We’ve all been there: you’re scrolling online or walking through a store, and something catches your eye. Suddenly, you’ve gotta have that new device, those hot shoes, or that fancy kitchen tool. But do you really? Learning to tell the difference between wants and needs when you’re shopping can help you save money and stay focused on your goals.

1. Define your goals and priorities

Start by mapping out your financial goals and deciding what’s most important to you. Are you saving up for a vacation, a new home, or getting out of debt? When you have clear goals, it’s easier to prioritize needs over wants because you know what you’re working toward. For example, if paying off debt is a priority, spending on essentials will take priority over shiny objects that could turn out to be nothing but impulse buys.

2. Ask yourself: do I need this to survive or thrive?

Needs are essentials—things you rely on for day-to-day living or that are key to your well-being. Food, shelter, utilities, transportation, and basic clothing all fall under this category. Wants, on the other hand, are extras that bring comfort, style, or entertainment, like designer clothes, gadgets, or dining out. When you’re thinking about a purchase, ask yourself: will this item help me live or just add some nice-to-have comfort to my life?

3. Use the 24-hour rule

The 24-hour rule can be a lifesaver for impulse shoppers. When you’re not sure if something is a need or just an enticing want, wait 24 hours before you buy it. This cooling-off period gives you time to think and ask yourself if the item is something you’ll still want after the initial excitement wears off. A lot of times, you might find that the need isn’t as strong once you’ve had some time to reconsider.

4. Consider the impact on your finances

When trying to decide whether something is a want or a need, think about the purchase’s impact on your budget. Ask yourself if you can easily afford it without compromising other priorities. If buying a new device would strain your budget or require you to put off an important expense, it’s more likely to be a want than a need. A true need is something you can justify financially and that fits within your spending limits.

5. Look for alternatives

Sometimes, there’s a way to satisfy a want without buying anything new. For instance, if you’re craving a fancy coffee, try making your own version of the drink at home. Need new clothes? Swap with friends or check out thrift stores for budget-friendly options. By looking into alternatives, you might find creative solutions that help you satisfy a desire without the need to spend any money.

6. Think about long-term value

Ask yourself: Will this item bring lasting value, or is it a temporary thrill? Needs typically have ongoing benefits, like good-quality shoes that you wear every day or a kitchen tool that makes cooking easier. Wants often have shorter-lived satisfaction, like trendy clothes that may go out of style or a gadget you won’t use very often after the first few months. Thinking about an item’s long-term value can help you decide if it’s worth buying.

7. Review past purchases for insight

Sometimes, experience is the best teacher. Take a look at your past purchases—especially the ones you regret. What motivated you to buy them? Were they wants that disguised themselves as needs? Understanding your past shopping patterns can give you insight into what’s likely to bring you true satisfaction and what might just be an impulse-driven want.