We’ve all heard the old saying that the only guarantees in life are death and taxes.
But after five years of financial coaching, I’d like to add a third: buyer’s remorse.
If you’ve ever bought something you thought would make you happy — only to feel regret or guilt later — you’re not alone. Buyer’s remorse affects everyone from middle-class families to six-figure earners who “should” feel financially secure but don’t.
In fact, I see two main types of buyer’s remorse show up repeatedly in my clients’ lives — both driven by the same underlying issue: a lack of clarity about what you truly want.
Let’s unpack that.
1. Instant Gratification: The “I Want It, I Got It” Trap
You know that Ariana Grande song, “I want it, I got it”?
It’s catchy — but it’s also the anthem of instant gratification.
When you see something you want and buy it immediately — without thinking about your larger financial goals — that decision feels good in the moment. But often, within 24 hours, the excitement fades and regret creeps in.
For some, that looks like a closet full of Lululemon. For others, it’s another Amazon order that seemed harmless at the time. Whether you’re buying $50 gadgets or $5,000 vacations, the emotional pattern is the same.
Every impulse purchase represents a small betrayal of your future self — the version of you who wants financial freedom, not fleeting satisfaction.
It’s not that you can’t afford it.
It’s that you’re trading long-term joy for short-term pleasure.
2. Settling for “Close Enough”
The second kind of buyer’s remorse is sneakier — and honestly, it’s the one that used to trip me up the most.
It’s what happens when you buy something that’s almost what you want.
Years ago, I wanted a black leather Gucci Soho chain tote. I found one pre-owned — but in teal suede instead of black leather. It was a deal, so I bought it.
It looked gorgeous… until it rained. Suddenly I realized that suede and spring showers don’t mix. That “smart buy” turned into a $1,000 mistake.
The same thing happened with a later car purchase. I wanted an SUV with leather seats, a moon roof, and an entertainment system, but I settled for one that only had the moon roof – it was “close enough” and within budget.
Both times, I compromised. Both times, I regretted it. And both times, I learned that settling for something easier or cheaper can be just as costly as overspending.
It’s Okay to Want Something and Not Have It (Yet)
One of the hardest truths that high achievers learn in their education and career is that delayed gratification isn’t deprivation — it’s discipline, and it’s the key to success. The snag is that we sometimes learn this in one or two areas of our life, but neglect it with our finances because of the handsome paychecks.
We live in a culture that glorifies “next-day delivery” and “treat yourself” thinking. But true financial strength means being comfortable in the waiting.
It’s okay to want something and not have it yet.
It’s okay to hold off until you can get the exact thing that aligns with your goals.
Waiting doesn’t mean you’re behind — it means you’re building something that lasts.
The Cure for Buyer’s Remorse: Financial Clarity
Both types of buyer’s remorse — the impulsive buy and the near-miss compromise — stem from the same problem: not being clear on what you really want.
Think of your finances like a GPS system.
If you don’t know your destination, every turn feels confusing. But when you know exactly where you’re headed, every decision becomes easier.
For example:
If your top financial goal is to pay off your home, it’s much easier to say “no” to the $300 shopping spree because you know where your money is truly meant to go.
The clearer you are on your goals, the easier it becomes to spend (or not spend) with confidence.
A Tool to Help You Get Clear
If you’re tired of living paycheck to paycheck despite a great income, and you want to stop feeling guilty every time you spend, clarity is your next step.
That’s why I created The Big Picture Workbook — a free resource that helps you:
– Identify what really matters to you
– Define your top financial priorities
– Reframe how you make spending decisions
It’s a tool I use with my coaching clients to help them stop reacting and start leading their money decisions.
[Download The Big Picture Workbook here.]
Final Thoughts: Spend With Purpose, Not Pressure
When I finally bought the handbag and the car I truly wanted — after waiting, saving, and planning — I appreciated them in a completely different way.
That’s the beauty of intentional spending: you value what you have, and you stop chasing what doesn’t matter.
If you’re earning six figures but still feeling like you’re spinning your wheels, know this:
The issue isn’t your income. It’s clarity.
Once you define what you really want, you’ll stop buying temporary happiness and start building lasting wealth.
