What term describes unplanned buying that can lead to financial problems?

Impulse buying refers to unplanned purchases that occur when consumers make spontaneous decisions to buy items without premeditation. This behavior can lead to financial difficulties, especially if it becomes a frequent habit. When individuals act on their impulse rather than assessing their financial situation or the necessity of the item, they may end up accumulating debt or overspending, which can adversely affect their overall financial health.

In contrast, cooperative purchasing is a strategy where groups come together to buy goods in bulk, aiming for better pricing, which does not pertain to unplanned buying. Unit pricing involves comparing the price of products based on their quantity to determine which is more cost-effective, reflecting a planned approach to spending. Open dating, which relates to the freshness of food products marked by expiration dates, does not pertain to buying behaviors in general but rather to ensuring food safety. Thus, impulse buying is the term that best captures the concept of unplanned purchasing behaviors leading to potential financial problems.