Can “slow shopping” help you spend less this holiday season?

The holiday season is considered by some to be the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also be the most expensive. Amid the crazy sales that Black Friday emails or social media influencers tell you about, spending can take on a sense of urgency. It’s easy to believe that you should act fast to get the best deals.

Despite all the great holiday deals, the shopping frenzy can lead to overspending and unnecessary purchases. This is where slow shopping comes in, which many shoppers plan to do this holiday season. In a study conducted by Talker Research for Affirm, “nearly 3 in 4 consumers (73%) said they took a slow approach to shopping during the holiday season.” USA TODAY.

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Slow shopping can make a big difference in your spending habits, so it’s possible that it could save you money. Many people “say they shop slowly to make sure they only buy things they really want,” while others “say it helps them spend more time researching their purchases beforehand and comparing different brands and styles “, USA Today reports. This may help prevent excessive shopping and make sure you’re buying exactly what you want (and need).

Finally, slow purchases create room for initial excitement emotions — when you see a tempting price or your favorite influencer promoting a product — pass. “When you give yourself time to let go of your emotions or give yourself time to reassess your needs or wants without worrying about missing out on a deal, you can make a more informed buying decision,” Voroh told CNBC. “Often this will mean avoiding an impulse buy.”