Independent UK money guides & free tools
SAVE MONEY

Wait 24 hours before a non-essential purchase

Give a non-essential purchase a day before deciding.

Give a non-essential purchase a day before deciding.

Quick action: 1 minute · Habit

Why it can help

A short pause can separate genuine value from urgency created by mood, advertising or a countdown.

How to try it

Save the item or note it down, then revisit it the next day. Ask whether you still want it and what else the money needs to do.

Things to consider

Do not use this rule for genuine essentials or time-sensitive needs. A sale is not a saving if you would not otherwise buy the item.

Last reviewed: 24 September 2026