Many have experienced it. One decides to start saving and buying less, but then spots a cute top on an online shop, or eyes a bag that would complement their wardrobe, or feels the urge to bid on an item they believe they truly need. By day’s end, they find themselves a thousand pesos poorer with three Lalamove drivers scheduled to deliver their purchases.

It’s a challenging battle, especially when sales and promos inundate social media feeds and algorithms. Fortunately, all hope is not lost. By following these steps, one might avoid falling victim to spontaneous “budol” sessions and begin saving for genuinely needed items.

1. Make A Shopping List

The age-old advice for grocery shopping applies equally to online purchases. Create a list of household necessities and stick to it as much as possible. Avoid being swayed by algorithms or friends into buying items not on the list, as they likely aren’t high-priority purchases.

2. Limit App Usage

Building on the first tip, minimize time spent on the shopping app. Log in only with a clear intention of what to buy. Avoid distractions from front-page items or algorithmic suggestions. The shopping app isn’t for entertainment; spend leisure time on other apps instead.

3. Budget Wisely

Manage finances promptly, especially upon receiving paychecks. Allocate funds for bills and necessary payments first, then assign the remainder to savings and other essentials. Make it difficult to access money intended for spontaneous online purchases, such as by not keeping it in the online wallet.

4. Take your time in thinking through your decision.

If unsure about a purchase, leave it in the cart and revisit it after three to four days. This delay helps distinguish between impulsive desires and genuine needs.

5. Don’t be influenced by promo periods.

Don’t succumb to sales promotions alone. While timing purchases during promo periods can save money, the decision to buy should be based on genuine need, not the allure of a discount. It’s a big waste to purchase an unused product just because it’s on sale.

6. Keep yourself focused on the goal.

Always remember the reason for saving. Whether it’s for a big-ticket item, increasing savings, or eliminating debt, the temporary satisfaction of online shopping can’t match the fulfillment of achieving financial goals. Though challenging, the journey toward financial stability is ultimately rewarding.

By adopting these strategies, individuals can navigate online shopping temptations more effectively and steer towards more meaningful financial goals.