30 Day Rule: A Simple Trick to Stop Impulse Spending

Ever add something to your cart, feel a rush, and then regret it at the end of the month? The 30‑day rule is a tiny habit that can save you hundreds, sometimes thousands, without any fancy budgeting software.

How the 30‑Day Rule Works

Whenever you want to buy a non‑essential item, write it down and put the receipt or a note in a drawer. Then set a timer for 30 days. If you still want the item after the waiting period, go ahead and buy it. If the excitement has faded, you’ve saved the money.

Why 30 days? A month is long enough for the initial urge to die down, but short enough that you don’t forget the item completely. Studies show that most impulse purchases lose their appeal after a few weeks.

Take Tom, for example. He wanted a new gaming headset that cost £120. He noted the price, set a calendar reminder, and waited. After three weeks he realized his old headset still worked fine, and he saved the cash for a holiday instead.

Tips to Make the Rule Stick

1. Keep a dedicated “30‑day” notebook or a notes app on your phone. Seeing the list every morning reminds you that the rule is active.

2. Set a budget for “sticky” items. If you know you’ll spend up to £200 on tech this year, the rule helps you stay within that limit.

3. Pair the rule with a savings goal. Every time you skip a purchase, move the money into a separate account labelled “30‑day wins.” Watching the balance grow is a great motivator.

4. Involve a friend. Send them a quick text when you add an item to the list and ask them to check in after the month ends. Accountability makes the habit stronger.

5. Be flexible with “non‑essential” definitions. Bills, groceries, and rent stay out of the rule. Focus on things that aren’t required for living or working.

It’s easy to think the rule is only for big‑ticket items, but it works for anything from a coffee machine to a pair of shoes. The more you practice, the better you become at distinguishing want versus need.

Ready to try it? Grab a pen, write down the first thing you’re tempted to buy, and set that 30‑day timer. In a month you’ll see how much you’ve saved, and you’ll probably feel a little more in control of your money.

Looking for more budgeting tricks? Check out our guides on the 50‑30‑20 rule, debt consolidation, and smart ways to grow your savings.