The grocery store checkout that made me stop impulse buying

I was standing in line at the Kroger on 3rd street last month, just staring at the candy bars and magazines. The total came to $47.23 but when I got home I realized $8.50 of that was stuff I grabbed while waiting. Now I make myself put my wallet away and just stand there with my hands in my pockets until it's my turn. Does anyone else have a weird spot that trips them up like that?

3 comments

3 Comments

lucasschmidt1mo ago

The real trick isn't keeping your wallet away. It's what you do with your hands. I started bringing a reusable grocery bag from home and just folding it over and over while I wait. It gives my fidgety fingers something to do and I look like I'm preparing for something. The candy bars don't call to me when both hands are busy making a grocery bag into a tiny square. By the time I'm done, it's my turn and I've saved myself another $2 on a bag of chips I didn't need.

joel_martinez1mo ago

$8.50 is worth this much thought?

claire_hart531mo ago

You ever have one of those moments where you realize you've been doing the same dumb thing for years without noticing? I mean I used to think grabbing a pack of gum or a soda while waiting was no big deal, but now I'm kinda embarrassed I never added it up. Definitely gonna try the hands in pockets thing next time.