In today’s society, we’re constantly being told to buy something—whether it’s a TikTok influencer showing off a viral hair product, an Instagram ad promoting the latest tech, or an editor (guilty) sharing another product they love. As a commerce writer, I’m usually the one telling you to buy the thing before it’s gone, but I also understand the dangers of impulse shopping.
I’m often tempted by Instagram and TikTok ads, and Amazon’s one-click checkout—sometimes it’s just too easy. I also have the tendency to “need” new outfits for every upcoming occasion or trip. The downsides? Buying things we don’t need can cause financial strain, create guilt and regret, and lead to unnecessary clutter around the house.
As someone who’s determined to save money in 2026, I’ve been trying to resist the urge to over-consume. When I heard about the 48-rule—a strategy that involves waiting two days before making non-essential purchases—I thought: That seems obvious, but also genius. I needed to try it.
What is the 48-hour rule?
It’s exactly how it sounds: Before you buy anything (minus essentials, like food or toilet paper), you wait 48 hours. You can jot down the item in your notes (but don’t add it to your cart)—and after two days, you can circle back to decide if you still want or need it. The goal? More intentional spending, because you’ll ideally make a more rational, and less emotional, purchasing decision.
When the urgency fades and clicking “buy now” feels a lot less exciting, ask yourself this: Do you still want that viral water bottle you’ve been spotting all over TikTok? (Don’t you already have five?) Do you need that best-selling smart ring? (Will you actually remember to charge it?) Maybe, the answer is yes! The idea is, if you’re still thinking about the item two days later, you can buy it guilt-free.
My experience with the 48-hour rule:
I started practicing the 48-hour rule a few weeks ago, and here's my takeaway: I've forgotten or changed my mind on almost every item. I wanted a few small items on TikTok—a workout set, claw clips, a pair of earrings—all of which I decided pretty quickly I don’t actually need. I also spotted an Owala with dog artwork on it that was so hard to resist—but 48 hours later, I reminded myself I already have three Owala bottles. Then, there were a few sweaters from Quince. But eventually, I decided I’m going to manifest warmer weather and save my money for spring clothes in a few weeks.
After 48 hours, I still wanted a few things on my list—like a curly hair product I've been eyeing for a while and a pair of dark jeans. Not only were they both items still on mind, but they felt like more practical purchases.
If you total up everything I didn’t buy, I saved about $300 this month—and that’s girl math. In all seriousness, the rule is silly and simple, but once I committed, it did help me avoid those tempting one-click purchases. It’s not a revolutionary concept, but it’s a reminder to be more intentional about where I spend my money.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) leads Good Housekeeping’s gift guide strategy. She writes and edits commerce content, where she analyzes lifestyle trends, shopping data, and works closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute to recommend top-tested products. Previously, she was the associate lifestyle editor for GH and wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, BobVila.com, and Unique Homes Magazine. When she’s not tracking down buzzy products, you can find her walking her dog, Skye, around Jersey City.
