Americans are spending more than ever on unplanned purchases thanks to shopping apps, one-click checkouts and social media constantly pushing new products. These technologies make resisting impulse buys feel almost impossible. One viral TikTok creator said the solution isn’t more willpower but slowing down your decisions.
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Product marketer Crystal, known as @slowbuyclub on TikTok, developed what she calls the “Slow Buy” method — a simple, structured way to pause before you purchase.
Here’s how the method works and how it can help you keep more money in your wallet.
How the Slow Buy Method Curbs Impulse Purchases
The Slow Buy method is built around a short series of questions that help you figure out why you want something — and whether it’s actually worth your money. Before checking out, Crystal recommended asking yourself the following:
1. How likely are you to buy this product? Rate on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is “not at all” and 10 is “must have it now.” This first question serves as a quick gut check.
2. How disappointed would you be if this product sold out? Rate as a 1, 2 or 3, where 1 is “not at all,” 2 is “somewhat” and 3 is “very.” This question helps separate true needs from momentary impulses.
3. How certain are you in your first two scores? Rate yourself 0 if your confidence is “shaky” and 1 if you’re “solid.” This step adds a layer of self-awareness. If your certainty is low, it’s usually a sign to pause.
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Once you have your three scores, multiply those numbers together.
- If your number is between 0 and 16, skip the purchase.
- If it’s over 25, buy it.
- If it’s somewhere in between, continue to the next two questions.
4. Who is this purchase really about? Is it about someone you love, someone you envy or something you lack in mind/body/spirit? This helps you identify if you’re buying something due to emotions or because it’s something that will actually benefit you.
5. What is a SMART action you can take that will scratch the same itch? The action should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timebound. For example, if you’re tempted to buy new furniture, you may want to rearrange the furniture you already have to freshen up your space without spending any additional money. This step nudges you toward creative solutions that don’t involve adding something to your cart.
Taking the time to reflect on why you really want to make a purchase and what a better alternative would be can stop you from spending money you don’t need to.
How Much Money You Can Save With the Slow Buy Method
Crystal said that her thoughtful shopping method helped her overcome her overbuying habit and saved her thousands of dollars.
“I developed these five questions over the last five years,” she wrote. “They’ve helped me cut my impulse spending by 50-70%, and I have saved $3,000 from not shopping over the last six months — which works out to about $500/month or $125/week.”
Those savings add up quickly, especially at a time when many Americans are looking for ways to stretch their budgets and reduce financial stress.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: The Slow Buy Shopping Method: Save Up To $3K in 6 Months
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