you had any tips on how to ease the pain?

[@CarterSullivan]

Honestly I just take NSAIDS like ibuprofen if I'm having a flare up!

[@laurajane1900]

@@CarterSullivan thanks I’ll try that x

[@Tessandrabailey]

Such a cozy vlog! Random question but where did you get your lamp? Or is it a candle warmer? LOVE IT

[@CarterSullivan]

It's a candle warmer from Amazon!

[@Tessandrabailey]

Did I just order one? Yes 😂 cue me using these tips starting ~now~ . Thank you!

[@actgirl1234567]

❤❤❤

[@KattsLife]

💸💸💸

[@emilyhthompson]

This is such a helpful and important video, Carter. Thank you for talking about your experiences and the emotional context of spending. Our early habits seem to have been very similar and it's such a hard thing to unlearn. Kudos to you for achieving your financial goals and thriving! 🤍

[@CarterSullivan]

This is such a sweet comment, thank you so much! I hope you are thriving as well🫶🏻