ImpulseLock

ImpulseLock is a mobile app (with a lightweight web dashboard) that targets the psychology of impulse spending, not budgeting. You connect your bank and card accounts, then define “temptation categories” (late-night delivery, fast fashion, in-app purchases, etc.) and a personal cooling-off rule (e.g., 2 hours, 24 hours, or until you answer 3 reflection prompts). When you attempt a purchase that matches a rule, the app triggers a real-time intervention: a push notification, a one-tap “delay” button, and a short script that forces you to name the emotion and the alternative action. If you still want it after the timer, you can approve it. The app tracks “regret rate” (how often you cancel after waiting) and shows behavior patterns by time, mood, and merchant type. It’s not magic: it won’t stop all spending, but it will reduce the most wasteful, emotion-driven purchases.