Saving money can seem like an impossible task when monthly expenses leave no room for respite. Between bills, grocery shopping, and the occasional treat, it's easy to lose control and end up with nothing left at the end of the month. However, there are simple and highly effective strategies that can make a difference in your finances, allowing you to improve your financial health without sacrificing your quality of life. One of the most popular and recommended techniques in recent times is 72-hour rule for saving, a method advocated by experts and entrepreneurs that helps avoid impulsive purchases and make more rational decisions with money.
This article takes a detailed look at how the 72-hour rule works, why it's so effective for many people, and what other tricks you can combine to strengthen your finances. If you want to break the habit of wasting money on unnecessary things and save more each month, keep reading because this method could be the change you've been waiting for.
What is the 72-hour rule and how does it work?
The 72-hour rule is a simple psychological trick that involves delaying any non-essential purchases for at least three days (72 hours) before deciding if it's really worth spending the money. The main objective of this method is to cool the impulse and allow time for reflection before swiping the card or pressing the 'buy' button.
This strategy has been popularized in recent months by entrepreneurs and financial experts such as Jaime Higuera, who on his social networks - where he has tens of thousands of followers - has shared how this simple technique helps him save money every month almost without realizing it.
The process is very easy to apply: When you see a product, garment, or gadget you'd like to buy, instead of buying it right away, you commit to waiting three days. During this period, emotions cool and the initial desire for that item diminishes, allowing you to analyze from a much more rational perspective whether it was truly necessary or simply a passing fancy.
According to the testimonies and experiences shared on portals such as 20minutos, The Razón, ABC y Huffington Post, The 72-hour rule works because most impulse purchases disappear on their own after that waiting period.As Higuera states, "90% of the time you will lose interest", saving a considerable amount throughout the year.
Why are we so prone to impulse buying?
Emotions play a key role when purchasingWhen we see something that catches our attention—whether in a physical store or online—advertising, marketing, and sales strategies are designed to trigger our desire and push us to make immediate decisions, without giving us time for reflection.
The rise of Online shopping has intensified this phenomenonWith just a few clicks, we can access thousands of products, compare prices, and have anything delivered to our home in a matter of hours or days. This ease and immediacy contribute to the increasing prevalence of impulse purchases.
Studies cited by various media outlets indicate that approximately 7% of the Spanish population suffers from some degree of shopping addiction, which can have serious economic and emotional consequences. Furthermore, during sales periods, Black Friday, or special promotions, we most often fall into the trap of spending on things we don't need.
The 72-hour rule acts as an effective brake on impulse, allowing the rational part of the brain to take over and help distinguish between what we really need and mere passing desires.
How to apply the 72-hour rule in practice?
Adopting this methodology in your daily life is easier than you think.Here are some practical tips to help you integrate the 72-hour rule effortlessly and maximize its benefits:
- Make a wish list: Every time you see something you're interested in buying, write it down on a list (either on your phone or in a notebook). This way, you'll get used to not making immediate decisions.
- Mark the date: Write down the day you identified that product so you remember when the 72 hours are up.
- Reflect and review: After three days, review your list. Ask yourself if you really need that item or if it was just a whim. If you still want it and it fits within your budget, you can reconsider the purchase. But in most cases, you'll find that you're no longer as interested.
- Avoid additional temptations: Unsubscribe from newsletters with offers and promotions, as these can reactivate cravings and make it difficult to maintain your period.
On platforms like The Razón y Chronicler, there are also some small complementary tips: monitor your card balance, compare prices at different stores before making a decision, and consider buying secondhand items or waiting for sales seasons for major purchases.
Real benefits of the 72-hour rule
Implementing the 72-hour rule into your daily life can have a significant impact on your savings capacity. and in controlling your personal finances. Among the main benefits highlighted by both experts and users are:
- Reduction of unnecessary purchases: By cooling the urge, it's much easier to avoid spending on things you don't really need.
- Better decision making: The waiting period allows you to analyze whether the purchase is useful, whether it meets a real need, or whether there are cheaper alternatives.
- Greater peace of mind and fewer regrets: You avoid the classic post-purchase regret that we so often feel after impulse spending.
- Increase in monthly savings: Over the course of a year, the difference between impulse buying and applying this rule can add up to a significant amount in your savings account.
As reflected in media such as Ok every day y The Spanish, Users who have incorporated the 72-hour rule claim to save money each month without even realizing it.The method is especially effective for regular purchases of clothing, technology, accessories, and all sorts of small treats.
What to do while you wait? Tips to avoid temptation
During those 72 hours, doubts or temptations may arise. To make the rule truly effective, here are some additional tips:
- Avoid stores and websites: Try not to expose yourself to more stimuli related to the product you want.
- Occupy your mind with other activities: Spend time on hobbies, sports, or pending tasks. Keeping busy helps reduce impulsive thoughts.
- Think about your savings goals: Visualize how that money can help you achieve an important goal, such as a trip, an emergency fund, or an investment.
If you're especially tempted during sales and promotions, you can extend the waiting period to a week or even a month, as some users who have perfected the technique suggest.
What other methods can you use to boost your savings?
The 72-hour rule is just one part of the process. To maximize your financial results, you can combine this strategy with other expert-recommended habits:
- Open an exclusive savings account: Keep your savings money separate from your daily expenses. This way, you'll avoid temptation and have greater control.
- Automate your savings: Schedule automatic transfers at the end of the month to ensure that a portion of your income always ends up in your piggy bank.
- Set limits and control card spending: Setting a monthly limit for card purchases helps you avoid overspending and keep unnecessary expenses at bay.
- Analyze and reduce your bills: Review your energy, phone, and internet rates and switch providers if you find better deals.
- Cancel subscriptions you no longer use: From online platforms to gyms, eliminate recurring expenses on services you rarely use.
- Plan your supermarket shopping: Make a list and stick to it to avoid impulse purchases and food waste.
- Sell what you do not need: In addition to saving, you can generate extra income by selling items you no longer use and that are just taking up space in your home.
These tips, combined with the 72-hour rule, will allow you to move much faster toward your financial goals, whether it's living more peacefully, treating yourself to a treat at the end of the year, or building a financial cushion for unexpected events.
Difference between the 72-hour rule for saving and the 72-hour rule for compound interest
It is important to clarify that there is another formula known as the rule of 72, but in the world of investing and compound interest. This rule of 72 It is completely different: it is used to calculate the time it takes for your money to double based on the annual interest rate you receive on your investment.
To calculate it, simply divide 72 by the annual interest rate. For example, if you have a 6% annual interest rate, you would double your capital in 12 years. It's a very useful mathematical formula for comparing investment options and setting long-term goals, although it has nothing to do with the 72-hour rule for saving and self-monitoring spending.
Remember not to confuse the two, as they respond to completely different needs and contexts.
Implementing the 72-hour savings rule can be a turning point in your personal finances. This simple technique not only helps you shop more consciously and rationally, but also allows you to truly identify what's important in your daily life and prioritize future well-being over immediate gratification. If you combine it with other healthy habits, such as spending control, automating savings, and eliminating unnecessary debt, you'll see how your finances improve month after month and enjoy a much greater sense of financial freedom. Just wait: maybe in three days you won't even miss it, and your wallet will thank you.