The Simple Rule That’ll Save You Thousands

Hey,

Let’s talk about impulse spending—the silent killer of financial freedom. You know the drill: You’re scrolling, see something shiny (or matte black if you’re classy), and BAM—one-click checkout. It’s all good until that post-purchase guilt kicks in, and suddenly, you’re explaining to yourself why you needed another overpriced gadget.

That’s where the 24-Hour Rule comes in.

It’s stupidly simple:
When you feel the itch to buy something non-essential, wait 24 hours before pulling the trigger. No adding to cart, no checkout, just pure, unadulterated waiting. If you still really want it after a full day, go ahead—buy the thing. But nine times out of ten, that initial “OMG I NEED THIS” fades, and you move on.

Why does this work?

Because impulse buys are pure emotion, not logic. Your brain gets a dopamine hit when you spot something new and exciting. That’s why marketers use countdown timers, fake scarcity, and influencer FOMO to trick you into buying now. But guess what? The second you introduce time, you take back control.

Try This Right Now

Before your next non-essential purchase, do this instead:

1. Write it down. Make a list of “Stuff I Want” in your Notes app. The act of writing it forces a little self-awareness.

2. Wait 24 hours. Do anything except buy it—go for a walk, read a book, pretend to work.

3. Revisit the list. If you still want it, cool. If not, congrats—you just dodged another unnecessary expense.

Pro tip: If you’re really feeling bold, try the 30-Day Rule for big-ticket items. If you can hold off for a month and still want it? That’s a sign it’s worth it.

Your Challenge

Try the 24-Hour Rule this week. The next time you feel like making an impulse purchase, hit pause. If it works (or even if it doesn’t), reply to this email and let me know what happened—I love a good money-saving story.

Your future, wealthier self will thank you.

Stay smart,
Tommy,
Banking On You