Online shopping has quickly become a regular part of life for many Filipinos. With just a few taps on your phone, you can buy everything from daily essentials to the latest trending gadgets. Platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop make it incredibly easy to browse, buy, and have items delivered straight to your doorstep. And with constant sales like 8.8, payday promos, and free shipping vouchers, it’s tempting to click “Add to Cart” without much thought.
However, this convenience also makes it easier to fall into the habit of impulse spending, or buying something unplanned simply because it looks good, feels urgent, or seems like a great deal in the moment. These small, spontaneous purchases may not seem like a big deal individually, but over time, they can quietly drain your budget and leave you wondering where your money went.
If you’ve ever bought something online that you didn’t plan for or regretted a purchase the moment it arrived, you’re not alone. The good news is that you can enjoy the convenience and excitement of online shopping while still being in control of your spending. Here are some practical and effective tips to make smarter financial decisions.
1. Always Start with a Shopping List
Before you open any shopping app, take a few minutes to make a clear list of what you actually need. This can be done using a notes app on your phone, a piece of paper, or even by adding things to your cart in advance. Having a well-thought-out list sets a clear intention and acts as a mental guardrail when you’re tempted by flash deals or trending products.
2. Set a Firm Spending Limit
It’s easy to lose track of how much you’re spending when everything is just a few clicks away. That’s why it’s important to set a firm spending limit before you even start browsing. As a guide, this should be based on your monthly income and expenses so that your online shopping doesn’t interfere with more important financial priorities like bills, savings, or emergency funds.
If you prefer to use a credit card for online transactions, consider using one that allows you to set a specific spending limit for online purchases. With the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card, you can use the Maya app to assign daily spending limits to different types of credit card transactions, including your daily spending limit, foreign transactions, online payments, contactless payments, and cash advances. Such a feature can help reinforce your self-control, making it the best credit card for online shopping Philippine’ consumers can rely on.
3. Apply the “Wait Before You Check Out” Rule
Impulse buying thrives on the urgency created by limited-time offers or low stock warnings. To counter this, apply the “wait before you check out” rule. If you see something you like but don’t urgently need, add it to your cart and give yourself at least 24 hours before deciding to buy it.
This waiting period allows you to step back and reflect on whether the purchase is truly necessary or just a fleeting desire. Often, after a day or two, you may realize that the excitement has faded and that you don’t really need the item after all. On the other hand, if you still feel strongly about buying it, at least you know it’s a more considered decision.
4. Make Sure You’re Getting the Best Value
When shopping online, you need to make sure you’re getting the most value for your money. So before checking out, compare prices across multiple platforms and sellers, and take advantage of discount vouchers, free shipping promos, or bundle deals. These small savings can add up, especially if you’re buying multiple items in one go. The time you spend carefully evaluating your purchases also helps you become more mindful of your spending.
In addition, if you're using a credit card, maximize the value of your spending by choosing the best cashback credit card for online shopping. For instance, the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card offers cashback for online purchases. Each credit card point is equivalent to PHP 1, and you can use your accumulated points as a discount on your next purchase at Landers. This kind of cashback program essentially lets you earn something back every time you shop, which makes your online purchases more strategic.
To redeem your points at checkout, just follow these simple steps:
- Inform the cashier that you'd like to use your points for payment.
- Tap your card on the terminal when prompted. The cashier will guide you through the process.
- Select the number of points you want to use. You’ll need at least 500 points to start redeeming.
- Settle the remaining balance with your card, if any. After confirming your points, any unpaid amount will be charged to your card.
5. Avoid Saving Payment Info for Easy Checkout
The convenience of having your payment details saved in shopping apps or browsers can actually work against you. It removes the friction between wanting and buying, which makes it far too easy to complete a purchase without thinking it through. When you don’t save your credit card information, you introduce a deliberate pause that encourages more mindful spending.
Moreover, for added security and even more control, consider using Maya credit cards, the safest credit cards for online shopping. With the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card or the Maya Black Credit Card, you can take advantage of the dynamic CVV feature. This kind of CVV is valid only for 24 hours and changes every time the card details are accessed in the app. This adds another layer of protection against fraud and makes it less convenient to rush through a purchase. That slight inconvenience could be the moment you need to rethink whether the purchase is really necessary.
Online shopping can be a tool for convenience and smart spending when approached with intention. When you develop habits that put you in control of your purchases, you're not just protecting your wallet; you're also building discipline that benefits other areas of your life. So the next time you're tempted by a flash deal or a trending item, remember: pause and carefully choose what truly adds value to your life.
