Why We Buy Things We Don't Need

Emotions often drive our spending decisions, and understanding how they affect your choices can help you make more intentional decisions about your money. In this blog, we’ll break down how emotions influence your spending—and show you simple ways to save more without feeling deprived.

Emotions Drive Overspending

We don't always buy things because we need or even want them--sometimes we make purchases because of the way it makes us feel. Emotional spending can often outweigh logical decision-making. This means that simply creating a budget may not be enough to keep you from overspending.

There are two common causes of overspending: stress and social pressure. Shopping can feel like a great outlet and a mood boost when you are stressed or overwhelmed. The problem with this is that the happiness you get is temporary, while the expenses and repercussions of overspending are permanent.

In addition to stress, there is social pressure that is often tied to (FOMO) fear of missing out. Social media often makes us feel like we’re missing out—whether it’s new clothes, vacations, or gadgets. The urge to keep up can trigger impulse buys.

The first step in controlling emotional spending? Understand why you buy what you do.

The FOMO Effect: How Social Media Triggers Spending

Social media makes us feel like we're missing out. You may see influencers or friends showing off new products, experiences, or vacations, and feel pressured to keep up.

Comparison is the thief of joy and social media platforms capitalize on that. Social media shops and online ads create a sense of urgency around sales. These sales also create the feeling of FOMO when we're worried we'll miss out on a deal.

So why does it work?

Let's say you're scrolling through social media and you see something that's 50% off. Suddenly you're enticed to spend your money on the product even though you weren't interested in it before. The thrill of the deal is making you want to spend your money because it feels like you're saving money.

For example, a $100 pair of shoes is 50% off. You weren't in the market for a pair of shoes before seeing the ad but the sale convinces you to buy them.

The reality? The “50% off” price is often a marketing tactic, designed to make you feel like you're getting a better deal than you are. The company always planned on selling the shoes for $50 but wanted to create a sense of urgency through the sale.

To fight this, stop focusing on the discount. Ask yourself: “Do I really need this?” Will this purchase improve your quality of life or will it sit in your closet unused?

How to Avoid Impulse Buying

Here are some quick strategies to help you make smarter purchases:

• Use the 24-Hour Rule

  Wait 24 hours before buying anything unplanned. This pause separates emotional impulses from actual wants and needs.

  
  

• Unsubscribe from Marketing Emails

  Brands use urgency and discounts to push you toward buying things you don’t need. Removing this temptation can help you avoid falling into this trap.

  
  

• Turn Off Saved Payment Info

  When your payment details are saved, buying is easy. By entering your payment info manually, you’ll have an extra moment to reconsider your purchase. It’s also more secure!

  
  

Retail Therapy: Shopping as a Coping Mechanism

Many of us shop when we’re stressed, sad, or even bored. While shopping can offer temporary relief, it doesn’t solve the underlying issue.

Try to redirect your energy into activities that are both fulfilling and low-cost—whether it's exercise, journaling, or exploring new hobbies. Finding healthier outlets that don't involve spending can improve your life in the long-term.

So often we get caught in the day-to-day of work, life, school, etc.--it can be overwhelming. Much of our free time is spent on social media. We don't often sit down and think about the things that make us excited to be alive. What things do you enjoy?

Simple Budgeting Trick to Control Emotional Spending

Instead of cutting out everything you enjoy, try reallocating your budget. For example, if you spend on fast food when you’re stressed, try budgeting for healthier meal prep.

Also, consider paying with cash or debit. Studies show we spend more when using credit cards because it doesn’t feel like real money.

Key Takeaways

Emotions can drive us to overspend, but understanding the triggers (stress, FOMO, or social media pressure) give us the power to make better decisions. Small changes, like the 24-hour rule or unsubscribing from emails, can help you take control of your spending and stay aligned with your financial goals.

Take these strategies for a test drive and see what works best for you. The goal isn’t to deprive yourself—it’s about being more mindful of your purchases and making them more intentional.

Want to watch us talk about this topic? Check out the YouTube video here.