If Jack Bauer can save the world in 24 hours (every year) imagine what you can do with an extra day?

Sure. You're not trying to save the world but your financial world might need a little assistance. In fact, if you've got problems sticking to your budget then I can guarantee that the 48 hour rule may be the lifesaving tip you've been looking for.

48 hours. That's all I have? That's all you need...

Imagine this picture for a second. You accompany your partner or spouse to the shopping district - as an obligatory duty that one performs for a loved one. As they head into their favourite shop you begin browsing some shop windows that interest you. And then it happens....

Sitting on the shelf, at a heavily reduced, never-to-be-repeated price is that [insert that product you've been lusting over since Christmas] - and it's the last one in the shop. You know it's not in the budget and if you buy it it's going to set you back a couple of months financially.

Or, you're doing your exercises in front of the TV when an infomercial appears showing you how their product will give you a 6-pack in three weeks. Not only that, it will tone your thighs, buttocks and pecs so well that you might even consider entering the Mr. Universe competition starting in a few months.

If you phone in the next 30 minutes and pay via your credit card you will also claim your special DVD that shows how George Clooney used the product to land his movie deals.

We've all been here and we've all had to face an on-the-spot decision that could change our current fiscal wellbeing.

This is where the 48 hour rule comes into play. The 48 hour rule is when you force yourself to walk away from the deal for at least 48 hours. If after that time, you still feel that the product or service is worth getting then go for it. Get it. Buy it and feel confident that you made a good decision.

What you will find though is that when you have time to think something through your perspective is not clouded by all the marketing hype. You might even find yourself asking the question, "What the hell was I thinking?"

Why do you think infomercials always offer such good gifts to entice your response within the next 30 mins? Because they know that if you have time to think about it you will probably work out that it's a piece of junk that doesn't deserve the light of day let alone your purchase.

It's taken us a while to master but we're getting pretty good at it these days. The true benefit though, is that we can now stick to our budget and save for the things we really want rather than the things others want for us.