11 Smart Questions To Ask Yourself Before Clicking ‘Add to Cart'

If you find yourself adding items to your online shopping cart day and night, you're not alone. Last year, online retailers generated an impressive $4.3 trillion in global online sales, a figure that will only rise. In fact, it's climbed 55% since 2021.

The onslaught of ads across social media, influencer posts, newsletter sign-ups, and TV commercials makes it almost impossible to avoid being pressured into buying. But do you really need that super slick new slicer-dicer or celebrity-endorsed anti-aging cream? Today? Right now?

A smart way to save money is to pause before purchasing. Take a moment to ask yourself these 11 questions before clicking "add to cart."

Online ads tap into and appeal to your emotions, insecurities, and urgency. Take a second, pause, and reevaluate your motivation. Think, "Would I drive to get this item right now?"

If you're not willing to get in the car and go, chances are you don't really need it.

Consider whether this upcoming purchase will address a real problem. If it does, ask yourself if it is the best solution available.

You might be surprised to discover that many advertisements are designed to convince you that you have a problem that actually doesn't exist.

Will purchasing it leave you with less money to cover necessities, such as recurring monthly bills and household expenses?

Make discretionary purchases, such as these, only after you've spent what you need on necessities. Not only will you enjoy your purchase more, but you'll reduce major buyer's remorse down the line.

Before adding that product to your shopping cart, take a moment to imagine how you'll feel about it in the next 30 days.

Visualize your future self with this purchase and whether it still holds value for you. If it does, and you can afford to do so, proceed with the purchase. If not, it's probably best to add it to your wish list for now.

In advertising, the most successful technique is the fear of missing out (FOMO). These ads use terminology like "while supplies last" or use countdown timers to prompt you to purchase without truly considering the consequences.

To avoid FOMO-fueled impulse buys, determine if you really want it because it's on sale or if you need it. If you wouldn't buy it at full price, it may be an impulse buy.

At some point or another, most of us have bought more than we can store. Some people's storage closets and garages are practically bursting at the seams with items they will soon forget they've purchased and need.

Avoid filling your nooks and crannies with useless purchases by visualizing your space with the item in it, both in and out of use.

Shopping, for some, can temporarily soothe negative emotions like sadness and anxiety. When done repeatedly, the reward and motivation centers in the brain get involved, making it hard to stop. Ask yourself if you're shopping for any of these reasons.

If you are, step away from the screen, take a deep breath, and engage in a healthier coping strategy such as taking a walk, listening to music, or meditating.

Do you plan to use your purchase immediately, or are you buying it as a precaution?

There's nothing wrong with buying items ahead of time to score better prices and savings. However, if the item frequently goes on sale or its price doesn't vary much, it might not be worth purchasing early.

Before adding something to your cart, ask yourself: Will I need this soon? Does the current price warrant buying it now?

Approximately 66% of marketers admit to overhyping the benefits of their products to increase sales. They certainly don't have your credit card or retirement savings account goals in mind when they do.

Before completing your purchase, consider how it might affect your financial goals. Ask yourself: "Will this bring me closer to or further away from my personal, professional, or financial goals?"

The internet has made it incredibly easy to shop anywhere, at any time. However, it has also made comparison shopping a seamless part of the process. Use comparison websites, browser extensions, or apps like Shopzilla, Bizrate, and PriceGrabber to ensure you're getting the best prices and receive product sale alerts in real-time.

To maintain a steady flow of customers and revenue, retailers often offer alternative payment options, such as payment plans, store cards with attractive first-purchase discounts, and third-party financing.

While these options are tempting, it's important to ask yourself whether you can truly afford your shopping cart items in the end.

Online shopping gets you lightning-fast access to can't-miss goods, great deals, and limitless comparison shopping. But those dopamine hits can quickly be followed by buyer's remorse and financial issues.

Before making your next purchase, take a moment to pause and consider your actual needs versus wants. This simple practice of delayed gratification can keep your financial goals on track — and help you keep more cash in your wallet.