Emotional spending is something many of us are familiar with. Whether it’s buying a small treat to lift your mood or checking out during a sale because it feels rewarding, it’s a habit that happens more often than we admit and is easy to understand.
At its core, this type of spending means making a purchase based on how you feel rather than out of necessity. While it’s often linked to impulsiveness or poor money habits, the reality is more nuanced. When done mindfully, spending on things that bring comfort or joy can be a form of self-care. And thanks to today’s modern online shopping platforms, indulging in small comforts has become more accessible. With just a few taps on a mobile device, you can browse and buy items that offer a quick pick-me-up in no time at all.
In this article, we explore the moments when emotional spending is justifiable. Because sometimes, “Add to Cart” or “Buy Now” truly makes sense.
You Maximize the Rewards or Points You Get from The Financial Products and Services You Use
Emotional spending makes more sense when you’re making the most of your rewards. Many credit cards now offer ways to earn points for future purchases, like the Landers Everywhere Cashback Credit Card by Maya, which, aside from being a card that provides cashback rewards to frequent shoppers at Landers superstores, can also be considered the best credit card for online shopping in the Philippines because of the rebates one can get from purchasing with this card when shopping online. Aside from giving you up to 5% cashback at Landers and 2% on dining spends, you also get 1% cashback on all other qualified transactions.*
To unlock the 5% cashback rate, all you need to do is accumulate PHP 50,000 worth of total spending on your card for the month—that’s not just spending at Landers, but anywhere you pay using your credit card. The card lets you accumulate points that you can use as a discount the next time you shop at Landers.
Indeed, if you’re regularly shopping online, using this card can help you stretch your budget even further. This turns simple transactions into more rewarding experiences.
The Item Is Also a Necessity
It’s also a valid reason to engage in emotional spending when the item you’re eyeing is also something you truly need. Emotional gratification and practicality can absolutely go hand in hand. Let’s say you’re buying new bedsheets because the old ones are worn out. Then the purchase becomes both functional and emotionally rewarding. The same applies to kitchen gadgets that make cooking easier, storage organizers that declutter your home, or self-care products like shampoo or body wash that improve your daily routine. In these situations, you’re shopping to feel better and actively improving your quality of life.
It Fits Your Budget
Another green flag for emotional spending is when it’s already factored into your budget. Many Filipinos are embracing smarter money habits, including the idea of having a “fun fund” or “joy budget” set aside for guilt-free purchases. This could be as simple as allotting a few hundred pesos every payday for something that makes you smile.
When emotional spending is planned and doesn’t interfere with your monthly bills, savings, or financial obligations, it becomes a healthy part of your financial lifestyle. Rather than resisting every urge to spend, it’s more sustainable to give yourself a little room to breathe. After all, depriving yourself completely can lead to bigger, more impulsive spending later on.
The Deal Is Too Good to Pass Up On
Let’s face it, Filipinos love a good bargain. Whether it’s a free shipping offer or a massive flash sale during a double-digit sales event like 6.6, 8.8, or 11.11, we’re wired to recognize value when we see it. If the item has been sitting in your wishlist for weeks and it finally goes on sale, that’s not demonstrating emotional weakness; one might consider it strategic timing.
These sales and promos allow you to fulfill emotional needs without overspending. You get the satisfaction of scoring a deal while avoiding paying the full price. It also helps if you’re able to use tools like vouchers or discount codes to bring the price down even further.
It Brings Genuine Joy or Supports a Hobby
Sometimes, emotional spending is valid simply because the item brings you joy. Buying something that supports a hobby, enhances your free time, or helps you express yourself creatively can significantly contribute to your mental and emotional wellness. Whether it’s new art supplies, a baking tool you've been meaning to try, a cozy loungewear set from your favorite local brand, or a novel that you've been wanting to read for months, these items spark joy and help you reconnect with yourself.
It Supports a Charitable Cause
Another way emotional spending becomes meaningful is when your money goes toward something bigger than yourself. Supporting stores that donate a portion of the proceeds to charity can turn your spending into an act of kindness. It’s comforting to know that the PHP 300 you spent on a handcrafted mug or reusable tote bag is helping a local livelihood program or a fundraising effort.
Emotional spending doesn’t have to be something you hide or feel guilty about. When done with intention and moderation, it can be a powerful act of self-care. So the next time you're scrolling through Shopee or Lazada, wondering if you should check out that item you keep coming back to, ask yourself, Does this bring value to my life or joy to my day? If the answer is yes and your wallet agrees, then go ahead. Sometimes, that little package at your doorstep is a reminder that you deserve small, joyful things too.
*Transactions that don’t qualify include: cash in, cash advance, quasi cash purchases, casinos and gambling, fuel, supermarket, pharmaceuticals, utilities, telco, and government.
