The Jesse Mecham Show Want to Stop Impulse Spending? Try Making a List
Jan 22, 2026
They explore why impulse purchases create money worry and misalign spending with values. A practical trick: jot down wants to see if the urge fades. Using a budget tool to assign dollars to those wants turns impulse buys into planned, guilt-free treats. Tips include keeping links, reviewing the list, and deferring purchases without giving them up.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Immediate Want Becomes A Note
- Jesse Mika found himself wanting a large Drill Doctor after a conversation while finishing rocking chairs, so he added it to his "things I want" note on his phone.
- The act of noting the Drill Doctor scratched the itch and prevented an immediate impulse buy.
Long-Held Wants On The List
- Jesse's "things I want" list includes long-held items like Caravaggio prints, a peacoat, and waterproof hiking gloves.
- Some items have sat for years, showing that desire can persist without immediate purchase.
Writing Often Quiets The Urge
- Writing down wants can sometimes satisfy the urge to acquire and reduce impulse purchases.
- The list creates distance so desires either fade or become clearer and more deliberate.