“Confessions of an Impulse Buyer: My One-Night $400 Blowout”

It started with a bad day and ended with a $400 hole in my bank account. I wasn’t planning to shop, but there I was—on my couch, scrolling through sale items like it was my last chance to buy happiness. One click turned into ten, and within an hour, I had ordered candles I didn’t need, skincare I’d never heard of, and clothes I wasn’t even sure would fit.

I wasn’t proud. In fact, once the confirmation emails rolled in, guilt quickly followed. But in that moment—when the world felt overwhelming and everything seemed uncertain—buying things gave me a sense of control, even if it was temporary. It felt like a last hurrah before facing whatever was coming next.

Impulse buying isn’t new for me. Like many others, I’ve fallen into the trap of emotional spending, especially during stressful times. Experts say it’s a way to soothe anxiety or create a moment of joy, but it can quickly spiral into regret and debt. I knew that, but knowing didn’t stop me.

What did help was taking a step back the next morning. I reviewed my orders, kept only what truly brought me joy, and returned the rest. I also started tracking my spending more honestly and looked for other ways to cope—journaling, walking, even just calling a friend.

That $400 spree was a wake-up call, not just about money but about how I handle stress. I’m learning that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed—but there are better ways to respond than filling an online cart.

Have you ever experienced something similar? Sometimes, it’s not about the stuff—it’s about what we’re really trying to fix.