You see hundreds of ads a day: on your phone, in games, on videos, even in posts from people you follow. Ads are not always bad, but they are built to make you want something, and that can quietly change how you spend.
This article is the reading companion to the free Mondosol lesson Money Matters: Ads and Your Wallet, part of the Money course. Read it, watch the videos, or press play and listen first, then practise in the lesson.
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In this article
What an ad is trying to do
An advertisement has one job: to get your attention and move you towards buying. Good ads tell you about useful products. Weak ones mostly create a feeling of “I need this now”.
You do not have to avoid ads. You just need a small pause between seeing something and paying for it.
Common persuasion tricks
These techniques are widely used in shops and online. Knowing their names makes them easier to spot.
| Technique | How it works | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Scarcity and urgency | “Only 3 left!” or a countdown timer | Would I still want it if there was no deadline? |
| Social proof | “Bestseller” or “everyone is buying it” | Is it right for me, or just popular? |
| Anchoring | A crossed-out “was 100, now 60” price | What is it worth to me, whatever the old price? |
| Free trial that renews | Free now, charged later unless you cancel | Will I remember to cancel? What is the price afterwards? |
| Bundles and “free shipping” limits | Spend more to reach the threshold | Am I buying things I do not need to save the delivery fee? |
| Targeted ads | Ads that follow you after you looked at a product | Is this a real need or just a reminder? |
Influencers and paid posts
A lot of advertising now looks like a friend’s recommendation. In Norway, the Consumer Authority (Forbrukertilsynet) says advertising on social media must clearly appear as advertising. Its guidance gives “annonse” together with the advertiser’s name as an example of a clear label, placed at the start of the post, so you see it before you read on.
Rules differ from country to country, but the idea is the same everywhere: if someone is paid or gets free products, you deserve to know. You can read the official guidance on forbrukertilsynet.no (in Norwegian).
No label? Still ask: do they gain if I buy this?
Five questions before you buy
- Who made this and why am I seeing it?
- What feeling is it pushing? Fear of missing out, status, comfort?
- Do I need it, or do I want it?
- What does it really cost? Compare the price per unit, not only the sticker price.
- Can I wait 24 hours? If I still want it tomorrow, it is a decision, not an impulse.
Protect your wallet
- Unsubscribe from shop emails and mute ad accounts that make you spend.
- Review ad settings on your apps and browser to limit personalised ads. Settings are usually under privacy.
- Remove saved cards from shops you do not use often, so buying takes one more step.
- Set a monthly “wants” amount in your budget. When it is used, wait for next month.
For the feelings behind impulse buying, read Money and Emotions.
Watch: how brands and shops get you to buy
Two videos on how design and branding influence what we buy. They show real techniques, so use them to spot the pattern next time you shop.
Video: “How IKEA gets you to impulsively buy more | Vox”, on YouTube.
Video: “How Apple and Nike have branded your brain | Big Think”, on YouTube.
Take it further
Reading is a good start. These options help you go from knowing to doing.
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Frequently asked questions
Are all ads bad?
No. Ads can tell you about useful products and help small businesses reach customers. The aim is to notice when an ad is steering you, not to avoid every ad.
How can I tell if an influencer is being paid?
Look for a clear label such as “annonse” or “ad” near the start of the post. If there is none and the post praises one product heavily, treat it as a possible ad and check independent reviews.
Why do ads follow me around online?
Websites and ad networks record what you view, using tools like cookies, and then show related ads. You can limit this in your browser and app privacy settings.
Do ad blockers help my wallet?
They reduce the number of ads you see, which can reduce temptation, but they do not change how you decide. The pause before paying is the strongest tool.
Does Mondosol use affiliate links?
This article does not contain any. When a Mondosol post does have affiliate links, it says so clearly near the top.
Keep learning
- Course: Money
- Lesson (Practise it): Money Matters: Ads and Your Wallet
- Read next: Money and Emotions and Scams: How to Spot Them
- Related: Risk and Reward
Educational, not financial advice. The examples are invented for learning. This post contains no affiliate links.
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