Controlling your spending while shopping can be really hard sometimes. You start off with the best of intentions; you have a carefully planned shopping list. Then, as you’re making your way through the checkout lane, you look down and realize that you have way more stuff in your shopping cart than you are supposed to have. Where did you go wrong?

Making a shopping list is only the first part of controlling your spending list. The more important step is sticking to that list once you get to the store. Stores design their layouts and displays to tempt you to make impulse purchases, so you’ll need a few tricks up your sleeve to escape without spending any more than you have to.

Leave the kids at home. Having an extra set or two of hands will make it harder to keep extraneous items from making their way to your shopping cart. Avoid the dreaded, “Mommy, I want,” entirely to make your shopping excursion easier.

Give yourself a time limit. If you have extra time to browse the store, you’re much more likely to find one more thing that you “have to have.” Shopping quickly only leaves time for you to collect the items on your list and make your way home.

Avoid shopping on Saturdays and other typically busy times. Long lines only slow you down and add to your stress level. You’ll be less likely to make impulse purchases if you’re enjoying your shopping trip.

Carry a specific amount of money with you. You have an idea how much you’ll need to make the purchases on your list. Bring just enough cash with you to buy those items, and you won’t have the option to buy extra things. Make sure you leave your credit card at home, too.

Shop with a buddy. Peer pressure can be positive if it’s used correctly. Bring a friend with you when you’re tackling the shopping. You can encourage each other to stay on track while you each shop for your own families.