She Strengthens

The Dark Side of Aspirational Spending

As humans, we’ve all been there – making impulsive purchases in the hopes of becoming a better version of ourselves. But what happens when our aspirational spending habits take a toll on our wallets and our mental health?

The Trap of Online Shopping

For me, online shopping has always been a coping mechanism for stress, sadness, and self-doubt. In the past, I’d buy unnecessary items to mask my imposter syndrome or to feel more confident. But I’ve come to realize that these purchases weren’t making me happier; they were making me feel like I still wasn’t enough.

Lessons Learned from My Regretful Purchases

Over the past year, I’ve made some questionable purchases that I now regret. Here are a few examples:

Trendy Cookbooks

I’d spend $30+ on cookbooks promising healthy, Instagram-friendly meals. But after making one dish, the book would collect dust, and I’d move on to the next one. I’ve since learned that I can find cheaper and just as nutritious recipes online for free.

Rowing Machine

I spent $450 on a rowing machine, thinking it was an investment in my health. But I’ve only used it three times in four months. I get more exercise walking my dog for free than using the machine, which was fueled by guilt and panic.

Fancy Sketchbook and Watercolors

I bought a sketchbook and watercolors to de-stress during quarantine. But after using it once, I realized that coloring books are much cheaper and all I need are crayons or coloring pencils to engage in a similarly cathartic experience.

Breaking Free from Aspirational Spending

It took me a while to realize that my purchases weren’t making me feel better; they were making me feel like I still wasn’t enough. I’ve since learned to focus on free or low-cost activities that bring me joy, like baking, walking my dog, and giving myself at-home facials.

The Importance of Self-Awareness

Before making any purchase, it’s essential to take a step back and assess our motivations. Are we buying something to genuinely improve our lives, or are we trying to mask our insecurities? By being more mindful of our spending habits, we can break free from the cycle of aspirational spending and focus on what truly brings us happiness.