How Much Is Envy Costing You?
Maybe you’ve never booked an expensive vacation just because you were envious of a friend’s trip. But you could be allowing envy to regularly dictate your spending in other ways and negatively impact your finances. Dealing with envy could save you money!
Envy: painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another, joined with a desire to possess the same advantage ~ Webster’s Dictionary
No one wants to admit to feeling envious. Yet envy could be driving you to live beyond your means. If you are constantly spending more money than you earn, you could be the victim of envy and it could be costing you big money.
Here is a guide to determine if you are suffering from envy.
Social Media and Envy
Social media has upped the opportunities for envy a thousandfold. It used to be that you only had to “keep up” with your neighbors and friends. Now, practically everyone is on social media and seemingly has the perfect life. Pictures of perfect picnics in landscaped yards, gorgeous homes, lavish lifestyles, and pricey electronics fill the screen. Every “like” you click on could be a hidden dart of envy. If you are constantly checking Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest and obsessing about what everyone else has, it could be a sign of envy.
How do you feel when you click on those images? Does it make you reach for your credit card for an online shopping frenzy, even though you are dangerously near the credit limit? Do you justify your purchases by comparing it to someone else’s $3,000 couch or $10,000 vacation?
Sign Up for Savings
Subscribe to get money-saving content by email that can help you stretch your dollars further.
Twice each week, you'll receive articles and tips that can help you free up and keep more of your hard-earned money, even on the tightest of budgets.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.
Keeping Up With the Joneses
Are you envious of your neighbor’s brand-new SUV? Does it make you want to trade your old, reliable van in for a brand-new model, even though the monthly payments would be cutting into your household budget? According to NerdWallet, the average new car payment is $729. Used cars are averaging $528. That would put a serious dent in most people’s budget. Stifle those feelings of envy and practice a more sensible approach like the advice at Smart Ways to Drive Down Car Costs.
Your friend just walked into work with a brand-new pair of boots. Instead of pretending that stab of envy is indigestion, figure out if your budget could afford a little splurge. I once needed a new pair of boots, as my old pair had developed holes in the sole. I checked prices at several stores, and the average was about $30 at that time. Then I went to Gordmans and found a nice pair on clearance for $15. I used a 20% off coupon and a bonus $5 off coupon for being a loyal customer and the final price was only $7.50! The clerk was so flustered she kept trying to give me the wrong change.
How Do You Combat the Painful Effects of Envy?
Contentment is the opposite of envy. When you are spending less than you earn, you can embrace the concept of enough. You can work towards that goal by acknowledging envy but not giving in to it. Be happy with what you have and create a spending plan that doesn’t balloon past your budget. Make sure to include a few little treats so that you don’t succumb to feelings of jealousy.
Don’t let envy eat into your bottom line. Learn to embrace the concept of enough and let contentment enrich your life.
Have you overspent your way into debt?
Make a plan to get back out. Get How to Conquer Your Debt No Matter How Much You Have and create a debt payoff plan personalized to your budget and lifestyle.
Reviewed September 2023
About the Author
Shaunna Privratsky became an expert in personal finance out of necessity. Between writing, reading and gardening, she is always on the lookout for bargains. Visit her at The Discount Diva.
Wouldn't you like to be a Stretcher too?
Subscribe to get our money-saving content twice per week by email and start living better for less.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.
