7 stingy steps to curb impulse buying

When you enter a grocery store, the first department you smell is usually the bakery and its freshly baked bread or the deli with prepared meals. While waiting in line to buy groceries, you're bombarded by items targeting impulse buyers -- candy bars, magazines, toys and more. Retailers have put a great deal of thought into their marketing strategy that leads you to impulse buying.

How the store smells, the music that's playing and the location of certain items all are no accident. They're meant to tempt you.

"It takes some discipline to avoid impulse buying," says David Aron, associate professor of marketing at Dominican University in River Forest, Ill. "Remember, just because it's there doesn't mean you need to buy it."

To avoid impulse buying and to make unplanned purchases a thing of the past, follow these tips from financial experts.