# Psychological drivers of spending and saving

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/psychological-drivers-of-spending-and-saving
> Updated: 2026-10-19T01:00:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 3.

Experts have identified various psychological drivers behind consumer spending and saving behaviors.

Psychologist Eglė Zakaraitė notes that individuals often use rationalization to justify emotional purchases, aiming to maintain a self-image of being responsible and to reduce post-purchase guilt. This includes social media trends like ‘Girl Math,’ where non-rational logic is applied to discounts or refunds to alleviate immediate discomfort.

Expanding on these mechanisms, psychotherapist Lionel Thévenard suggests that spending can function as a tool for emotional regulation, providing a sense of control or stress relief. He notes that financial habits are often rooted in family history and that some individuals may view saving as a loss of freedom.

Recent expert warnings have highlighted the risks of shopping addiction, clinically known as ‘oniomania’. Clinical Psychologist Emine Akın Aytop notes that this condition typically emerges during late adolescence or the early 20s and is characterized by a loss of control over purchasing despite negative consequences. 

Furthermore, clinical psychologist Sedat Tanış observes a trend where consumers purchase items based on idealized future versions of themselves rather than current needs. This often results in unused household goods, such as exercise equipment or kitchen appliances, being kept under the justification that ‘it will definitely be useful one day.’ The rise of second-hand markets suggests an increasing trend in reintroducing these underutilized goods into the economy.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-19: Experts warn of shopping addiction and impulsive consumer habits

Experts warn that shopping addiction, often emerging in early adulthood, and impulsive buying based on future ideals lead to financial, psychological, and domestic clutter issues.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/experts-warn-of-shopping-addiction-and-impulsive-consumer-habits

### 2026-10-11: Psychology of spending and saving habits explained

Psychotherapist Lionel Thévenard discusses how emotional triggers, family history, and the need for self-esteem can drive compulsive spending and prevent effective saving.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/psychology-of-spending-and-saving-habits-explained

### 2026-09-19: Psychology of spending: Why people rationalize emotional purchases

Psychologist Eglė Zakaraitė discusses the tendency to rationalize emotional spending, highlighting trends like ‘Girl Math’ used to alleviate guilt after purchases.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/psychology-of-spending-why-people-rationalize-emotional-purchases

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Cite as: Psychological drivers of spending and saving. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/psychological-drivers-of-spending-and-saving