We all know that most of the general population is not particularly financially savvy, but what influences the decision they make to either save their money or spend it on various things?
This article will explore some of these factors and hopefully help people better understand themselves as they become more aware of their personal tendencies with money. It will also give tips for those who want to change bad habits into good ones, helping them live richer lives while saving more.
The psychology behind money
There are several reasons why people may be either savers or spenders. One reason is that it is viewed differently in different cultures. Romanians, for example, see money as an extension of themselves- something to be proud of and well-cared for. They will spend more when they are having a good day and save when they need to be frugal with their resources.
Another reason is that people may have a different set of values or standards by which they measure money’s worth- one person may find it more valuable to buy experiences while another might believe it better to buy possessions. They also have their own ideas about the meaning of money; if it is meant for survival, then one would view it as very important, while if it’s meant for pleasurable then one might spend more on various things.
How money is treated also varies from person to person; some may see it as a tool while others may see it as how they acquire happiness.
The problem is that people tend to spend more than they have. We know that it’s easy to spend too much cash on things you don’t need when your credit card balance keeps growing and your bank account isn’t filling up fast enough. That means when an emergency strikes, or your car breaks down and needs repairing, or your kids need new clothes for school, it can be hard to come up with the cash.
When you are in a financial bind, there are easy online options to improve your finances. There is a lot of good information available out there, but you need to know where to look for it and what information is credible.
Make sure you always work with licensed online lenders. They have to follow regulations and they can provide you the extra cash that you need within minutes. You can use it for whatever you need – whether that be school costs or just some extra spending.
Why people are either savers or spenders
Individuals who are savers tend to be ruled by their emotions in “risky” scenarios, while spenders have a more positive relationship with money. Being frugal may be linked to issues in their parent-child relationships, or it may simply be about practicality (if they can afford something then why buy a cheaper one).
Some of the ways these traits and experiences play out is through the way that people tend to view cost.
Cost perception and spending habits. There are four common ways to look at cost:
1. Item-specific (the item’s features, value, functions, etc.)
2. Situationally specific (how you feel at that moment)
3. Relationally specific (the relationship between two people/ or the price of an object versus one’s income)
4. Non-specific (not related to the purchase itself)
Researchers who have studied the psychology of money and spending habits have found that a person’s perception of cost is not random, but highly dependent on their relationship with money as well as situational factors such as mood and time pressure.
The result is that people are naturally more likely to spend money on items that they have high item-specific perceptions of and save for more expensive, situationally specific (and often relational) reasons.
For example, someone who feels like they can’t afford to buy a high-end pair of shoes may be far more likely to purchase an inexpensive pair instead so as not to break the bank. However, if they are in a social setting, on a high and feeling good about themselves then they may treat themselves to an expensive pair instead (relationship specific).
Examples of different spending habits. Spenders have a more positive relationship with money and tend to be ruled by their emotions when making decisions regarding it. Savers, on the other hand, tend to be influenced by their practical minds and are more likely to make decisions based on reason and information. Why spend money when you can do the same thing cheaper?
Because of this difference in thinking styles, both spenders and savers will often look at things differently than others- that is why it’s important to understand that one person’s spending habit is not a reflection of their value system.
For example, people that are natural spenders may see money as a tool or a means of acquiring happiness and the amount or quality of something is not particularly important- spending more on a meal at a fancy restaurant will bring enjoyment and they’d rather have what brings them pleasure instead of being frugal.
The difference in thinking styles can also affect how they approach money in general.
Different factors that affect a person’s behavior with money, such as upbringing and environment
Different factors affect the way people behave with money, such as their upbringing and environment.
Studies have shown that the more positive one’s childhood experiences are, the less likely they are to be a spender. Spending can also be a coping mechanism for emotions that one has experienced. Many people see spending money when they are in good moods as okay because it fuels and reinforces the good feelings. However, it is important to note that this behavior can have detrimental long-term effects.
