The “I Deserve It” Trap:

Hey Simplifiers,

We’ve all been there—after a rough week, a long day, or hitting a small milestone, you think: "I deserve it." Whether it’s splurging on takeout, an impulse clothing haul, or a luxury item you didn’t plan for, the "I deserve it" mindset can feel good in the moment, but it often leads to profound financial regret down the line. Today, we’re diving into why emotional spending can sabotage your bigger goals, how to spot when you’re falling into the trap, and what healthier habits you can build to treat yourself without blowing your budget.

The Psychology Behind the 'I Deserve It' Trap

Emotional spending isn’t about needing the item—it’s about seeking comfort, validation, or escape. Experts say that treating yourself occasionally is normal, but when every bad day turns into a spending spree, it becomes a cycle that's hard to break.

Common triggers:

• Stress from work or relationships

• Celebrations (even small ones)

• Feelings of exhaustion or burnout

• Social media comparison and FOMO

Over time, these emotional purchases stack up—and so does the financial anxiety.

Signs You Might Be Falling for It

✅ You justify purchases with "I’ve been working hard" or "I deserve this"—even if it's not in your budget.
✅ You feel a rush when buying, but regret it soon after.
✅ Your savings goals (like debt payoff, vacations, or emergency funds) stay stagnant.
✅ You lose track of how much you spend on little "treats" each month.

How to Fix It (Without Feeling Deprived)

✅ Set a "Fun Money" Budget:
Give yourself a set amount each month for guilt-free spending. When the limit is reached, no more emotional buys.

✅ Celebrate Achievements Thoughtfully:
Instead of material rewards, celebrate with experiences like a self-care day, a nature walk, or calling a friend.

✅ Pause Before You Buy:
Implement a 24-hour rule for non-essential purchases. If you still really want it tomorrow (and it fits your budget), go for it.

✅ Shift Your "Treat Yourself" Mindset:
Remind yourself: You deserve financial security.
Saving, investing, and planning for the future are the ultimate acts of self-care.

✅ Track Your Emotional Spending Patterns:
Keeping a journal or quick notes in your phone can help you spot emotional triggers and catch yourself before swiping.

Treating yourself is important, but so is protecting your future. When you master the balance, you realize you don’t have to choose between self-care and smart money moves. You can have both, and trust us. In the future, you will thank you.

Here’s to treating yourself and your wallet with love,
C🩶
Founder of The Simple Adult