Pay with Cash

Paying by credit or debit card makes it more likely you'll impulsively buy grocery items like cookies, doughnuts and ice cream, according to marketing researchers at Cornell University and the State University of New York. People who pay with cash are more likely to limit choices to healthier necessities.

My 91 year old mom doesn't have a credit card and always pays with cash and exact change if she can.

Paying with cash  is a strategy for avoiding over-spending when shopping for holiday season gifts. Create a cash limit for each person on your list, and don't go over that set amount.

If paying by credit card to collect points on a reward plan, set a spending limit and stick to it.