Survey: Impulse Buys May Be Ruining Some Americans Finances [Video]

Long gone are the days where impulse buying meant grabbing an unplanned candy bar or magazine in the checkout line. Now, social media makes it quick and easy for us to purchase just about anything with the click of a button, whether or not it’s in the budget. And for some Americans, it’s hurting them financially.

According to a new NerdWallet survey, conducted online by The Harris Poll, more than 1 in 5 Americans (22%) have made impulse purchases that have significantly impacted their finances in the past 12 months. Here are three strategies to combat the urge to shop hastily.

1. Save first, spend after

Around 1 in 6 Americans (16%) say they spent more on impulse purchases than they put into their retirement accounts most months in the past 12 months, according to the survey. A good way to avoid this is automating savings first and then spending what’s left over.

Let’s say your company offers a 401(k). If you set …