I have attention deficit disorder so impulsivity can be a problem. The good thing is that it usually takes me FOREVER to make a decision about something and that renders me slow to act. Recently, a vendor set up shop in the lobby of my workplace. Just in time for the holidays. They sold jewelry and page boy hats. I LOVE page boy hats. I thought I would purchase just 1 or 2 since they were priced well --$5 - $7.00 (Usually $15-$20 at Target). Well, somehow, I lost control and spent approximately $70.00 bucks on page boy hats and jewelry. I am planning to give the jewelry to my sisters at the end of this month. I cannot let that happen again. When I think of it, the emotion was so strong. I had a fabulous time being out of control for probably less than ten minutes. I think I have NEVER spent that much money impulsively. It's been many years since I have splurged like that....since my early 30s, I think. Well, except for my iPad. Moving forward, this experience is my flashing red light to take a detour and just walk away.

@carriek21 - re: your Costco remark, what a great way to think about it!

I'm triggered by deals. We are bombarded by them daily and, when we see good ones, it's not always easy to ignore them. I used to see "70% off" and think "I'll never find it for this price again!" But if I was putting it on my credit card, it wasn't really a deal at all.

Today, I pass on "good deals" by reminding myself that I don't actually need it and it's not in the budget. But it's not always easy. Last week, I was literally standing in line and getting ready to pay, before I put the sale item down and walked out. Buyer's remorse wouldn't have been worth that price.