A recent study found that Compulsive Buying Disorder is common and varies in severity Marketing and tailored desires make it hard to resist spending The author talked to study author Mariya Davydenko Davydenko said that common advice like coupon-cutting and smart shopping can actually increase spending Instead proactive and reactive strategies are better at reducing spending Key Takeaways Budgeting and expense tracking are key for financial discipline Knowing your spending triggers and patterns helps make better choices Setting clear financial goals helps achieve financial well-being Using cash or debit cards and making a shopping list prevent impulse buys Avoiding temptation and waiting out urges require self-discipline but work well Understand Your Spending Patterns To take control of your spending first understand your unique patterns Look at your bank and credit card statements See where you spend money on things you might later regret Notice any patterns like spending more when shopping with friends or online when feeling bored Knowing these triggers helps you break the spending cycle Review Your Spending Habits Online shopping makes spending easy leading to more overspending This can cause financial stress and stop you from saving Look closely at your spending to find areas to cut back on unnecessary or impulsive buys Identify Your Triggers Are you more likely to make impulse purchases when shopping with friends or family Do you tend to engage in emotional spending when feeling bored or anxious Are your discretionary spending habits affecting your ability to save for your financial goals... Login to read full