Financology Podcast

The Science of Impulse Buying


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In this episode, Ryan explores the “Bermuda Triangle of retail” where logic vanishes and unplanned spending takes over. The average consumer spends $450 a month on impulse purchases, driven by calculated retailer strategies like store layouts that force you past tempting items to reach essentials. We dive into the dopamine-driven “shiny want now” reflex and how emotional “retail therapy” bypasses our rational brains

Key Takeaways:

The 30/30 Rule: Wait 30 minutes for items under $30 and several days for purchases over $100 to allow your “rational brain” to catch up

Mindful Questions: Ask if you would buy the item if it weren’t on sale

Cash is King: Physically handing over dollars makes spending feel more painful and real compared to digital clicks.



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Financology PodcastBy Ryan Anderson