moody money: How life impacts our bottom line
Ever notice how your mood often influences your spending? From a rough day at work to a bout of burnout from social media doom scrolling, our emotions can push us to money moves that just don’t make sense. Let’s break down how life shows up in our wallets and some simple tips to balance our emotional spending.
This Meeting Could Have Been an Email…
You have a rough day at the office, feeling drained and frustrated.
How It Impacts You Money
You might be tempted to treat yourself with an impulsive purchase, a cocktail or fancy dinner as a quick pick-me-up.
Try Instead: We’re not saying you don’t deserve a treat, but you also deserve to hit your money goals and to feel in control of the cash you you’re earning from that job you might not love.
Consider healthier, longer-lasting ways to unwind—like a relaxing walk, connecting with a friend, or a simple moment of self-care—so you’re not using spending as a band-aid.
Are we breaking up?!
A disagreement leaves you feeling hurt, angry, or isolated.
How It Impacts Money
Emotional spending can sneak in as you try to soothe the pain, or you might avoid financial decisions because everything feels overwhelming.
Try Instead: Take time to process your emotions and communicate openly. Sometimes, seeking non-material comfort, like a supportive conversation or a calming activity, can help more than a shopping spree.
Nothing fits right?!
You’re feeling down about your appearance, maybe after comparing yourself to others.
How It Impacts Money
You may spend extra on clothes, beauty products, or even fitness gadgets to “fix” how you feel, hoping that new items will boost your confidence.
Try instead: Work on building self-esteem from the inside out—perhaps through supportive communities, positive self-talk, or professional guidance—rather than relying solely on purchases for validation. Science says that when we do something we say we’re going to do, it build self-esteem. Do if you have money goals, and you choose to invest in yourself in alignment with you budget, you’ll feel a lil boost in your brain AND your budget.
The Late Night Doom Scroll
Constant scrolling through highlight reels leaves you feeling inadequate or pressured to keep up with trends.
How It Impacts Money
This can lead to overspending on the latest fashions or gadgets, trying to mirror the lifestyles you see online.
Try Instead: Remember that social media often shows a polished version of life. Curate your feed to include uplifting and realistic content, and consider setting a budget that lets you enjoy trends without overextending.
The Overwhelmed Burn Out
Life’s pressures start to weigh you down, and you feel like you just can’t keep up.
How It Impacts Money
You might either shut down financially—ignoring bills or planning—or indulge in impulsive purchases as a distraction from stress.
Try Instead: Break tasks into smaller steps and set aside time for financial check-ins. A bit of structure, combined with self-compassion, can help you regain control without feeling overwhelmed.
Each of these everyday situations highlights how our emotions can steer our financial decisions, often in subtle ways. Recognizing these patterns is a powerful first step toward creating healthier habits. Next time you find yourself reaching for your wallet after a tough day or a hurtful moment, pause and ask, “What do I really need right now?” That little bit of self-awareness can help shift your focus from temporary fixes to lasting change.
