3 Things You Keep Buying to Feel Better
*Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. We receive a small commission if you purchase something we recommend (at no cost to you). All opinions remain our own.
Some things we buy can genuinely make us feel good, and that’s okay. That’s not the issue.
The problem comes when you constantly need to buy things to feel better or fill emotional gaps instead of addressing what’s really behind the purchases. Because too often once the pleasure fades, you’re left with the same emotions you had before.
So here are some common “feel better” purchases and why they often fail to actually make you feel better.
1. The $6 Iced Coffee After a Stressful Day
It feels harmless.
Maybe you’ve had a meeting that didn’t go well, a rough morning, or a long day, and grabbing a coffee on the way home seems like a little win. That first sip tastes amazing, and for a few minutes you’ve bought yourself a moment of calm and a small treat that lifts your spirits.
The problem is that the relief is short lived. Once the coffee is gone, your stress often comes right back. And while I’m using coffee as an example, this can apply to any small purchase that’s become a reflex.
What often happens is that your brain starts to link discomfort with spending, and as a result, you subconsciously reach for a similar pick me up the next time you feel stressed. And over the weeks and months, these small purchases can add up to hundreds of dollars.
That isn’t necessarily a problem if your budget can absorb it. But if you’re already hanging on by a thread and saving very little or nothing at all, this type of temporary comfort can create long term financial problems.
And because coffee is quick and relatively inexpensive, it doesn’t feel like a big deal. However, that’s exactly what makes it so sneaky.
2. A New Outfit Every Time You Go Out
You get invited somewhere. Maybe it’s a party, a night out, a weekend getaway, or a wedding. Suddenly, your closet feels like it has absolutely nothing to offer.
But the truth is, it does have something to offer. Yet for some reason, your brain has convinced you otherwise.
Maybe you’re thinking, “I don’t want anyone to see me repeating outfits,” or “Everyone’s probably going to look nicer,” or “I saw something cuter online.”
The solution seems obvious. Buy something new – a dress, a top, a new pair of jeans, anything that helps you feel confident and polished. And for a moment, it works. You buy the outfit, you like how you look, and you feel prepared.
But just like that $6 purchase after a hard day, the good feeling doesn’t last. So the next time you have somewhere to go, you may find yourself feeling like nothing you own is good enough all over again.
And let’s not skip over the obvious. This habit can get expensive fast because it trains your brain to expect a new purchase every time your confidence takes a hit.
Keep in mind that while anyone can shop their way into feeling better temporarily, real confidence comes from practice. This involves learning to feel comfortable in what you already own, pairing items creatively, and reminding yourself that your value goes far beyond what you wear.
3. Quick Weekend Getaways You Can’t Afford
A short trip sounds perfect.
An escape, a change of scenery, and new experiences all promise relief from stress and a chance to recharge. Even booking the trip can feel exciting because it gives you something to look forward to.
And, of course, there’s nothing wrong with getting away. The problem is when the trip isn’t financially feasible. In other words, you return home not only to the same stress you left behind, but also to new worries about bills, credit card payments, or overspending. So what was supposed to rejuvenate you ends up creating even more stress.
Now, I’m not saying don’t go anywhere. I’ll happily admit that I’m team book the trip because I’m definitely booking mine. However, a more sustainable approach is to plan experiences from a place of affordability rather than escape. Because when you can comfortably afford the experience, you’re more likely to enjoy it without bringing financial anxiety home with you.
No one is saying you shouldn’t have experiences. But maybe consider tweaking them a little.
You might be surprised how much relief you can get from a local day trip, a weekend in a small town, or even a weekend at home without obligations.
It might not seem like much, but it can be exactly what you need. In the end, when you’re able to recharge without overspending, you allow yourself to enjoy more experiences while keeping your finances together.