If one has had past experiences with financial difficulties or hardships, then they may be more likely to be a saver and associate money with restrictions or negativity and spend their money to avoid those feelings.
Spending habits are not just about emotions, however. The price of an item is also a factor as well.
Obviously, when someone finds something that they like it is only natural for them to want to get the best value for their money- and they don’t even have to think about it! For example, if you find the perfect pair of jeans at one store for $50 and the exact same pair at another store for $100, you’re far more likely to buy the cheaper pair- that is, unless there’s some specific factor to make you not want to.
The price of an item can also affect how people spend as well. If someone has a strict budget, then they are going to be much less likely to spend money on things they don’t need.
The idea is that if you’re spending less on items individually than you have more money for the bigger or more expensive things. It makes sense, right? If you save up, then you can buy something that’s nice instead of settling for small and insignificant purchases.
The environment is also a factor in how people behave with money. Many times, people will spend more on an item if it’s to impress other people, even though they don’t really need or want whatever that item is.
This isn’t to say that everyone who spends money irresponsibly does so for social reasons; however, most people know what they can afford and if the reason for their decision is to impress someone then it is best to reconsider. After all, if you buy something that you don’t need just to show it off then what’s the point? It’s not like people will forget that you bought it in a couple of days… It will just feel empty, and you will have wasted your money.
While it is true that buyer’s remorse can cause people to spend more than they should, spending less doesn’t always make you happy either! Sometimes when people want something especially badly their brain tricks them into believing that making the purchase will bring happiness and contentment; but once the item has been purchased, they don’t feel any different.
Clothing, gadgets, and other material goods are not the only things that can affect how people behave with money; however, these are just a few of the factors that determine it. If you want to live richer then be aware of all the ways in which your decision-making process is influenced so that you can be more in control of your spending- and your life.
Tips for those who want to change bad habits into good ones, helping them live richer lives while saving more money:
1. Put money where it will do the best. Save as much as you can in a savings account and put the rest of your money to work for you.
There are several investment choices, but if you are not familiar with them all then consider working with an advisor who is.
2. Set up a plan for a goal and calculate how much you need to save each month to reach that goal. There are calculators online that can help you figure out how much time you have, what your monthly income is, and what your target amount is- all so that you know how many dollars you need to contribute each month.
It’s also important to set up a specific goal and not just stop saving money once you reach your target amount because then you’re likely to spend it.
3. Set up a strict budget for yourself and stick to it. Track your spending habits so that you can see where your money is going. Your income may be stable, but if the way in which you choose to spend isn’t then how can you expect to stay on top of your money?
Tracking what you spend is a good way to see how much you are spending each month and it can help you pinpoint any unnecessary expenses.
4. Get rid of your credit cards; or, at the very least, make sure that you only use them if they’re under your direct control. Credit cards are very dangerous because they can give you the impression that your money is always there for you to use; however, if it’s not in your bank account then it doesn’t exist at all.
If you’re concerned about reaching a certain goal, then don’t use credit cards because they make it too easy to spend and you may end up overspending.
5. If you don’t think that the money is going to be a good investment then don’t spend it! This rule not only applies to items but also things such as getting a new car or taking expensive vacations.
Is it worth spending $2000 on your car when it’s only worth $1000, just so that you can impress people? Money is not meant to be thrown away; invest it or spend it wisely.
6. Set up an allowance for your children and let them earn more money by doing chores around the house.
Not only will this teach them about being financially responsible, but it will also encourage them to do chores that they might otherwise not want to do.
Most people are not financially savvy and it’s hard to know what the right way is to save your money or spend it. This article explores why some people might be savers while others may have a spending problem, including how different factors can affect their decision-making process with money.
If you’re looking for ways on how to live richer by saving money then take these steps into consideration that will help you reach your financial goals: from setting up a strict budget, using credit cards responsibly, and giving children an allowance so they learn about being responsible with money. Which of these tips do you find most helpful? Let us know in the comments below!
