The persistent rise in prices for basic goods, energy and services has put household savings to the test. With inflation eroding purchasing power, making it to the end of the month has become a daily challenge for many families who are seeing their income stretched to the limit.
In this complex economic scenario, the pressure on personal finances is constant. Not only do fixed or unexpected expenses complicate the picture, but less tangible factors such as emotional or impulsive purchases can throw an already tight budget off balance.
Finding effective strategies to contain spending is not just a matter of discipline, but often of applying practical methods. Implementing small rules or ‘tricks’ can be key to achieving more efficient and conscious spending control on a daily basis.
The 72-hour rule: Wait to save
In this context of economic adjustment, a simple strategy known as the ‘72-hour trick’ has emerged, a method designed specifically to help postpone any non-essential purchases for three days, thus providing a margin for reflection. This technique does not apply to necessary and habitual purchases, such as groceries or bill payments, but rather focuses on items that are perceived as whims or momentary desires.
The mechanics are simple but powerful: when faced with the impulse to buy something that is not on the list of basic necessities, one commits to waiting 72 hours before making the final decision. During this waiting period, the person has the opportunity to calmly assess whether the item is really desired or whether the initial urgency is due to an emotional state, a passing stimulus or mere availability.
Consumer behaviour experts point out that many impulsive purchasing decisions are linked to intense emotions or the search for temporary relief. By introducing this three-day delay, the emotional intensity is allowed to subside, facilitating a more rational perspective. This period of reflection often reveals that the object of desire was not as essential as it seemed, and the impulse to buy simply fades away.
Systematically applying this rule can have a significant impact on personal finances. By avoiding unnecessary spending and impulse purchases, money is freed up that can be used for savings, unexpected expenses or simply to make it to the end of the month with greater financial flexibility and peace of mind.
