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The article from Bankrate addresses the issue of impulse buying, which refers to making unplanned purchases without considering long-term needs and financial goals. It highlights that many individuals have experienced the regret of making unnecessary buys, often spurred by social media advertisements and the fear of missing out. According to Bankrate's survey, 48 percent of social media users have made impulse purchases, and a significant 68 percent of those regretted their decisions^[1].

The piece suggests several strategies to combat impulse buying. One effective method is to take a moment to reflect before making a purchase by asking yourself questions like whether the item is a want or a need, if you can afford it without compromising more important financial priorities, and if it will provide long-term value^[1].

Creating a shopping list can also help focus your purchases on necessary items, reducing the chance of impulsive decisions. Additionally, implementing a 24-hour cooling-off period before making a purchase allows time to reconsider the buy when the initial excitement fades^[1].

The article stresses the importance of curating your social media feed to minimize exposure to shopping triggers and suggests establishing clear financial goals to align spending with long-term aspirations^[1]. It further recommends budgeting and using cash for purchases in order to prevent overspending^[1].

Finally, it encourages readers to be aware of the signs of impulsive spending, such as overspending compared to planned budgets, hiding purchases, or feeling guilty afterward^[1]. By adopting these strategies, individuals can regain control over their finances and better support their long-term goals.