​While malls are kind of dead these days, the urge to spend money on stuff is still very much alive. When you see something you want, at a price you want, it can be tough to keep yourself from pulling the trigger on the purchase. And with the way the internet has made it so easy to shop, the solution isn’t as simple as avoiding the mall. If you’ve got the urge to shop ‘til you drop, here are three steps you can take to help curb that feeling…

Take your time: When you think about impulse buys, generally the whole process from discovery to payment only takes a few minutes. Next time you’re about to hit the “buy now” button, slow your roll. Feel free to put an item in your cart, but hold up before you complete the transaction. Never buy anything the day you add it to your cart. Let it stew…

Think it over: If you’re still thinking about that item after sleeping on it, go back and check out your cart. In your cart you can see the total price (including taxes) and decide if the item is really worth the total price. Take this time to look around and try to find a better deal, and whether or not that’s successful, still don’t buy it. After you’ve done the research, put the item on your wish list, or bookmark it for later.

Be ready: You’ve thought about your purchase for days. You know you’re going to buy it. You’ve found the lowest price. Do you have the money? If the answer is yes, then go ahead and complete your transaction. If the answer is no, save your money and start the process over when you’ve stashed enough cash away.

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