Money goes beyond mathematics; it’s deeply tied to our emotions and choices. Uncovering the emotional side of money can unlock new avenues to money management and wellbeing. Do you wonder why you’re compelled by special offers or feel compelled to make quick financial choices? The answer is rooted in how our neurology react economic incentives.

One of the main factors of purchases is immediate reward. When we buy something we desire, our mind releases a pleasure hormone, triggering a short-lived sense of happiness. Marketers exploit this by offering time-sensitive discounts or scarcity tactics to heighten demand. However, being knowledgeable of these triggers can help us stop and think, evaluate, and make more deliberate financial choices. Creating patterns like change career thinking twice—taking a day before spending money—can promote smarter spending.

Feelings such as anxiety, self-blame, and even lack of stimulation also shape our financial decisions. For instance, FOMO (fear of missing out) can drive impulsive financial decisions, while guilt might encourage excessive purchases on tokens of appreciation. By building intentionality around financial habits, we can match our money habits with our long-term goals. Financial health isn’t just about budgets—it’s about recognizing our motivations and applying those learnings to feel financially confident.