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# Stop Blaming Yourself for Spending: A Path to Financial Clarity

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Chapter 1: The Cycle of Impulsive Spending

Have you ever found yourself in a situation like this? You stroll through a supermarket and find the candy aisle, grabbing a handful because you think, "I deserve this."

Next, you hit an ATM and on a whim, you decide to purchase those trendy pants and sneakers at a nearby store, convinced that treating yourself is justified. Later, at a popular restaurant with friends, you indulge in an array of appetizers and drinks, driven by the mantra, "You only live once."

Every Saturday night, you splurge on outings with your partner, rationalizing that life is short. And when it comes to buying that dream car, you feel it's your reward for hard work.

Welcome to the social maze that influences our spending habits. It’s time to switch off “Stupid Mode” and embrace “Good Life Mode.”

The key question is: how much of your spending is genuine enjoyment, and how much is an attempt to fill an emotional gap? Many people chase fleeting pleasures, equating consumption with happiness.

The long-standing belief that money can buy joy leads some to use shopping as a coping mechanism for dissatisfaction. The constant barrage of social media often skews our perceptions, making us think that material possessions equate to success and social standing.

It’s not uncommon to feel this way. Many of us have faced similar dilemmas. The essential task is to dismantle these misleading thoughts—purchasing as a solution for a non-existent problem is a fool's errand.

Shopping as a Coping Mechanism

Chapter 2: The Temporary Thrill of Buying

Many mistakenly believe that acquiring trendy items or extravagant experiences will bring lasting fulfillment. In reality, the thrill of a new purchase is often as fleeting as the flavor of chewing gum—delicious at first, but quickly dissipating, leaving you craving more.

Take a moment to reflect: Don’t be too hard on yourself. Acknowledge the behaviors that are steering you away from financial stability.

Far too often, we shield ourselves with phrases like “I deserve this” or “I work hard for it.” However, this mindset can lead to reckless spending.

Continuously engaging in impulsive purchases can ultimately lead to financial hardship. Your future self deserves to enjoy life too—so while it's okay to treat yourself, ensure you're also saving for tomorrow.

Before making a purchase, ask yourself: Will this item genuinely enrich my life, or am I simply seeking temporary satisfaction? The fleeting pleasure of shopping often results in guilt and regret.

The first video, "How To Stop Blaming Yourself For Everything," provides insights into overcoming self-blame and finding a healthier approach to spending.

The second video, "HOW TO STOP SELF-BLAME," explores why we tend to blame ourselves when things go wrong and offers strategies for breaking this cycle.

Join over 400 individuals receiving valuable insights through my Substack newsletter—it's entirely free! For personal finance resources, including classes and calculators, visit the MOAM reader resource page.

This article serves as informational content and should not be interpreted as financial or legal advice. For significant financial decisions, consulting with a financial expert is recommended.

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