Do you use the 10-second rule?

[buildmybudget]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Caoineag]

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

[Caoineag]

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

[Broken Arrow]

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]

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]

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]

[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]

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]

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]

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]

Yep

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.

[jasonnoguchi]

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