Do you use the 10-second rule?

buildmybudget · #1 (**permalink**) 09-09-2009, 08:31 AM

How often do you employ the rule when you're about to buy something? I've found that I have cut down on splurging and most importantly, the amount of junk food we buy, when we shop thanks to this invaluable rule. All it takes is ten seconds to think of something better to spend that money on!

JustDave · #2 (**permalink**) 09-09-2009, 10:15 AM

That's not exactly the 10-second rule I was thinking of - and yes, I use that one too!

I cut this off even before going to the grocery store by making a list and only buying things on the list. So if there's no junk food on the list, I don't even go down that aisle. For impulse buys at other stores, I generally ask myself "Do I really need this?". Nine times out of ten, the answer is no.

GREENBACK · #3 (**permalink**) 09-09-2009, 10:54 AM

If I see something that catches my eye but I hadn't planned to buy it I go about my the rest of my shopping and think about it until I'm done then consider whether to buy it or not. I usually don't unless it really might serve a good purpose.

KTP · #4 (**permalink**) 09-09-2009, 11:10 AM

Yes, I buy something then regret spending the cash 10 seconds after I get home.

Caoineag · #5 (**permalink**) 09-09-2009, 12:32 PM

I need more than 10 seconds to weigh my purchases, I use more like the 5 minute rule...

Caoineag · #6 (**permalink**) 09-09-2009, 12:33 PM

Oh though for big purchases I do the sleep on it rule, that actually works better for me.

Broken Arrow · #7 (**permalink**) 09-09-2009, 01:41 PM

I'm not an impulse buying type.... The more I am serious about buying something, the longer I will take to analyze and mull over it. This effect magnifies even more the costlier it is.

The range is anywhere from 30 seconds to several months out... if I am still interested by then.

So, I don't know if that's a good thing. For better or worse, that's just the way I am.

MonkeyMama · #8 (**permalink**) 09-09-2009, 01:45 PM

Yes.

I don't have a 10-second rule, per se. But I think pretty hard about any purchase, no matter how large or small.

When I lived on a tight budget, I just learned to ask myself, "Will I really use it?" "How long until I am bored of it?" etc., etc. It's a good habit I don't plan to outgrow.

It's probably akin to the 10-second rule.

I OFTEN think if I really want something, I will go back and get it later. Odds are it will lose its appeal in the meantime. A "day rule" is really good to have. But that's for the stuff I am more on the fence about.

LivingAlmostLarge · #9 (**permalink**) 09-09-2009, 02:16 PM

I usually go home and check out the internet before buying anything.

And for kicks, when I read 10 second rule I was thinking food dropping on the floor.

GREENBACK · #10 (**permalink**) 09-09-2009, 03:29 PM

[quote=LivingAlmostLarge;235005 And for kicks, when I read 10 second rule I was thinking food dropping on the floor.[/QUOTE]

And I always heard it was 5 seconds. And to think of All that good food I've thrown away over the many years of dropping it on perfectly good ground after only 5 seconds

Save Money Hound · #11 (**permalink**) 09-09-2009, 05:07 PM

Best to stick to the good old shopping list to avoid impulse shopping. It's nice to give yourself a treat occasionally but I wouldn't include this as part of my weekly shop. My decisions are based more on keeping a healthy diet and avoiding junk food.

KTP · #12 (**permalink**) 09-09-2009, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GREENBACK

And I always heard it was 5 seconds. And to think of All that good food I've thrown away over the many years of dropping it on perfectly good ground after only 5 seconds

They actually did a Myth Busters episode on the 5 second rule (for dropping food on the floor and picking it up). I don't exactly remember what the result was but I think most food pretty much picked up whatever bacteria was on the floor instantly

Funny, the best place to drop a piece of food and pick it up with the least amount of bacteria was in the bathroom around the toilet!

GREENBACK · #13 (**permalink**) 09-09-2009, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KTP

Funny, the best place to drop a piece of food and pick it up with the least amount of bacteria was in the bathroom around the toilet!

You go first and I'll follow your lead after you leave the room

good2goo · #14 (**permalink**) 09-09-2009, 07:57 PM

I always think of the value I will be getting from my purchases. Sure I could buy a snack or drink from a vending machine and pay around $1, or if I take 10 seconds and think ahead I can buy what I need from the store and pay $.25. Especially with the internet at my side I always take time to look around and find better prices or a better value. It could be slightly cheaper to get something online, but sometimes if it is not a lot cheaper I value my time a little more and just buy it where I am.

VanGuard · #15 (**permalink**) 09-25-2009, 11:00 AM

I'm usually not the one doing the shopping for groceries, but when I do go with my wife I have found that she is very good at not impulse buying. Whenever I go to the store for something I need, I always tell myself what I need and then go in and get it. I learned when I was little that when you went to the store to get groceries with your mom, it meant you were also going to the clothes store and then to the bank and to all sorts of other places. I developed a habit so that I knew what I wanted and was quick and efficient at getting it. haha, I know this is going to sound funny, but sometimes I would have to put my arm around my mom and say jokingly: "you don't need that, the exit is over there."

jasonnoguchi · #16 (**permalink**) 09-25-2009, 07:34 PM

I never carry enough money for an impulse purchase and I don't have any credit cards either.

fe2o3ez · #17 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 11:59 AM

The key is to use the 10 seconds to evaluate reason you do NOT need the purchase or to list other items that might be a better option. I have a habit of using those first few, valuable seconds to list the reasons why this may be a good buy! (it's the generic brand, it is on sale, I haven't had one in ages...) Got to work on that!

sgfinancialfreedom · #18 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 09:07 PM

The best way not to go on impulse buying is to set a budget that you follow strictly. If you do not have a budget, you will buy things that you can afford and not things that you need.

The 10 second rule might work too but I would prefer that you just set a budget and bring out the amt of $$ that you have allocated for that certain activity or grocery trip. In that way, you will not engage in impulse buying

irmanator · #19 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 05:41 AM

I live in a rural area and buy stuff on occaision that i see and can't remember if I am out of and would be cheaper/more convenient to buy extra than to make another trip if I am out. (like toilet paper or dish soap)

90% of the time i write a list and leave it on the table.

Now I am getting into the habit of just texting my husband at home and double checking. ( i still usually get t.p. cause he has no idea and I never want to run out of that)

wincrasher · #20 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 06:18 AM

I never agonize over purchases. If I think it's a good value, and I want it, then I buy it. But there are rules: check prices and consumer comments online, don't have to buy on credit, buy but don't have to give something else up to get it.

I generally don't lust after goods that have little residual value - I don't desire fine clothes, shoes, watches, jewlery, etc.

My last impulse buy was tupperware! How embarassing is that?