Budget Hack! Plan Ahead to Grab Sales & Outsmart Impulse Spending

Because impulse spending is sneaky and your wallet deserves better

Hands up if you've ever walked into a store for "just milk" and come out with three boxes of biscuits, a new throw blanket, and a giant inflatable unicorn... just me? As a busy mum juggling a job, kids, and somehow keeping the laundry pile from burying the family dog, I've had to get clever with my spending. And let me tell you, impulse purchasing is the ninja of budget wreckers.

But here’s a little budget hack that’s helped me stay (mostly) on track: Plan ahead to grab sales. It sounds simple—and it is, but it’s also surprisingly powerful. Let’s break it down so you can save money, reduce stress, and avoid buying another glittery notebook "just in case."

The Power of Planning: Your Budget’s Best Friend

When you plan your purchases with purpose (say that five times fast), you give yourself time to:

• Research upcoming sales and promotions.
• Compare prices between shops or online stores.
• Evaluate if you really need the item (and not just because it’s pink and sparkles).
• Set limits—your budget will thank you later.

Here’s how I make planning work in the chaos of family life:

1. Keep a Running Wishlist

Instead of buying on impulse, I jot down things I want or need in a wishlist—on my phone or a good old sticky note on the fridge. That way, I can keep an eye out during sales events like Black Friday, back-to-school blowouts or one of those “random Tuesday 20%-off” deals.

2. Use a Sales Calendar

Yes, it’s a thing—and no, you don’t need to be super organized to benefit. I mark big sales seasons in my diary (hello, Boxing Day!) so I can stock up on essentials or gifts in advance. Hello, future birthday presents bought in July.

3. Meal Plan (Your Fridge Will Praise You)

Food shopping is my weakness. One loose shopping list and suddenly I’m buying artisan cheeses I can’t pronounce. Planning meals weekly lets me create a tight grocery list—and stick to it. I also try to match my shopping with store specials. Double win!

4. Don’t Shop Hungry (or Sleep-Deprived)

I once bought four tubs of custard because I went shopping with a toddler meltdown brewing and hadn’t eaten lunch. Rookie mistake! Go shopping clear-headed, with a list, and maybe snack beforehand. Consider it budget-prepping.

Impulse = Expensive

Let’s face it: impulse is convenient, but at what cost? Literally. Here's what happens when we cave into impulse buys:

• We blow the budget on non-essentials (I'm looking at you, novelty coffee mugs).
• We end up with buyer’s remorse—plus clutter we don’t need.
• We delay buying what we actually need, usually until it’s full price again. Ouch.

Planning ahead flips the script. It turns shopping into a strategic mission, not a guilt-ridden guessing game. And yes, there’s still room for spontaneity—just set aside a little “fun money” so you can enjoy without regret.

Wrapping It Up

As a mum who occasionally dreams of adult conversations and uninterrupted tea, I get it—life’s hectic. But this one budget hack? It’s a sanity-saver. Planning ahead to grab sales doesn’t mean being a supermom with colour-coded folders (though go for it if that’s your thing). It just means thinking a step ahead, dodging those impulse traps, and buying things when you choose—not when the neon SALE sign lures you in.

Your Next Step?

Start simple. Make a wishlist, eye the sales calendar, and try next week’s food shopping with a meal plan in hand. You’ve got this, mumma. Your bank account (and your cupboards) will thank you.