Spending Under Stress: Understanding Doom Buying and Five Ways to Stop It

After a difficult day, adding an item to an online cart can feel like a small comfort. The behavior is often called doom spending: impulse buying used to soothe stress, which can then lead to overspending and regrets later.

Whenever you buy something, I think it gives you a sense of control. And when we are looking at the news and feeling stressed out, we often feel an extreme lack of control.

The relief may be real, but it does not last. NerdWallet personal finance expert Kimberly Palmer says buying something can briefly make people feel more in control when the news, social media, or everyday life feels overwhelming.

One clue that you may be doom spending is seeing charges that surprise you or purchases you later regret.

One of the biggest signs that you are a doom spender is that you look back at your credit card or debit card statement and you see a lot of extra charges that either surprise you or you regret making.

Experts suggest five ways to regain control:

Start by reviewing your spending and looking for patterns.

Then set a shopping rule, such as avoiding purchases after 8 p.m.

Next, delete saved payment details or use app limits.

It also helps to wait 24 hours before buying anything nonessential.

Finally, swap the urge to shop for another stress reliever, such as going for a walk, exercising, or calling a friend.

If you notice yourself often doom scrolling and doom spending at night, just giving yourself a new habit instead—whether it’s exercise, baking, calling a friend—something that makes you feel good without buying.

Experts say the aim is not to eliminate every treat or purchase, but to make sure spending is a deliberate choice rather than a reaction to stress.