Why You’re Spending More When You Should Be Saving: The Psychology of Doom Spending in 2025

A shopper standing between a fully stocked shelf and an empty one, symbolizing fear-driven panic buying and consumer uncertainty during economic instability

Let’s be honest.

You’ve probably noticed it too—something about the economy just feels off lately.

Inflation keeps creeping up.
The headlines are full of “recession coming” whispers.
And every time you scroll the news or check your bank account, you wonder: Should I buy this now before it gets more expensive later?

If you've ever thought that way… you're not alone.
In fact, you might already be caught in what they’re calling doom spending.

Why Are We Spending More When We’re Supposed to Be Cutting Back?

It sounds backward, right?
When money feels tight, logic says: “Cut back. Save.”
But our brains don’t always follow logic.

According to The New York Times, the economic and political stress in early 2025 is taking a toll—not just financially, but emotionally.
People are anxious. And when we’re anxious, we act fast.

Bloomberg reported that instead of saving, a lot of us are doing the opposite: spending out of fear.
Hoarding things “just in case.”
Buying more than we need, not because we really want it—but because we’re scared not to.

The Wall Street Journal even pointed out that while overall spending is dipping, credit card debt is surging.
That means people aren’t just buying more—they’re borrowing to do it.

I’ve Been There Too

Back during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, I completely lost it.
I saw one too many news clips of empty shelves and people panic-buying, so I panicked too.

I bought three months’ worth of toilet paper. Cans of beans I never ate. More salt than I’d ever use in a lifetime.
In the moment, it felt smart.
In hindsight? It was stress shopping in disguise.

And here’s the kicker: some of that stuff is still sitting in my pantry.
Years later.

It taught me a tough but valuable lesson:
Spending out of fear doesn’t give you peace—it just leaves you with clutter and a thinner wallet.

So, Why Do We Doom Spend?

Fear of rising prices.
You think, “If I don’t buy now, I’ll pay more later.”
Tariff news or political uncertainty.
It makes people rush to stockpile things like electronics, meds, even groceries.
Easy access to credit.
Swiping feels easier than facing the fear, so the debt quietly grows.

How I Started Taking Control Again

Eventually, I had to hit pause and ask myself one simple question:
“Am I buying this because I need it—or because I’m scared?”

That shifted everything.

I started:

Paying in cash or debit instead of credit
Setting monthly spending caps on non-essentials
Focusing more on building my emergency fund than my Amazon cart
Reminding myself: “Security doesn’t come from stockpiling. It comes from planning.”

4 Simple Ways to Avoid Doom Spending

Ask before you buy: “Do I truly need this, or am I panic-buying?”
Use cash when possible. It feels more real than a tap or swipe.
Set a budget for emotional purchases. Example: $200/month cap on “just in case” items.
Refocus on the big picture. Save, invest, build. That’s what really creates peace of mind.

Real Talk—Are You Doom Spending?

No shame here. We’ve all done it.
But the good news? You don’t have to keep doing it.

Every time you choose to pause instead of panic-buy, you’re building financial strength.
Every time you choose intention over impulse, you’re getting closer to real freedom.

Share Your Story

Have you found yourself doom spending recently?
How are you managing your money during these uncertain times?
Got a strategy, a tip, or even a small win you want to share?

Leave a comment. Someone else might need to hear it.

And stay tuned—next up, we’ll talk about what it really means to reach your first $100,000.
(Spoiler: It’s not as far off as you think.)