How to Stop Impulse Buying, According to Your Myers-Briggs Type

Not so long ago, buying something—impulsively or not—involved an actual trip to a shop, time for second thoughts, and perhaps a little physical effort. So keenly did certain personality types (especially introverts) loathe those small-but-draining social errands that every purchase was filtered through an extra layer of hesitation.

Then online shopping happened. One-click, next-day, curated-just-for-you experiences turned every passing desire into a potential purchase, stripping away the pause for deliberation and replacing it with instant, frictionless gratification. We’ve become a nation of impulse buyers. The average US consumer now makes 9.75 impulse purchases a month, on stuff they don’t really want, totalling over $3,000 a year.

While most of us are lured by the occasional flash sale and discount, your personality may influence your impulse buying habits more than you realize. Your preferences on the Thinking-Feeling and Judging-Perceiving dichotomies are especially relevant when it comes to what tempts you to add items to your cart, but the easiest way to break it down is through the four temperaments: Preservers (SJ), Responders (SP), Empaths (NF) and Theorists (NT).

Empaths: You Splurge When Something Speaks to Your Soul 

NF types (INFJ, ENFJ, INFP, ENFP) are no strangers to impulse shopping. But where other types may splurge to treat themselves, Empaths often spend their money on supporting a cause or helping a friend. This can involve being generous with gifts, such as buying a spa day for a stressed loved one or inviting friends to an expensive dinner to celebrate someone’s work achievement. 

The atmosphere around an Empath can have a strong influence on their buying decisions. 

A store with an artistic or soulful feel, or a brand that tells an inspiring story, can draw you in quickly. You’re the type most likely to be swayed by companies that donate to charities or highlight ethical sourcing, for example. For Empaths, spending is as much about the meaning behind the product as the product itself. 

Tips to stop impulse buying:  

• Follow the 12-hour rule. Your idealistic streak means you can be especially vulnerable to “feel-good” marketing tactics. The best impulse-buying defense for you is to wait several hours before clicking and ask yourself: Does this purchase truly reflect my values, or am I being carried away by the story being sold to me?
• Set a “giving budget.” It’s great that you are generous with the people you love, but it helps to set aside a dedicated monthly budget for generosity. This way, you can support others and invest in brands with a mission without stretching yourself thin financially.

Theorists: You Splurge on Projects and Life Goals

NT types (INTPs, ENTPs, INTJs, ENTJs) are rarely swayed by the immediate gratification of a quick purchase. That classic impulse of adding something to their shopping cart on a whim isn’t your style. Instead, you’re more likely to channel your spending into hobbies, knowledge or tools that fuel your long-term vision. You might blow more than a moderate amount of cash on gaming gear, tech gadgets, online courses or elaborate travel plans, for example, because, for you, a purchase feels worthwhile if it contributes to a bigger goal.

The risk for Theorists is that your spending can snowball under the banner of “personal development.” Because the purchases feel purposeful, it’s easy to rationalize one more upgrade, one more book, one more project starter kit.

Tips to stop impulse buying: 

• Try before you buy. Download a free sample or test a device in store. Sampling first lets you satisfy your curiosity while avoiding purchases that may not deliver real value in the long run.
• Unsubscribe from product notifications. Stop temptation in its tracks by unsubscribing from promotional emails and app alerts. Doing so ensures you’ll buy items when you truly need them, not because your curiosity was piqued by an ad.

Responders: You Splurge on Fun 

SP Responders (ISTP, ISFP, ESTP, ESFP) are all about living in the moment and you spend a good chunk of your money on making life exciting and enjoyable right now. You’re easily tempted by concert tickets, weekend getaways, pro-racer driving experiences, and anything that delivers instant fun and sensory thrills. If something promises excitement, you’re in. 

Sensory details can also tip the balance toward a purchase. So, for example, you might splurge on a jacket simply because the fabric feels perfect to the touch, or say yes to an expensive dinner just because the meal looks like a work of art on the plate. The downside is that costs can add up quickly when “treat yourself” turns into a lifestyle, and purchases made for the rush of the moment don’t always hold their value once the buzz wears off.

Tips to stop impulse buying: 

• Check the long tail of fun. Before making in-the-moment purchases, ask yourself: Will I still enjoy this tomorrow, next month or later this year? If the answer is no, keep your wallet closed.
• Budget some spontaneity. Freedom matters to you, so don’t cut it out entirely. Instead, create a small “fun fund” each month so you can say yes to last-minute adventures without draining your finances. Your bank balance will thank you!

Preservers: You Splurge on Security and Traditions 

SJ Preservers  (ISTJ, ISFJ, ESTJ, ESFJ) are more likely to save than spend. You are cautious with money and have a practical approach to life—you don't create much space for impulsivity, and treat most purchases as valuable investments for which you plan ahead. When you do overspend, it tends to be on things that make you feel prepared or that give care to the important people in your life. Deals on everyday essentials can tempt you into buying more than you strictly need, and it’s easy to justify going overboard on gifts for family celebrations.

The danger for you is that if a purchase feels useful or serves a group, it doesn’t register as “impulsive.” This can lead to cupboards full of “just in case” items or holiday budgets that quietly balloon year after year. Over time, these sensible-seeming purchases can drain more from your finances than the occasional splurge you carefully avoid.

Tips to stop impulse buying: 

• Schedule your splurges. Since you prefer structure, earmark specific dates or types of occasions for treating yourself or others. Pre-planning these indulgences lets you look forward to them and prevents unplanned purchases from piling up.
• Create a dedicated gifts and extras fund. Set aside a set amount each month for gifts, holiday spending, or stocking up. Setting these limits ahead of time appeals to your sense of organization, and you’ll still be able to keep up your favorite traditions while looking out for your financial well-being.