These 3 Red Flags Say You’ll Spend Again: You swore it was a one-off—just that one midnight Amazon haul, or that spontaneous mall trip to blow off steam. But if you keep finding your cart full and your credit card close to maxed, it might be time for a reality check. What seems like an occasional splurge might actually be a pattern of compulsive spending.
According to the National Library of Medicine, compulsive buying affects roughly 5.8% of Americans, many of whom don’t even realize they’ve slipped into a behavioral addiction. If you’ve ever bought something you didn’t need—knowing it’d hurt your budget—but did it anyway, this article is for you.
These 3 Red Flags Say You’ll Spend Again
| Red Flag | What It Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Emotional Spending | Using shopping to cope with stress, boredom, or sadness | May indicate dependency or avoidance behavior |
| Hiding Purchases | Feeling shame or secrecy around spending | Sign of guilt and loss of control |
| Financial Fallout | Making purchases despite knowing you can’t afford them | Can lead to debt, missed bills, and long-term financial harm |
The truth is, recognizing these red flags doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’re aware. And that awareness is the first step to taking back control of your finances, your peace of mind, and your future.
You don’t have to give up shopping. Just give up the cycle. Replace it with purpose, planning, and a little self-love that doesn’t require a promo code.
What Is Compulsive Spending and Why Do We Do It?
Compulsive spending, also called compulsive buying disorder (CBD), is when spending turns into a habit that’s driven more by emotion than by need. It’s not about snagging deals or buying a gift here and there. It’s about the urge to buy—even when it’s harmful.
“It’s like chasing a high,” says April Benson, PhD, a leading psychologist in spending disorders. “People shop not for things, but for feelings.”
And let’s be honest—American culture doesn’t make it easy. With targeted ads, influencer hauls, and instant online checkout, temptation is literally everywhere.
The Top 3 Red Flags You Might Spend Again (and Again)
1. Emotional Spending: You Buy to Feel Better
Whether you’re celebrating a win or coping with stress, emotional spending can sneak up on you fast. That dopamine rush from hitting “Add to Cart” feels good. But when the glow wears off, the guilt—and the debt—set in.
Example: Had a rough week? You buy a $200 jacket because “you deserve it.” But now you’re behind on your electric bill.
Pro Tip: Next time you feel the urge, pause and journal what you’re feeling. It might not be about the thing you want to buy—it might be about the feeling you want to avoid.
2. Secrecy: You Hide What You Bought
If you wait until your spouse is asleep to bring in packages, or toss receipts before anyone sees them—that’s a red flag.
People often hide purchases out of shame or fear of judgment. This secrecy is also common in other compulsive behaviors like overeating or gambling.
Example: You remove price tags and tell your partner you got it “on sale” or with a gift card, even when that’s not true.
Why it matters: Financial secrecy erodes trust in relationships and deepens the emotional burden of overspending.
3. You Spend Money You Don’t Have
This one hits hard. If you’re charging things you can’t pay off, dipping into rent money for new sneakers, or ignoring bills to shop—that’s a major sign you’re not in control.
Stat: According to the Federal Reserve, 35% of adults carry credit card debt from month to month, and many report spending beyond their means.
Reality Check: Overspending today = less freedom tomorrow. And that’s not a trade worth making.
The Science Behind Shopping Addiction
Researchers believe compulsive spending is linked to reward pathways in the brain. Similar to food or drug addiction, shopping can activate dopamine, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter.
“When you buy, your brain gets excited,” says Dr. Benson. “That’s why the relief is temporary—and why the guilt can follow quickly.”
Some common triggers include:
- Emotional stress or trauma
- Loneliness
- Impulse control disorders
- Social comparison (hello, Instagram!)
Break the Cycle: 5 Proven Strategies
1. Identify Your Triggers
Keep a simple spending journal. Note what you bought, how you felt before and after, and whether it was necessary.
2. Make Shopping Harder
Unsubscribe from promo emails, delete shopping apps, and avoid sites where you tend to spend impulsively.
3. Try the 24-Hour Rule
Saw something you love? Wait 24 hours. If you still want it and it fits your budget, go for it.
4. Build a Real Budget (and Stick to It)
Use tools like Mint or YNAB to track spending. Allocate “fun money” so you don’t feel deprived.
5. Get Professional Help
Therapists, especially those trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help rewire your spending habits. Support groups like Debtors Anonymous offer community-based accountability.
FAQs On These 3 Red Flags Say You’ll Spend Again
Q: Is shopping addiction a real thing?
Yes. The American Psychiatric Association recognizes it as an impulse control disorder, and it can have serious financial and emotional consequences.
Q: Can I fix this on my own?
Sometimes, yes—especially if you catch it early. But for deeper patterns, therapy or support groups are often more effective.
Q: How do I talk to my partner about this?
Be honest, not defensive. Use “I” statements like, “I feel overwhelmed by how much I’ve been spending, and I want your support.”
Q: Is it okay to spend on things I enjoy?
Absolutely. The goal isn’t to eliminate joy—it’s to spend mindfully, not compulsively.
