Want Healthier Shopping Habits? Pay With Cash

By Rachel Cernansky, Planet Green

The results of a new study [PDF] show that using a credit card to buy groceries means you’re more likely to purchase junk food.

According to the researchers, cash payments are “psychologically more painful” than purchases made by credit card, making it easier for people to control their impulsive urges when using cash. “Credit card payments, in contrast, are relatively painless and weaken impulse control,” they said.

The study assessed the shopping habits of 1,000 individuals over six months, and found that when shoppers paid with a credit or debit card, they made significantly more impulsive purchases—on so-called “vice products”—than when they paid with cash.

Another surprising find: weekend grocery runs included fewer impulsive purchases on unhealthy foods than weekday trips did. No proof yet, but one speculation is that people are more likely to have written a shopping list before leaving the house.

The Takeaway

Dealing with the consequences of your purchases, financial or otherwise, and planning out your purchases in advance, can help keep your shopping cart healthy.

Even if you’re not going to pay with cash, try reminding yourself that those plastic cards still deplete your bank account—you’re going to have to pay, and if you’re watching your health, you’ll have to pay twice, in dollars now and at the doctor (or weight loss center, wherever) later.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

ii q.

9:36AM PDT on Mar 31, 2012

they needed a new study to find this out???

send a green star

Shirley E.

9:35AM PDT on Aug 13, 2011

My spending, impulse and otherwise, has plummeted since I started paying with cash only, especially as I also limited how much of that cash I could get out. The effect has been radical, even though definitely not the best fun I've ever had.

Jennifer B.

5:17PM PDT on Aug 11, 2011

I love the ease of having my debit card but I have to agree with this post; having the cash on hand and seeing it is a better reminder of what you actually have to spend for your budget. With the debit card, you can say you're going to stick to a budget but then you get to the store and find something you don't desperately need but want and having the card there just lets you buy it.

9:09AM PDT on Aug 11, 2011

credit card helps track purchases better, though...

7:19AM PST on Dec 17, 2010

you have a point, but doesnt work for me tho I dont got paying issues. If I have cash I tend to spend more, while the card I'm more afraid that I dont got enough money on it .. so thats how I dont spend and also I made a big excell file which tells me how much I have to pay monthly on bills and how much I need to save and how much I have for stuff I would like to buy.

Past Member .

4:51PM PST on Dec 14, 2010

Thanks for that, I think I will try that!

Barbara E.

6:14PM PST on Dec 12, 2010

Thanx

Amanda M.

5:33AM PST on Dec 8, 2010

I don't own a credit card or a debit card. We do have a debit card, but it's strictly for emergencies. If we can't pay cash, we don't buy it. Checks have a nasty habit of bouncing when you don't want them to (especially when you're paying utility bills!), and credit cards are too easy to get into debt with! Cash helps you maintain your limits, and the only time you have trouble with it is if some jerkwad slips you "funny money!" Also, I don't keep my cash in my wallet. My wallet is in one pocket and contains things like my store discount cards, my EMT card, and my driver's license, and my cash (when I have any) is kept in another pocket. That way, anybody trying to pick my pocket is going to be in for a big disappointment, and by that time I'm gonna be kicking his ass for groping my bod anyway!

Grocery shopping is done on weekdays (it's a lot quieter and less crowded then), and I don't do "impulse buying." We check the circular on Sundays, plan out the dinner menus then, and make our list based on what's needed for making the meals and what's on sale. If it's not on the list, it doesn't get bought. And why buy junk food when I can make such things as cookies, cakes, pies, candies, and treats myself? They taste better that way, there's fewer preservatives and other junk in them, and you can actually get more creative with them!

Lika S.

11:29PM PST on Dec 6, 2010

While I usually have a list, yes, but I don't always stick to it 100% depending on what is going on at the store. So say I was going to buy 2 cartons of strawberries 2fer$4, and musk melons are on sale 2fer$3, I will switch them.

I pay with my bank card for the rewards, and have yet to buy extra junk food I'd normally NOT buy.

Bonnie M.

7:22AM PST on Dec 6, 2010

Thank you. It helps to be reminded now and then of the irresponsible purchases using a credit card. So easy indeed to get carried away.