Impulsive Shopping: A Serious Disease

Many college students start off the year with a lot of money, and end up "broke" before midterms. For instance, what is the first thing that comes to mind once you deposit or cash that refund check? Those shoes you’ve always wanted? Updating your fall fashion ensemble? What you’re going to do with it the upcoming weekend? Or are you going to save it and plan out exactly how you are going to spend it?

Before learning tips on how to save yourself some dollars, you have to determine whether you are an impulsive buyer or a "Get-and-Go" shopper. This is quite simple. When you go to the store to buy the things you need, do you leave with more than you were suppose to get? Or do you quickly get what you need and go? The goal is to be able to get what you need and go. When shopping, it is important to avoid some of the things that trigger impulsive buying.

Loren Brown, a college junior at Frostburg State says, “Being hungry, and thinking you need something is a quick way to spend money.” She also states “going to a store with a lot of money” is another way she buys more then she needs.

Frostburg freshman, Anecia Peirce says, “If there’s a sale and if I sorta need it, I will buy it,”

When it comes to impulsive buying, these college students get sucked into the temptation, but whether or not they give in is what counts. Brown says "I come to my senses after adding up the prices in my head, and then I put stuff back." But Pierce admits "when my mom and I are in Wal-Mart, we always get things we don’t plan on buying.”

Senior, Courtney Dickerson admits she is a impulsive shopper, "especially when it comes to shoes." She always buys more then she needs when she goes the store.

So, next time you are in the checkout line at the store, look at the items you have in your cart. Re-evaluate each item before buying it. Is it what you came to the store for? Do you really need it? Will you regret buying it? Do you have to have it now? Always shop on a full stomach to avoid buying much more food then you need. And most importantly, avoid browsing around the store and don't touch items you don't plan on buying. Just get what you need and go.

Not sure if you are an impulsive shopper? Take this quiz

http://www.funquizcards.com/quiz/shopping/are-you-a-compulsive-shopper.php