She Strengthens

The Battle Within: Conquering Emotional Spending

As adults, we often struggle with the urge to splurge on things we don’t necessarily need. This phenomenon is rooted in our deep-seated desire for instant gratification, a trait we share with toddlers. Environmental blogger Madeleine Somerville’s experience of teaching her two-year-old daughter to be a modest consumer resonates deeply with this concept. When we’re tempted to make impulse purchases, we must gently persuade ourselves, just as Madeleine does with her daughter, that we don’t need that item and can leave it for someone else.

The Inner Child

High-end hotels and luxury spas cater to our inner child’s desire for pampering and attention. These services wouldn’t thrive if our inner child didn’t exist and need to be catered to. As adults, it’s our responsibility to parent this inner child, recognizing that our emotional impulses often drive our spending habits.

Emotional Spending Triggers

I’ve experienced my fair share of emotional spending triggers. One instance was when I stumbled upon a shop selling luxurious French beauty products at a fraction of their original price. I managed to stay calm and collected, but my inner toddler soon took over, begging me to go back and buy more makeup. It was a tough week of saying “no” to myself repeatedly.

Compartmentalizing Emotional Spending

To stay in control of our financial decisions, it’s essential to compartmentalize emotional spending. Imagine you’re accompanied by a two-year-old child every time you enter a shop, and you need to reason with them to make rational choices. This mental exercise helps you recognize when your inner toddler is driving your spending habits.

Cutting Back on Expenses

Sometimes, we must cut back on expenses, including our fun splurges. When I booked a cheap flight home for Christmas, I initially wanted to treat myself to a night at a luxurious London hotel. However, after researching the hotel’s disappointing bedrooms, I opted to cancel my reservation and use the facilities without staying overnight. My inner toddler was not pleased, but I stood firm, recognizing that compromising on expenses doesn’t mean sacrificing the experience itself.

The Next Time You See a Tantrum

The next time you witness a child having a tantrum in public, remember that their emotional process is similar to ours when we’re tempted to make impulse purchases. Give the parents a nod of understanding, as they’re likely struggling to say “no” to their child’s demands. By acknowledging our own emotional spending patterns, we can take steps to conquer them and make more informed financial decisions.