Okay, so I know you're probably wondering, “What’s up with all the random topics on my blog?” But hear me out. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately and have realized that true confidence and success come from being well-rounded—whether it’s fitness, mental health, or finances. And if I’m being honest, as I’ve been reflecting on this, I keep hearing my husband’s voice in the back of my head reminding me that we need to save money and be smarter about our finances. But honestly, it’s so easy to get caught up in instant gratification, especially with social media. And it can put a serious dent in our pockets faster than you can say “add to cart.” You’ve probably been there—scrolling through your feed, seeing a beauty product or a cute outfit, and thinking, “I want that! I want to look like that! Look how amazing she looks!” It's hard not to get sucked in, right?
When I think about people who seem financially stable, there’s this sense of ease and confidence they carry. Now, I’m not saying they don’t have their own struggles, but I do think financial stability gives them a sense of calm—like they can breathe a little easier. That kind of calm allows them to focus on other parts of their life without the constant stress of worrying about money. Honestly, that’s something I really want to work towards.
But then, of course, I’m hit with those moments when I start thinking I need this or that—like the stuff I see on social media. Maybe you’ve got a husband like mine, who’s always reminding me that we need to save and plan for the future. And it’s not that I don’t want an amazing future, but sometimes I get so sucked into this mindset that these things will somehow make me better—like they’ll make me prettier or more put-together. Whether it’s the latest serum for glowing skin, some cute gym clothes that’ll make me feel a little more confident while working out, or that perfect top I’ll probably wear twice before it gets shoved to the back of the closet. But in my head, I need this top because this top is going to transform everything. I slip it on, look in the mirror, and suddenly—bam—I’m the most radiant, effortlessly chic woman alive.
I walk out to my husband, and his jaw drops. He stares at me in awe like he’s just laid eyes on a movie star. In my mind, he’s thinking, “Wow, I am the luckiest man in the world to be married to such a goddess!” Then he sighs, speechless, completely in awe of how beautiful I am, and we both agree that I’m clearly the best thing that’s ever happened to him. Of course, all of this happens in about 30 seconds while I stare at the picture of this top in my shopping cart, pondering whether or not to make the purchase. But let’s be real—will that top really give me that much magic? Probably not.
In reality, my husband will probably just remind me that our bank account would be better served by saving instead of buying that top. No rom-com movie scene for me—oh well!
So, with all that in mind, here’s what I’ve learned so far about impulse buys…
🚫 4 Things I’m Learning About Instant Gratification Purchases:
Impulse Spending Adds Up Fast
It’s crazy—did you know the average person spends $5,400 a year on impulse buys (Slickdeals, 2023)? That’s a lot of money spent on stuff we probably didn’t even need. All that money could go toward something way more meaningful, like savings or an epic trip. Cutting back on those little purchases could make a huge difference.
Social Media Makes It So Much Worse
Social media makes it so easy to buy stuff. In fact, 60% of people have purchased something because of an ad or influencer post (Nielsen, 2022). It’s hard not to get caught up when something looks like a must-have. These apps are designed to make you feel like you need to buy right away. The psychology behind it is wild—social media uses variable reinforcement to keep you hooked. It triggers your brain’s release of dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical, which is similar to how you might feel when you get a reward. It’s like a little high for your brain, and it makes you want to keep scrolling and shopping (Schultz & Kauffman, 2023).
Stuff We Don’t Even Use
How much of the stuff we buy on impulse actually gets used? 80% of people say they’ve bought things they’ve never used (Torre, 2021). I can definitely relate—there are a few things in my house that are just collecting dust. Instead of spending on things that just sit there, I’ve been trying to focus on stuff that will actually be useful or bring me joy.
Fashion and Beauty Trends Change Way Too Fast
There’s always a new trend to follow in fashion or beauty, and let’s be honest—it’s easy to get sucked into the next big thing. The problem is that these trends change every 6 months (Forbes, 2022), meaning we’re constantly buying stuff that’s “in” one minute and then out the next. Instead of chasing trends, I’ve started investing in timeless, classic pieces that won’t go out of style. Basics like a good pair of jeans or a simple white tee are way more versatile and will last longer than anything tied to the latest trend.
📉 What I’m Realizing:
Instant gratification purchases can slow down my ability to save for long-term goals, like traveling.
Investing in things with lasting value is way smarter than buying something just because it’s trendy.
Random spending has definitely held me back from saving for bigger goals, like a trip to somewhere amazing.
A Wake-Up Call About Travel:
Here’s the crazy part: For so long, I’ve told myself I couldn’t afford to travel. But when I look at how much I’ve spent on impulse buys—things I didn’t even need—it’s kinda shocking. If I had cut back on those random purchases, I definitely could have afforded to travel by now. That was a real eye-opener. All those small purchases really add up, and if I had been more intentional about spending, that money could have gone toward something meaningful, like an unforgettable trip.
💡 What I’m Trying Now:
Asking myself, “Do I really need this, or is it just an impulse?”
Waiting 24 hours before buying something to see if I still want it.
Focusing on spending money on things that will add real value to my life.
Taking Control of Finances:
Paying attention to spending now can make a huge difference down the road. It’s not always easy to resist the urge for instant gratification, but making smarter choices is key. If any of this hits home for you, let’s take control of our finances together and work toward goals that matter. 💪
References:
Forbes. (2022). How fast do fashion trends change? Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com
Nielsen. (2022). How social media drives purchases: Nielsen insights. Retrieved from https://www.nielsen.com
Slickdeals. (2023). Impulsive spending statistics: How much do we really spend? Retrieved from https://www.slickdeals.net
Torre, L. (2021). The cost of unused purchases: Why we buy things we don’t use. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com
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