Photo: Daniil Dubov / iStock / Getty Images
After a long day of work, family, and worrying about everything happening in the world, a lot of us reach for something comforting. Some hit the gym. Some bake. And plenty of us curl up with our phones and start adding things to our carts.
What Exactly Is Doom Spending?
Doom spending is when we buy things we don’t really need as a way to self‑soothe after stress or doomscrolling. That little dopamine hit from clicking “add to cart” can feel like a warm hug. The problem is that it often leads to overspending and impulse buys we regret later.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
How to Get a Handle on It
Experts say you don’t have to quit shopping completely. You just need a few guardrails.
- Examine your habits Look at your recent purchases. Are you buying things you saw on social media? Are you spending more than you realized? Awareness is the first step.
- Create a spending plan A simple budget helps you know what you can spend guilt‑free. Think of it as permission, not punishment.
- Find a balance You don’t have to cut out fun purchases. Try splitting your “treat yourself” money in half. Spend some, save some.
- Add shopping guardrails Delete saved cards. Remove retail apps. Limit social media time. Set rules like “only two new clothing items a month.”
- Look for alternatives Swap the shopping scroll for something relaxing that doesn’t cost money. A walk, a game, a call with a friend, or a hobby that doesn’t involve checkout buttons.
The trick is finding comfort that doesn’t leave you stressed about your bank account later.
CLICK HERE for the full story
Photo: Getty Images