Issue #229 | Subscribe

I've had this idea for a while.

Could I see how much I've already spent this month on a product category before hitting the buy button on an Amazon product page?

Having this intervention with real data right at the trigger point can prevent impulse purchases and save me from unnecessary expenses.

For example, I'm always tempted to buy books, stationery and gadgets, and I sometimes get ahead of myself and order more of the stuff that I have already bought.

I track every expense in the Ducat app, so I had all the data I needed to show a heads-up message on Amazon.

After weeks of this idea popping up in my mind, I finally decided to build a Chrome extension.

With the extension installed and connected to my Ducat account, I can see how much I've spent in the product category right below the Add to Cart or Buy Now button on an Amazon product page:

This gives me the data I need at the precise moment so that I can make an informed purchase.

The extension currently works on all Amazon storefronts, and I'm planning to extend it to other popular e-commerce sites like Etsy, Walmart, eBay, Zalando, Shein and more:

I've explained how to connect and use this extension in a help article on the Ducat website.

Try it out if you feel you've been impulse shopping often.

In Today's Cover: Dahi Handi, an event played around Janmashtami in India, where we fill a clay pot with curd and form a human pyramid to reach and break it.

Now, speaking of new ways to build good habits, have you tried the June app?

Before you move on to the rest of this newsletter issue, here are a few words from:

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Your Next Read

Economics

The Art of Statistics

We understand our world through data. But data can be easily skewed and misrepresented. This book introduces us to concepts that can help us interpret numbers better.

Apps & Services

CleanShot 5

Take amazing screenshots and recordings

CleanShot's new update means I can finally get rid of Screen Studio and its absurd pricing model. The new Studio Mode is fantastic and helps make cinematic screen recordings in minutes. I use CleanShot every day, and I'll continue using it. Available on macOS for $35 one-time.
Cibby

Track your video game collection

If you own video games, this app is a nice place to list and view your collection. Scan a physical disc box or search a database and add the games you own to your shelf. I like how the collection view looks like an actual shelf. Available on iOS and is free for basic use.
Jobney

Efficiently track your job applications

If you’re applying for jobs right now, this app will help you organise everything better than a spreadsheet. Track your applications, update status as you progress, and get reminders for interviews and other important application-related tasks. Available on iOS and iPadOS, and free to start.

Handy Shortcut

⌥

Return

Open all hyperlinks in a selected range in Google Sheets.

Interesting Reads

The Algorithm Knows Who You Have Been, Not Who You Might Become

8 min read

I’ve been regularly diversifying my information diet for a while and asking others to do the same, too. Maja puts this theory into a much clearer picture with steps for varying our sources for a broader mindset. Try these out.
Should You Buy It?

3 min read

These 6 questions can help avoid, or at least reduce, impulse purchases. If you answer yes to any of these questions, it might be best to hold off on the purchase. I liked the HALT framework mentioned in this piece.
To Understand AI, Think Like A Dragonfly

18 min read

AI has been a controversial topic since the start, and different groups have different viewpoints about the technology. This piece explores AI from everyone’s angles for a complete overview, or the “dragonfly perspective”.
The Online Shopping Trend Where You Buy Nothing

3 min read

I knew a guy who used to order big-ticket items on Amazon and cancel before they were shipped. Maybe it was his way of dealing with impulse buys. This piece highlights a similar trend in South Korea, which might actually be helpful.

Watch Next

An enlightening conversation about the “ultra-fast fashion” trend and its real cost.

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