As financial fears mount, some Americans are "doom spending," or spending money despite their economic and geopolitical concerns, as a way to cope with stress.
That may be part of it but isn’t a full explanation. For instance black Friday spending increased by 7.5% compared to last year, whereas inflation increased 3.2% over the last year.
I think there’s a real argument to be made in favor of the doomspending hypothesis, particularly with younger millenials and housing. If you accept that you’re simply not going to be buying a house any time remotely soon, the temptation grows to just say fuck it and go buy some nice stuff or go on a trip.
From the article (saved you a click):
KEY POINTS
Nearly all Americans are concerned about the current state of the economy.
Still, many continue to spend more and save less.
“Doom spending” may be one way to cope with stress as economic fears mount, however, it comes at the expense of your financial well-being.
That’s what happens when literally everything costs more than it used to.
That may be part of it but isn’t a full explanation. For instance black Friday spending increased by 7.5% compared to last year, whereas inflation increased 3.2% over the last year.
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/11/28/black-friday-weekend-shopping-turnout-soars-to-a-record.html
https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/cpi_11142023.pdf
People are increasing their consumption still.
I think there’s a real argument to be made in favor of the doomspending hypothesis, particularly with younger millenials and housing. If you accept that you’re simply not going to be buying a house any time remotely soon, the temptation grows to just say fuck it and go buy some nice stuff or go on a trip.
Speaking with an n of 1, I’ve certainly noticed I tend to spend more impulsively when stressed. Definitely a theory.