Making a big purchase is equal parts scary and exciting. On one hand, you get something that will make a big difference in your daily life or that you’d really enjoy. On the other hand, the financial burden can sometimes outweigh the pros. That’s why it’s so important to take some steps to prepare before you go forward with your big buy. Here are some essential things you should do before making a big purchase.

Save up beforehand

For truly significant purchases, you can’t just hope your financials will be able to handle it. It’s important that you save up your money well before you actually make your purchase. This process can involve making large changes, such as trading in your car and using public transit instead, or something as small as canceling unnecessary subscriptions. Every action will give you more wiggle room in your budget, making that large purchase less of a financial burden.

Conduct research

When it comes to things you should do before making a big purchase, conducting research is essential. Since the product will require quite the financial investment, you want to make sure it’s the best product out there. Do some diligent research to compare everything on the market. Find out if it tends to go on sale at certain times of the year and if it’s really the best option for you. The right research could save you a lot of money in the long run, so it will be well worth the extra effort. Plus, that extra time you spend thinking about the purchase will help you determine if you really want it.

Pay attention to your bills

If you’ve got a huge payment coming up, now may not be the best time for a large-scale purchase. It’s important to be cognizant of any large bills you may have in the future—you don’t want to make a big purchase right before or right after you receive or pay such a bill. A big purchase is sure to make a dent in your finances, but you don’t want it to put you in the red. By planning accordingly, this shouldn’t be an issue.

Wait at least 24 hours before you take the plunge

Impulse purchases are always a bad idea, especially if the purchase is a big one. The last thing you want to do is spend thousands of dollars on something you’ll regret buying soon after. Before you go ahead and purchase the product you’re interested in, wait at least 24 hours. By then, the potential impulse purchase won’t seem realistic anymore—but if you really want it, the same inkling will still be there.

A large purchase can be a very exciting endeavor, but you should adequately prepare yourself and your budget. Your financial health is always of the utmost importance, but that doesn’t mean you can’t splurge every once in a while. If it’s something that will truly impact your life and your livelihood, that big purchase will be well worth the price. As long as you do your prep work, you’ll have an incredible new purchase in no time—without breaking the bank.